Multinational state

Multi-ethnic state (or Hannah Arendt -national state ) is a name for (mostly historical ) states that extend beyond the settlement area or the cultural and linguistic space of several nations or ethnic groups ( nationalities ). The multi-ethnic state is ethnically non- homogeneous and is therefore contrary to Einvolkstaat seen or nation-state, consisting (mainly ) of another nation (nationality).

The inhabitants form a multi-ethnic state, even if they are composed of different ethnic groups on the common citizenship, a legal community.

The concept of multi-ethnic state is used generally in the sense of an illustrative description, not as an analytical category. So there is no uniform criteria, can be conditions under which spoke of a multi-ethnic state, even so are theoretical consequences connected. As an epithet the term is used regularly in connection with Austria - Hungary, the Soviet Union, the Ottoman Empire and Yugoslavia and more recently in Russia and South Africa. Switzerland saw itself sometimes as a model for a multi -ethnic state, so for a federalism on ethnic, linguistic and religious affiliations of time, with the task of balancing out the voice of stalls and citizens.