Models of Ethnic Relations in a Multi-ethnic Country

In a multi-ethnic country,ethnic relations affect its political and social stability,and even determine the fate and future of a nation.To develop the theory of ethnic relations into a middle range theory based on case studies,the paper starts with the interaction of two dimensions,that is,the ethnic will and the ethnic identity,and classifies ethnic relations into such types as argument,harmony,competition and mutual benefit.Such factors as language use,religion,custom,migration,dwelling style,social assimilation,ethnic stratification,inter-ethnic marriages and ethnic consciousness will also affect ethnic relations.If any ethnic identity goes to extremes,it will result in ethnic separatism.National identity will promote ethnic integration and the integration of a nation-state.The paper also discusses the mechanism of urbanization and ethnic relations.