Multiculturalism and Balkanization

By: Hugo Marcelo Balderrama - 18/01/2026

Guest columnist.
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"The coexistence of several cultures" is the most common and concise definition of multiculturalism. It is certainly true that no culture has developed in isolation. In fact, our beautiful native language has influences from Greek, especially Koine Greek, and from Arabic. We Latin Americans have incorporated into our cuisine the entire culinary tradition of the Mediterranean and even distant Japan.

So why should we be concerned about current multiculturalism?

Because behind the multicultural narrative lies cultural relativism; it sounds similar, but it's not the same, let's see:

If we take a stroll through Washington, we'll see that Hispanic communities, particularly the Bolivian community, often hold festivals showcasing their dances, food, and other customs. In an Anglo-Saxon country with a Protestant tradition, but one that deeply respects freedoms, cultural demonstrations from Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and many other countries are a completely normal occurrence.

However, there is a prerequisite: migrants know they must adapt to the American way of life. That means applying an old saying from our grandmothers: when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Sadly, that healthy coexistence is a thing of the past, as the Wok movement believes that natives should not only respect foreign cultures but adopt them as their own. This zeal reached extremes, such as demanding that schools in the United States teach in Spanish. In another instance, around the middle of 2025, Joseph Hage, a specialist in Middle Eastern affairs and counterterrorism, reported how Muslim patrols had appeared in New York neighborhoods, preventing the sale of alcohol—a situation similar to what occurred in Europe at the beginning of the 21st century.

Many often argue that not intervening would be a sign of "tolerance" towards the migrant, but, in reality, it is an irresponsibly romantic attitude against a blatant attack on the very core of our civilization, as it undermines one of the pillars that sustains our freedom, isonomia.

The word isonomy is often translated as "equality before the law," but its true meaning is "equality of the law for all people." Isonomy guarantees that I, a simple professor of geopolitics and economics, will be judged under the same legal framework as a powerful businessperson or a high-ranking government official. Before the law, we are all on equal footing and without any privileges, which is precisely an advantage over the opposing party.

However, multiculturalism has broken that, as Muslims and other migrants often argue that they cannot respect laws they do not consider their own. Even worse, a 2015 ICM Research poll revealed that 7% of Muslims supported the goal of creating an Islamic state in Europe. Similarly, 3% said they agreed with the way ISIS was attempting to establish a caliphate. Regarding freedom of expression, the same poll revealed that 78% believed no media outlet should have the right to publish images of Muhammad.

Note how dangerous this is: they can pray five times a day, but they want to prevent us from carrying a Bible and a crucifix. If this trend continues, the future of our countries is Balkanization, since culture is a unifying element for nations. Are we going to allow it? Therefore, defending the Christian faith is defending the West.

«The opinions published herein are the sole responsibility of its author».