Samuel Huntington's The Third Wave: Democratization in the Late Twentieth Century and Charles Taylor's Multiculturalism: Examining the Politics of Recognition are two very different political theory books. Overall, Huntington analyzes world politics, while Taylor focuses on domestic affairs. Both authors examine democracy in diverse societies. Huntington observes democratic trends in various nation-states, while Taylor concentrates on the challenges of multiculturalism within a democratic regime.
Taylor divides democratic politics into two categories; politics of equal dignity and politics of difference. In the politics of equal dignity, all of society is equal and opportunities are "difference-blind". The politics of equal dignity focuses on the collective goals of society, while the politics of difference focuses on goals of individual groups that may be under represented in government. Taylor tends to argue in favor of the politics of difference because "The society is.united around a strong procedural commitment to treat people with equal respect." (Taylor 56) Individual needs are recognized and taken into account instead of focusing only on a collective society, as with the politics of equal dignity.
Huntington and Taylor's ideals may conflict, but after analyzing their points of view it can be determined that they would compromise on the politics of difference. Taylor sees the politics of difference as more compelling to a multiculturalized society because it provides more opportunities for minority groups that are often overlooked because of a more dominant majority. Huntington would compromise on the politics of difference because it satisfies more people's needs, which makes more people happy, and as an effect, makes more people satisfied with democracy because they feel that it is working for them. Huntington's desire for a strong democratic polity and Taylor's support of individualistic rights makes the politics of difference superior.
