In fragmented societies, national diversity can only be defended on the basis of trust between the various communities, as well as in the various State institutions, its leaders, and the institutionalized forms of power sharing. Never has a community managed to gain respect for its diversity, over the long term, through coercitive measures. Federalism, regionalism, constitutions, government, and electoral systems are institutions within which both minorities and the majority areto be recognized as equal partners with the State and feel represented and protected. Democracy by consensus, supported by a federal option, can, however, guarantee respect for this diversity.