Not all minority communities are contained within a single State. In many cases, ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities have kin groups in neighbouring States or in a wider diaspora with which they maintain ties. Some groups, such as pastoralists, also migrate periodically across borders of one or more States.
Neighbouring States may also be ‘kin states’, namely, a State where the majority or dominant group shares ethnic, religious or linguistic characteristics with minorities in neighbouring countries. The interest of kin states in minorities can have both a positive and a negative impact. Kin states are commonly accused of interfering with state sovereignty in attempting to protect the interests of kin minorities. On the other hand, the interests of kin states in kin minorities may create positive cooperation, in the form of cross-border associations, cultural exchanges, educational support and stronger bilateral ties, all contributing to greater stability and participation.
Minorities have also created transnational ties, for example, through cooperation on advocacy, education or cultural exchange.
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