The Class Consciousness of Frequent Travellers: Towards a Critique of Actually Existing Cosmopolitanism

Abstract

Contemplates the limitations of 1990s cosmopolitan theory with an eye toward providing direction for a more robust cosmopolitan democracy. Although contemporary cosmopolitanism draws on its legacy with roots in ancient Greece, its evolution as a political project is deemed an innovation; the Enlightenment form of cosmopolitanism is scrutinized. In this light, some reflections on cosmopolitanism's place between reactionary traditionalism or nationalism & corporate globalization are offered along with the components necessary for the emergence of a legitimate cosmopolitan democracy. In addition, the extent to which problems with liberalism's challenge to communitarianism shapes cosmopolitan theory is considered, suggesting that cosmopolitanism requires a more robust account of representation as well as how social solidarity & public discourse might develop sufficiently to foster active citizenship. It is asserted that cosmopolitanism underestimates the capacity for nationalism to cultivate solidarity & thus democracy. Attention is then given to the notion of solidarity, reiterating that cosmopolitan theory must complement the liberal idea of rights with a stronger sense of what joins people together. Cosmopolitanism's roots in rationalism & its attendant universalism are traced & seen to be manifest as liberal individualism in opposition to ideas of diversity, perhaps even a threat to cultural particularity. Cosmopolitanism's connection to global capitalism is next addressed, with some space given to multiculturalism & neoliberalism. Rather than embracing illiberal nationalisms or fundamentalisms as a counter to globalization, cosmopolitan democracy offers an alternative, provided it can relate diverse solidarities to each other rather than trying to overcome them. J. Zendejas