Cosmopolitan Democracy Research Articles

The Critical Analysis of the Viability of Cosmopolitan Democracy in the 21st Century: Cosmopolitanism, the Present and the Future

This review aims to critically analyse the concept of cosmopolitanism as applicable to global democracy. It firstly questions the viability of cosmopolitan democracy from the practicality of this concept on a pragmatic, rather than an idealistic lens, to its 'world state' concept where a decentralised system of governance is sustained by various decision-making sources whilst honouring states with some level of national autonomy. Issues raised, such as distributive justice, coercion and partiality, the cosmopolitan conceptual legitimacy at a global level, citizenship, reciprocity and sovereignty, oppose the legitimacy and practicality of this concept, giving statists, sovereigntists, nationalists and other sceptics of the cosmopolitan Agenda reasons to question this ideology. The second part of this review aims to answer these questions, explaining how this concept practically fits into today's global society as an effective form of global governance. The Moderate-Moral Cosmopolitan ideology will be used to critically address the issues of military interventions: the legality of human rights, the preference for transnational laws over international laws in the propagation of cosmopolitan rights and the role of expert bodies in ensuring that the enforcement of these rights whilst spreading cosmopolitan democracy is effective.

Post-peasant progressivism as a kind of populism

ABSTRACT Since 1989, the dominant characteristics of civil society in Eastern Europe have been associated with voluntary activism and organizations located between the state and the sphere of the household, mushrooming especially in the urban setting and pursuing what has been teleologically projected as the climax of post-socialist consolidation: secular-liberal cosmopolitan democracy. Apparently non-civil, illiberal, or even reactionary citizens’ actions and associations have been developing alongside those cultivating liberal democracy. Our Slovak examples show that to identify existing civil society in the societies of Eastern Europe, the bulk of whose inhabitants are post-peasants – rural and nominally urban citizens valuing and practicing the country life – we need to pay attention to the populism that we call post-peasant progressivism, mobilizing the autochthonous civil society in and of the country. The dividing line between reactionary and progressive elements of this village civility is blurred from the perspective of the dominant characteristics of Western civil society, but the potential of this rural civil society for progressive transformation remains high in these post-peasant communities.

Cosmopolitan democracy and polycentrism of power - Initial debates

The world is currently experiencing a democratic deficit of representative institutions resulting from the context of globalization and the polycentrism of power. In this article, we will analyze the model of cosmopolitan democracy as conceived by David Held, Anthony McGrew and Daniele Archibugi. To do so, firstly, we will present the foundations of the cosmopolitan democratic model of the researched authors. Then, we will deal with the concrete institutional proposals presented by them. Finally, we will discuss the main limitations and criticisms of the analyzed model. Based on these considerations, we face the research problem: what is the potential of the cosmopolitan democracy project to supply the democratic deficit of the Brazilian representative institutions resulting from globalization and the polycentrism of power?

Cosmopolitanism and the Creative Activism of Public Art

Abstract Cosmopolitanism seeks a political ethics of world togetherness and a political aesthetics that can contribute to this task critically and imaginatively. Regarding political ethics, I explore the world as a “cosmopolitan mind” composed of “dialogic voices” and threatened by neoliberalism, neofascism, and other nihilistic “oracles.” I also construct a criterion for determining which public artworks (1) resist oracles and (2) help us imagine a “cosmopolitan democracy” and its political ethics. The latter includes the concordance of three ethico-political virtues—solidarity, heterogeneity, and fecundity (creating new voices through the interplay among other voices)—and must appeal to different peoples worldwide. I also examine how this political ethics and aesthetics can be applied to nonhuman life and non-sentient formations in a non-anthropocentric manner; indeed, how the cosmos in its entirety and plurality can also be thought of as voices and participants in the cosmopolitan mind and its artistic expression. Moreover, I contend that my ontology of dialogic voices and proposed public art criterion, like the cosmopolitan mind itself, are “events” or “becomings.” This means that there can never be an articulation of the ontology that is final nor a public art criterion that could curtail the imaginative reach of art.

The European Union as embodiment of the concept of cosmopolitan democracy

The European Union as embodiment of the concept of cosmopolitan democracy

Is a Cosmopolitan Democracy Possible in the 21st Century?

Bu çalışma, küreselleşme sürecinin dinamik yapısından kaynaklanan olumsuz sonuçlarına çözüm üretebilmek için ortaya atılan projelerden biri olan kozmopolitan demokrasiyi tartışmaktadır. Bu doğrultuda kozmopolitan demokratların ve bu projeye eleştirel yaklaşan ekollerin temel savları ele alınmıştır. Bu çerçevede çalışmanın temel araştırma sorusu, kozmopolitan demokrasi projesinin, küreselleşmenin yarattığı sorunlara çözüm getirip getiremeyeceğidir. Bu bağlamda, Birleşmiş Milletler başta olmak üzere hükümetler arası kurumlara yönelik reform önerilerine karşı, ekollerin farklı yaklaşımları, güncel küresel sorunlar çerçevesinde analiz edilmeye çalışılmıştır. Çalışmanın temel araştırma sorusu, kozmopolitan demokrasi projesinin, küreselleşmenin yarattığı sorunlara çözüm getirip getiremeyeceğidir.

Daniele Archibugi’s model Of Cosmopolitan Democracy: A Critical study

End of the cold war and increasing the number of democratic states in globalized world has inspired some scholars in the international studies to think about democracy on the global level. This research objectively answers the question: could democracy be extended to the global level? Thus, this paper critically examines Archibugi’s model of institutionalized cosmopolitan democracy which stems from the claims that states are no longer able to face the global challenges such as immigration, environment, and international security. In contrast, scholars like Robert Dahl and Thomas christiano deny the possibility of global democracy. For example, Dahl states that the global institutions are helpful to develop democracy within the states not among states, because of the absence of popular control over decisions and policies. Meanwhile, Christiano, states that cosmopolitan democracy cannot provide the minimum acceptable degree of justice for all participants of the democratic process. Therefore, the research uses a qualitative method to demonstrate all the aspects of the subject. This paper concludes that the more democracy extended to the global level the less democratic it becomes and any modification to the concept democracy to adapt with the global institutions would make it less practicable.

Demokrasi Radikal sebagai Alternatif Tatanan Politik Global dalam Konteks Multikulturalisme

This article discusses the relevancy of cosmopolitan democracy concept in multicultural world. It argues that cosmopolitan democracy concept is not enough in achieving a just and equal political order the context of plural world-citizenship, it showed by the practice of economic, social and political structure which prevails. Hence, this article tried to search an alternative in attempt to make the idea of cosmopolitan democracy become more realistic and inclusive by adopting radical democracy concept. Firstly, it discuss the critics of Kant’s cosmopolitan view using Spivak’s conception of Planetarity. Secondly, it discuss about the plural democracy by Mouffe’s in the context of planetarity. This combination that yields a plural democracy in the context of world-citizenship.
 Keywords: radical democracy, cosmopolitanism, world citizenship, global politics.

Demokrasi Radikal sebagai Alternatif Tatanan Politik Global dalam Konteks Multikulturalisme

This article discusses the relevancy of cosmopolitan democracy concept in multicultural world. It argues that cosmopolitan democracy concept is not enough in achieving a just and equal political order the context of plural world-citizenship, it showed by the practice of economic, social and political structure which prevails. Hence, this article tried to search an alternative in attempt to make the idea of cosmopolitan democracy become more realistic and inclusive by adopting radical democracy concept. Firstly, it discuss the critics of Kant’s cosmopolitan view using Spivak’s conception of Planetarity. Secondly, it discuss about the plural democracy by Mouffe’s in the context of planetarity. This combination that yields a plural democracy in the context of world-citizenship.

Demokrasi Radikal sebagai Alternatif Tatanan Politik Global dalam Konteks Multikulturalisme

This article discusses the relevancy of cosmopolitan democracy concept in multicultural world. It argues that cosmopolitan democracy concept is not enough in achieving a just and equal political order the context of plural world-citizenship, it showed by the practice of economic, social and political structure which prevails. Hence, this article tried to search an alternative in attempt to make the idea of cosmopolitan democracy become more realistic and inclusive by adopting radical democracy concept. Firstly, it discuss the critics of Kant’s cosmopolitan view using Spivak’s conception of Planetarity. Secondly, it discuss about the plural democracy by Mouffe’s in the context of planetarity. This combination that yields a plural democracy in the context of world-citizenship.Keywords: radical democracy, cosmopolitanism, world citizenship, global politics.

Towards antagonistic cosmopolitanism. A theoretical attempt to work though the controversy about the shape of global democracy

The article presents the analysis of the relation between two concepts, namely cosmopolitan democracy and agonistic multipolar order, whose author is Chantal Mouffe, in the context of the dispute about the preferred shape of global democracy. Both approaches are presented in the literature as opposing. The main thesis of the present article is the possibility of connecting them, but according to dialectical principles. The point is not about a smooth consensus but about the fact that the contradictions between those views can be treated as a condition of their interweaving. To this aim, I use two theoretical concepts: of antagonistic cosmopolitanism by Tamara Caraus and of antagonistic global constitutionalism by Christof Royer. On this basis I claim that Mouffe’s rejection of cosmopolitanism is not thoroughly coherent with her own assumptions. I acknowledge her argumentation that cosmopolitan democracy might lead to pluralism without antagonism but at the same time I suggest that Mouffe’s postulate of the multipolar order can lead to pluralist antagonism without agonism. It is only the establishment of cosmopolitan institutions and rules that will allow for really agonistic and radically pluralized global politics, thanks to which it will be possible to solve the contemporary world problems effectively. For these reasons agonistic cosmopolitanism can be regarded as the most optimal variant of global democracy.

Kant on just war and international order

Kant?s legal and political philosophy is essential for understanding and advancing international order. The article aims to posit arguments that confront the claims that Kant was just war theorist. Since that is the most opposed part of Kant?s political philosophy, mostly due to the misleading interpretation of his argumentation, the author presents Kant?s standpoint on the matters of just war and international order and discusses potential ambiguities between Kant?s and his critics? theories. Furthermore, the consequences of opponents? arguments considering states of states, world republic and cosmopolitan democracy in contemporary political philosophy are debated. Finally, the possibility of consent between the three model solutions which are arising from the contemporary international order theory and Kant?s position are compared and analysed.

Transnational Populism, Democracy, and Representation: Pitfalls and Potentialities

Current work on populism stresses its relationship to nationalism. However, populists increasingly make claims to represent ‘the people’ across beyond national borders. This advent of ‘transnational populism’ has implications for work on cosmopolitan democracy and global justice. In this paper, we advance and substantiate three claims. First, we stress populism’s performative and claimmaking nature. Second, we argue that transnational populism is both theoretically possible and empirically evident in the contemporary global political landscape. Finally, we link these points to debates on democracy beyond the state. We argue that, due to the a) performative nature of populism, b) complex interdependencies of peoples, and c) need for populists to gain and maintain support, individuals in one state will potentially have their preferences, interests, and wants altered by transnational populists’ representative claims. We unpack what is normatively problematic in terms of democratic legitimacy about this and discuss institutional and non-institutional remedies.

Underdevelopment and Critical Theorizing: Empowerment and Cosmopolitan Democracy

It has sometimes been said that Critical Theory is Atlantic-centric – pre-occupied with European and American problems – from war and concentration camps in Europe, the post-national status of the ...

Reciprocal Cosmopolitanism

In the paper I analyse Daniele Archibugi’s conception of the new cosmopolitanism, aimed at formulation of a theory of cosmopolitan democracy capable of facing contemporary global problems that go beyond the competences of nation-states. My claim is that the advocates of the new cosmopolitanism have yet to come up with a theoretical minimum to which all parties of the cosmopolitan debate would subscribe. I argue that the main obstacle in formulation of a viable cosmopolitanism are attempts at imposition of the universalist uniformity inscribed in the traditional cosmopolitanism or, at best, a straightforward acceptance of cultural differences. In opposition to this, I outline the idea of reciprocal cosmopolitanism which, I believe, should proceed from the acknowledgement of human diversity, thus becoming a more inclusive project than its existing alternatives.

Of citizens and plebeians: Postnational political figures in Jürgen Habermas and Jacques Rancière

AbstractThis paper focuses on Habermas's notion of cosmopolitan democracy. Reconfiguring the basic ideas of democracy in postnational terms is inevitable if social and political integration is to succeed on a supranational level. In exploring Habermas's ideas, we draw on Rancière, whose thought stands in a complex relationship to Habermas. On the one hand, Rancière largely shares Habermas's diagnosis of the present. Both bemoan the erosion of the political caused by post‐democracy and censure the rise of right‐wing extremism in Western societies. On the other hand, and in contrast to Habermas, Rancière holds that these problems should be addressed not primarily by strengthening political institutions and reaching a consensus between conflicting parties, but by rethinking conflict and resistance. We show that Habermas's and Rancière's propositions can be productively brought in dialogue by focusing on the paradigmatic types of political subjectivity involved in their accounts: the citizen (Habermas) and the plebeian (Rancière).

The Anthropocene as a Figure of Neoliberal Hegemony

ABSTRACTThe idea of the Anthropocene postulates that, epistemically and ontologically, we must consider the climatic, geological, and biological systems of the Earth as essentially bound up with the technological systems that have been developed by human beings. This idea has been aesthetically configured through images of ‘Spaceship Earth’ and in the orbital pictures of light patterns emitted by human settlements across the globe. I will argue that this shift towards the idea of the Anthropocene is complicit with a certain kind of technological messianism, which assumes that the most serious problems of global warming and environmental despoliation will be solved by future technologies. Furthermore the impact of this futural orientation, which includes the idea of transhumanist adaptations to the consequences of climate change, has been to intensify the nexus between technological innovation, neoliberal economics, and entrepreneurial heroism that has come to shape the collective imagination of the future. This, I will argue, has profound consequences for the way human beings orientate themselves to their ethical and political responsibilities in respect of climate change, human suffering, and cosmopolitan democracy.

Globalisation and Democracy: The Concept of Cosmopolitanism

To what extent can democracy be extended beyond borders? It was given for granted that the values and norms of democracy could only be applied within the boundaries of a country. Yet, over the past twenty years, it has been progressively debated that democracy can also affect global politics and international organizations. Today, the methods the world has for enforcing international law is too much dependent on whether a powerful geo-political force like the US or Russia is eager to commit resources to the issue. In such occasions, “a big state” will more likely do what it wants, acting simply in its own interests. It is argued that international law enforcement must not rely on some nation states lending part of their military apparatus to global or regional democratic entities, but instead, a military force must be globally recruited based on individuals, not countries. However, in the modern world such institutions are deficient, and therefore often rely on a big state to act. In contrast, cosmopolitan democracy is more about seeking a new enforcement approach that is more genuinely transnational. It is suggested that within the framework of cosmopolitan law, there is an opportunity of improving, rather enhancing both our means of enforcement and our international organisations. This article reviews the idea of cosmopolitan democracy, a project of normative political theory started to develop since the early 1990s put forward by David Held, concentrating on its ability to offer a new approach to the identity problem.

Transformation of the Political Theory: Cosmopolitan Citizenship and Democracy

This paper is concerned with the topic of cosmopolitan citizenship and its relation to democracy. We begin by highlighting the main postulates of Kantian cosmopolitanism, as many theorists Kant contributes an idea of cosmopolitan citizenship linked to the need to establish international political institutions that support citizenship beyond an exclusively moral dimension. We then discuss the issue of the transformation undergone by the nation state in the context of globalization, particularly the loss of sovereignty of the state and the growth of multinational companies, and how these changes have come to set a new scenario for the emergence of international actors and the basis for various citizenship practices in a cosmopolitan dimension. The nature and current reach of cosmopolitan citizenship is explored through two fundamental cases: the European Union, and ecologic citizenship. Finally, we discuss cosmopolitan democracy and which ought to be its characteristics, among which we identify the establishment of supranational political institutions, the consolidation of a global civil society, and the establishment of mechanisms for citizen participation beyond the traditional ones situated in the national sphere.

Risk management in the digital constellation – a constitutional perspective (part II)

The digital revolution is creating new risks, together with multiple opportunities for communication, commerce and political participation. What Ulrich Beck described as the world risk society and what – from another perspective – Jürgen Habermas calls the “postnational constellation” is a challenge to our concepts of society and democracy. Digitisation is pushing this development towards a new dimension that allows us to speak of the “digital constellation”. Social relations are denser across borders and continents; what happens there matters here, as if it were happening on our own doorstep. New kinds of risks are arising as a side-effect of the increasing use of information technologies, while the internet also offers – for the first time – an infrastructure that makes formerly unrealistic concepts of cosmopolitan democracy (David Held) a real option. This includes the establishment of a constitutional framework for normative processes aiming at managing effectively, among other global challenges, cyber-risks at national, supra-national and global levels in a coherent way. Multilevel Constitutionalism is proposed as a means of providing a normative theory for conceptualising the constitutional structure of a layered system of governance that ensures a maximum degree of self-determination for the individual and, thus, for the democratic legitimacy of decisions made at each level, from local to global. Thus, the constitution for democratically legitimate action at the global level does not question democracy at other levels, but should be complementary, based upon functioning states, and designed to deal with issues that are beyond their reach, including cybersecurity.