
Is a strong cosmopolitan stance irretrievably arrogant? Cosmopolitanism, which affirms universal moral principles and grants no fundamental moral significance to the state, has become increasingly central to normative political theory. Yet, it has faced persistent claims that it disdains local attachments and cultures, while also seeking the neo-imperialistic imposition of Western moral views on all persons. The critique is said to apply with even greater force to institutional cosmopolitan approaches, which seek the development of global political institutions capable of promoting global aims for human rights, democracy, etc. This book works to address such objections through developing a novel theory of cosmopolitan political humility. It draws on the work of Indian constitutional architect and social activist B.R. Ambedkar, who cited universal principles of equality and rights in confronting domestic exclusions and the "arrogance" of caste. He sought to advance forms of political humility, or the recognition of equal standing, and openness to input and challenge within political institutions. This book explores how an "institutional global citizenship" approach to cosmopolitanism could similarly promote political humility globally, by supporting the development of democratic input and challenge mechanisms beyond the state. Such developments would challenge an essential political arrogance identified in the current system, where sovereign states are empowered to simply dismiss rights-based challenges from outsiders or their own populations--even as they serve as the designated guarantors of human rights. The book employs an innovative grounded normative theory method, where extensive original field research informs the development of moral claims. Insights are taken from Dalit activists reaching out to United Nations human rights bodies for support in challenging caste discrimination, and from their critics in the governing Bharatiya Janata Party.
Can cosmopolitanism be reconciled with local cultural autonomy and democratic legitimacy without descending into neo-imperialistic arrogance? Luis Cabrera, a scholar of political theory, argues that a framework of "cosmopolitan political humility" can address these concerns. By integrating the constitutional philosophy of B.R. Ambedkar with contemporary institutional analysis, the author proposes a model of global citizenship that prioritizes democratic input and accountability mechanisms that transcend the traditional sovereign state.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Scholars in political theory recognize this work as a significant contribution to the debate on global justice and institutional design. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose and the author's rigorous application of grounded normative theory to complex international relations problems.
Page Count:
368
Publication Date:
2019-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0190869534
ISBN-13:
9780190869533
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