Assignment 1

ESSAY

Topic: Outline the main features of ‘cosmopolitan democracy’ and

why its proponents say a move towards cosmopolitan democracy is
urgently needed

Module: The State in a Global Order 202223 T3

 Cosmopolitan Democracy: Advancing Democratic Ideal Globally

A fundamental theoretical framework in both international relations as well as political

philosophy, cosmopolitan democracy has its roots in the Cynic philosophy of ancient Greece and
was subsequently molded by Immanuel Kant's Enlightenment ideology. It encourages a modified
self-consciousness that is independent of one's country of origin, ethnicity, or religion and calls
for the acceptance of the equal and unwavering value of every human being. The three major
tenets of cosmopolitan democracy are a perspective that extends beyond national borders, a
commitment to fundamental human rights, and the promotion of global citizenship (Pogge,
2001). To address global concerns, advance inclusivity, and improve democratic accountability,
proponents contend that a shift regarding cosmopolitan democracy is needed now more than
ever.

Diogenes, a Cynic philosopher from ancient Greece who describes himself to be a "citizen of the
world," is considered to be the founder of cosmopolitanism. This viewpoint emphasized the
universal value of every person, regardless of their country of origin. Modern cosmopolitanism,
which draws inspiration from Immanuel Kant's Enlightenment philosophy, expands on this idea
to imagine a future in which people are seen as global citizens, free to make moral and intelligent
decisions outside of the bounds of national borders (Linklater, 2007). Kant's "Perpetual Peace"
argued that civil constitutions including republican forms of administration, global citizenship,
and independent nation-states might bring about enduring peace. He argued against standing
armies, for interdependence via trade and commerce, and he opposed the general populace
paying the price of war (Kant, 1795).

Despite not seeking to do away with the nation-state, Kant's cosmopolitanism was based on the
belief that all states should uphold universal human rights (Kant, 1795). In his view,
cosmopolitan rights complete the unwritten rules of political and international rights, making
them a universal human right. Many different conceptions of a desired or emerging global order
have been produced by modern cosmopolitan philosophers, who have drawn inspiration from
Kant's views. Instead of characterizing them as just trends, they present their understandings as
the normative ideals. The debate over cosmopolitan democracy has benefited greatly from the
contributions of important intellectuals including Jürgen Habermas, Martha Nussbaum, Ulrich
Beck and David Held.

A German philosopher named Jürgen Habermas believes that nationalism must be replaced with
cosmopolitanism. He promotes a post-national viewpoint in reaction to the nation-state's
constraints on achieving the independence of its people (Habermas, 1998). According to
Habermas, shared politics, civic ideals, and ideas of justice outweigh national interests in
Europe, and especially the European Union.

An American philosopher who adheres to Aristotle's school of thought, Martha Nussbaum,

emphasizes the importance of emphasizing global citizenship in civic education rather than a
national identity. According to her, people do not necessarily have to give up their regional
identities because they can improve their life (Nussbaum, 2011). Rather, civic education should
promote a feeling of humanity's interdependence, open communication, and care.

Ulrich Beck, a German sociologist as well as post-Marxist, talks on the transition to "second age
modernity," when interpersonal relationships go beyond national boundaries even farther. The
cosmopolitan worldview, a fresh point of view, enables people to comprehend the complexity of
modern social and political reality (Beck, 2006).

David Held, a British political analyst and expert on international relations, claims that the rise of
the global economy calls for a shift towards cosmopolitan governance, or a system of laws and
institutions that manage human society without creating a superstate (Held, 1995). Equal value
and active agency, dignity, individual accountability and responsibility, consent, solidarity and
inclusiveness, prevention of major harm, and sustainability are among the fundamental tenets of
cosmopolitan government.

The move to this type of government, according to proponents of cosmopolitan democracy, is

essential for a number of important reasons. The first is that cosmopolitan democracies offer a
solid foundation for resolving global issues (Archibugi, 2004). Global cooperation is necessary
for successful solutions to problems like terrorism, pandemics, as well as climate change in our
linked world. Assuring everyone's safety and dignity, regardless of country, cosmopolitan
democracies protect universal human rights (Hand & Sandywell, 2002). This is essential for
stopping breaches of human rights and advancing justice at a global basis.
Cosmopolitan democracies also promote international collaboration and understanding, which
lowers nationalistic tensions and lessens the possibility of violent confrontations. These
approaches encourage accountability and openness in global governance by enabling all
stakeholders to participate in decision-making processes (Held, 2004). Cosmopolitan
democracies also value inclusivity, celebrate diversity, and promote a sense of
interconnectedness among all people.

The difficulties of contemporary society are effectively addressed by cosmopolitan democracy,

which offers a revolutionary vision for an increasingly equitable and linked global order. It offers
a revolutionary method of global governance by opposing the exclusivity of nation-states and
promoting a more inclusive as well as egalitarian society. Immanuel Kant's Enlightenment
concepts have served as inspiration for contemporary philosophers as they have produced a
variety of perceptions of a cosmopolitan order which surpasses national allegiances. As noted by
proponents including Martha Nussbaum, Jürgen Habermas, Ulrich Beck, and David Held, global
citizenship, fundamental human rights, plus cosmopolitan government are essential in addressing
the difficulties faced by an interconnected world.

In conclusion, the notion of cosmopolitan democracy emerged as a crucial component of

political theory and global politics. With influences from both Enlightenment thinking and
classical Greek ideas, it promotes the equality of all people and transcends the restrictions of
national boundaries. This theory, which was created with significant input from notable thinkers,
promotes normative ideas for promoting a more just and linked global order. A cosmopolitan
democracy, according to proponents, must handle global issues, protect human rights, avoid
conflicts, improve democratic accountability, and encourage diversity. International cooperation
is essential in the connected world of today to successfully address pressing problems like
climate change, pandemics, as well as terrorism. Although an inclusive approach improves
mutual understanding and lessens the possibility of violent confrontations, universal human
rights guarantee the safety and dignity of every person. Societies has to work to create a more
equitable and linked world by opposing the nation-state's exclusivity and encouraging a feeling
of global citizenship. Although cosmopolitan democracy may take time and effort to fully
realize, its tenets and ideals serve as a beacon for a more welcoming and peaceful world
community.

REFERENCES
Archibugi, A. (2004). Cosmopolitan Democracy and its Critics: A Review. European Journal of
International Relations, Vol. 10(3), pp 437–473.
Beck, U. (2006). Cosmopolitan Vision. Cambridge: Polity Press.
Hand, M., & Sandywell, B. (2002). E-Topia as Cosmopolis or Citadel. On the Democratizing and De-
Democratizing Logics of the Internet, or, Toward a Critique of the New Technological Fetishism. Theory,
Culture & Society, Vol. 19(1–2), pp 197–225.
Habermas, J. (1998). The Inclusion of the Other: Studies in Political Theory. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
Held, D. (2004). Global Covenant: The Social Democratic Alternative to the Washington Consensus.
Cambridge: Polity.
Kant, I. (1795). Perpetual Peace. Retrieved from https://www.constitution.org/kant/perpeace.htm
Linklater, A. (2007). Cosmopolitan Citizenship. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2007
Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.).
Nussbaum, M. (2011). Cosmopolitanism and Patriotism. Boston Review, 36(3).
Pogge, T. W. (2001). Cosmopolitanism and Sovereignty. Ethics, 111(4), 724-751.
Pogge, T. W. (2008). World Poverty and Human Rights: Cosmopolitan Responsibilities and Reforms.
Cambridge: Polity Press.