The New Politics of Identity pursues many of the central issues raised in the author's Rethinking Multiculturalism focusing in particular on their consequences for global politics. Parekh develops a theory of identity that combines respect for diversity and applies this theory to a range of key current debates on national identity.
'In this wide-ranging and clearly argued book, Bhikhu Parekh shows how identity lies at the heart of modern democratic politics, both domestically and on a global scale. His careful analysis and limpid style cast new light on the most troubled issues of our time.' - Charles Taylor, McGill University
'Bhikhu Parekh has written one of the most important studies of globalization yet produced. He traces out with great skill the massive implications for personal and collective identity of living in a more interdependent world and the need for - and problems of creating - a "global ethics".' - Anthony Giddens, formerly London School of Economics
'A brilliant contribution to understanding the troubled and troubling politics of identity from one of those rare thinkers capable of bridging the academic and political worlds.... He has written a book for our times, must reading for political theorists and practioners alike.' - Benjamin R. Barber, University of Maryland and DEMOS (New York), and author of Jihad vs. McWorld, Strong Democracy and Consumed
'A profound meditation on how to be truly human in an increasingly dehumanised and globalised world.' Ziauddin Sardar, The New Statesman - Books of the Year 2008
Introduction
The Concept of Identity
The Politics of Collective Identity
National Identity
Multicultural Society and Convergence of Identities
European Liberalism and the 'Muslim Question'
Pathology of Religious Identity
Challenges of the Multicultural World
Globalisation and Culture
Principles of Global Ethics
Moralities of Partiality and Impartiality
Citizenship in a Global Age
Promoting Democracy
BHIKHU PAREKH is Professor of Political Philosophy, University of Westminster, UK.