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Cosmopolitanism as Nonrelationism

Who is Cosmopolitan Now?

Palgrave Macmillan
  • Presents a novel framework that understands cosmopolitanism as nonrelationism
  • Re-evaluates classic understandings of cosmopolitanism in light of this new framework
  • Offers normative criteria and guidelines for assessing and building cosmopolitan institutions

Part of the book series: International Political Theory (IPoT)

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Table of contents (8 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xix
  2. Introduction

    • Barbara Elisabeth Müller
    Pages 1-9
  3. Cosmopolitanism as Moral Egalitarianism: The Standard Definition

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 11-11
    2. Analysis of the Standard Definition of Cosmopolitanism

      • Barbara Elisabeth Müller
      Pages 13-46
    3. The Problems of the Standard Definition of Cosmopolitanism

      • Barbara Elisabeth Müller
      Pages 47-67
  4. Specifying the Concept of Cosmopolitanism

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 69-69
    2. Cosmopolitanism About Justice: Specifying Universality

      • Barbara Elisabeth Müller
      Pages 71-101
    3. Cosmopolitanism About Culture: Specifying Individualism

      • Barbara Elisabeth Müller
      Pages 103-138
  5. Cosmopolitanism as Nonrelationism: A Defence

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 139-139
    2. Consequences and Conclusion

      • Barbara Elisabeth Müller
      Pages 219-229
  6. Back Matter

    Pages 231-237

About this book

This book suggests that more can be said about cosmopolitanism than either the bold endorsement of a world state or the humble recognition of the equal moral worth of individuals, which makes everybody cosmopolitan. Identifying problems with the traditional concept and disentangling a variety of positions within the cosmopolitan paradigm, it introduces the more refined concept of cosmopolitanism as nonrelationism, which denies underived special duties among fellow citizens or other related individuals, such as family members or friends.

Cosmopolitanism as nonrelationism promises to overcome an entrenched debate wherein everybody is a cosmopolitan, and brings back the radical character traditionally associated with the term. It portrays cosmopolitanism as a distinct and thorough position challenging classic proponents such as Barry, Caney, Nussbaum, and Pogge, and questioning their theories’ cosmopolitan character. Cosmopolitanism as nonrelationism has consequences for world politics without prescribing any unfeasible global order: It establishes normative criteria for evaluating institutions and provides guidance for the development of new ones.

Authors and Affiliations

  • Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany

    Barbara Elisabeth Müller

About the author

Barbara Elisabeth Müller is Lecturer in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Media and Sports at Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany.

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 99.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access