Description
Book SynopsisInvigorating and timely, this book provides a thorough overview of the geographies of cosmopolitanism, an ethical and political philosophy that views humanity as one community. Barney Warf charts the origins and developments of this line of thought, exploring how it has changed over time, acquiring many variations along the way.
Offering a comprehensive account of the theory and practice of cosmopolitanism at multiple spatial scales, chapters note how and why cosmopolitans reject the nation-state and nationalism and view borders as artificial. The book addresses the intersections between cosmopolitanism and geography, including care-giving and relational space. It examines key contemporary issues, including globalization, negotiating the post-Westphalian political order, the United Nations, global citizenship, immigration, refugees and sanctuary cities. Particular focus is also given to cosmopolitanism in everyday life, including education, tourism, consumption and veganism.
Analysing cosmopolitanism in an interdisciplinary manner, Geographies of Cosmopolitanism will be an interesting read for sociology, human geography and political science scholars. It will also appeal to philosophy and social science students more broadly who are keen to understand this approach to social justice and human rights.
Trade Review'Truly an insightful pathbreaking tour de force on an evolving concept related to cultures, politics and economies in the contemporary world. It is a world where empathy, generosity, diversity and understanding are central and the meanings of boundaries, nationalism, identity, territory and distance are contested. Cosmopolitanism as a transdisciplinary theme intersects the social sciences and humanities and merits more research and classroom instruction at all levels.' -- Stanley D. Brunn, University of Kentucky, US
'This is a pioneering book in its challenging portrayal of the geographies of cosmopolitanism, so far an almost terra incognita for geographers. Warf provides us with wide ranging geographical perspectives on cosmopolitanism, provocatively discussed and interpreted. This book promises to open up new research and study horizons for a better understanding of contemporary society.' -- Aharon Kellerman, University of Haifa, Israel
'Warf powerfully examines the nuances of cosmopolitanism in clear and lucid strokes. This timely and much needed contribution, theoretically informed and empirically robust, will guide us for years to come. This book is essential reading for social scientists seeking to understand the complexities of cosmopolitanism as an analytic construct, a political movement and a social phenomenon in modern life.' -- David Wilson, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, US
Table of ContentsContents: 1. What is cosmopolitanism? 2. The history and varieties of cosmopolitanism 3. Cosmopolitanism and geography 4. Cosmopolitanism and nationalism 5. Globalization and cosmopolitanism 6. Immigrants, refugees, and cosmopolitan political practices 7. Applied cosmopolitanism: sanctuary cities 8. Banal cosmopolitanism and everyday life 9. Conclusion to Geographies of Cosmopolitanism References Index
