Kirjahaku

The modern liberal idea of citizenship is constructed by a fixed notion of identity which gains meaning through a number of binary oppositions, such as we/ they, citizen/ foreigner, self/ other and so forth. Defined by these binaries, where the first term is perceived as dominant because it is considered to be derived from reason, the fixed notion of identity inevitably produces exclusion and marginalization. Importantly, the postmodern concept of citizenship stems from a critique of these essentialist and universalist conceptions of identity. Exploring European identity and European citizenship from a philosophical perspective, this book reveals the discursive construction of these two concepts whilst at the same time attempting to define them as either modernist or postmodernist categories. Dr. Ivic takes a hermeneutic approach in her interpretation of European citizenship and identity through a close reading of European treaties and other official documents. Through her detailed analysis, Dr. Ivic is able to present the reader with well-informed and concrete examples of modern and postmodern concepts of identity within Europe. Moreover, this book explores the impact that contemporary issues such as Brexit, the migration crisis in Europe, and the proliferation of nationalist discourses, have on European citizenship and identity. Where existing research literature has failed, this book offers a dynamic and textual analysis of citizenship that takes into account the complex philosophical, legal, political and theoretical background of Europe. Dealing with issues that have not yet been sufficiently explored, 'EU Citizenship' is an important contribution to the field of philosophical analysis. Aimed at university students, this book will also provide a baseline and set of reference points for researchers and practitioners of European studies that are working with projects that look at European citizenship.

This book explores Western and non-Western conceptions of human dignity and human rights in order to demonstrate the hermeneutical nature of the concepts of human dignity and human rights, discussing examples of violations in Afghanistan, Myanmar, China, the EU, and the Western Balkans. While human rights are considered a universal framework for ensuring the dignity, rights, and freedoms of all human beings, their conceptualization and practice vary within different cultural, social, and philosophical traditions. While the Western tradition emphasizes the concept of inherent human dignity combined with an individualistic notion of autonomy and rights, in Islamic thought it is underpinned by morality and combined with duties and divine guidance, and the Confucian approach focuses on the harmony of society and relational ethics. The concepts of human dignity and human rights are contingent and dynamic categories, which means that they are open to different interpretations. Sanja Ivic also highlights the relevance of philosophical hermeneutics for legal and political studies. Drawing on the hermeneutical (interpretative) nature of human rights, this book explores different philosophical solutions to achieving a global consensus on human rights, engaging with thinkers such as Hans-Georg Gadamer, John Rawls, Charles Taylor, Gianni Vattimo, Onuma Yasuaki, and Dimitrije Mitrinovic.