Citizens' Solidarity in Europe

Rezensionen / Stimmen

'Solidarity is a neglected theme in political theory. It is also a crucial concern for Europe, where it is the necessary but often strained complement to economic integration. This valuable collection shows the importance of civil society organizations and also of law and the actions of ordinary citizens. It points to ways in which Europe can lead the world.'
--Craig Calhoun, Arizona State University, US'This impressive book comes just in time. Solidarity is under pressure everywhere in Europe, not only from the far right, also from mainstream politics, the neoliberal media-elites and the European Court, that meanwhile restricts the right to move to the good and hard working citizen. However, European citizens see that differently. In their majority they understand solidarity as political and social equality between European citizens, regions and states, and they are prepared to pay for the common wealth of all of us. Moreover, as in the founding documents of modern democracy the citizens of Europe know that European solidarity has also cosmopolitan implications. This book gives courage to make ever more public use of our own reason, that only through public use becomes an irresistible force of solidarity.'
--Hauke Brunkhorst, the European-University Flensburg, Germany

'It is in moments of crisis that solidarity is all the more important, but also all the more contested. This very interesting volume help us understanding how European citizens, organizations and institutions conceive of and practice solidarity.'
--Donatella della Porta, Scuola Normale Superiore, Italy