The Ethics of Kin State Activism: A Cosmopolitan Defense. Issue 4 (2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vasilev, George
• Is Part Of: Ethics & international affairs. Volume 33:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 395
• Page End: 410
• Publication Date: 2019
• Subjects: cosmopolitanism, -- ethnic conflict, -- human rights, -- kin states, -- minority rights, -- nationalism, -- transnational activism; International relations -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Periodicals; 172.405
• DOI: 10.1017/S0892679419000388
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0892-6794

Abstract

Abstract: A notable feature of nationalism's contemporary resurgence is the increasing eagerness of governments to support and shape the political causes of populations living abroad that are viewed as ethnic kindred. However, global criteria for judging when such kin state activism is and is not acceptable have so far remained elusive, as the objectionable instances of the practice tend to overshadow the legally and morally consistent ones. I argue that the analysis of world affairs and promotion of global justice would benefit from an ethic of transnational conduct that has a rightful place for kin states. I defend a set of cosmopolitan criteria for this purpose, outlining how they enable us to recognize and combat the dangers posed by certain forms of kin state mobilization without forgoing the opportunities presented by certain other forms to overcome minority repression and enhance regional security.