A critical intervention in liberal theories of multiculturalism
Show more
A substantive and original critique that allows us to reassess liberal theories of multiculturalism
Examines three liberal processes of immunisation using the work of Kymlicka, Parekh and Taylor
First major application of Roberto Esposito’s work on immunity in English
Opens up new perspectives on how we might organise cultural coexistence
Multiculturalism has been declared dead; at the same time, the value of diversity is still emphasised. How can we explain this? In this book, Alexej Ulbricht sets out to completely reassess liberal theories of multiculturalism, and argues that the ‘backlash’ is actually the strengthening of tendencies already present in liberal multiculturalism. Using the theories of Roberto Esposito, he argues that liberal multiculturalism is best understood as a series of immunitary processes. He examines some of these processes and looks to what cultural coexistence beyond immunity might be like.
Introduction The conflicted relationship to multiculturalism
Multicultural Immunisation 2. Liberal Thought on Multiculturalism A brief history of liberal political theory’s engagement with difference A tale of three liberals: Kymlicka, Parekh, Taylor
Multiculturalism as a Mode of Immunising the Body of Liberalism Community, obligation and emptiness The immunity paradigm Immunity in the concrete: what it makes of people
Liberal Multiculturalism and Rights: citizens, humans and Other subjects Citizens Humans
Disagreement and the Horizons of Consensus Liberal models of consensus The critique of consensus Fusing of horizons
Recognition: tolerant and cunning Recognition, or, the cunning cleansing of the wounded liberal subject Liberal recognition as a form of tolerance
Multiculturalism Beyond Immunity What must a multicultural polity do? What about totality? How to get there (with rhythm!) Music and the city
Conclusion Liberal multiculturalism as a process of immunisation Syncopation in the concrete
Alexej Ulbricht has written a compelling account of contemporary immunity across a number of fields and disciplines, including the colonial and post-colonial as well as political theory. Using Roberto Esposito's reading of the paradigm of community and immunity as his launching pad, Ulbricht offers an accessible and dismaying glimpse into the immunized spaces of today, while courageously offering a possible riposte through rhythm. A courageous book that expands our understanding of the threats to vital communities today.
Alexej Ulbricht is a Teaching Fellow at the Department of Politics and International Studies at SOAS, University of London. His research is in issues of culture and critical theory.