European Universalism: The Rhetoric of Power

European Universalism: The Rhetoric of Power
- Used Book in Good Condition
How ideas such as civilization and progress have been used as a smoke screen for western dominance, by the world-renowned sociologist.

Ever since the Enlightenment, Western intervention around the world has been justified by appeals to notions of civilization, development, and progress. The assumption has been that such ideas are universal, encrusted in natural law. But, as Immanuel Wallerstein argues in this short and elegant philippic, these concepts are, in fact, not global. Rather, their genesis is firmly rooted in European thought and their primary function has been to provide justification for powerful states to impose their will against the weak under the smoke screen of what is supposed to be both beneficial to humankind and historically inevitable.

With great acuity Wallerstein draws together discussions of the idea of orientalism, the right to intervene, and the triumph of science over the humanities to explain how strategies designed to promote particular Western interests have acquired an all-inclusive patina.

Wallerstein concludes by advocating a true universalism that will allow critical appraisal of all justifications for intervention by the powerful against the weak. At a time when such interventionâ€”in the name of democracy and human rightsâ€”has returned to the center stage of world politics, his treatise is both relevant and compelling.
Country USA
Brand The New Press
Manufacturer New Press
Binding Paperback
UnitCount 1
EANs 9781595580610
ReleaseDate 0000-00-00

Country	USA
Brand	The New Press
Manufacturer	New Press
Binding	Paperback
UnitCount	1
EANs	9781595580610
ReleaseDate	0000-00-00

European Universalism: The Rhetoric of Power

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