Customer Reviews

We, the People of Europe?: Reflections on Transnational Citizenship (Translation/Transnation)

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Balibar provides a lot of food for thought with this book. The first four chapters set up the theoretical framework for his argument, focused primarily around what he terms "European apartheid." I find fascinating his discussion of an apartheid-type exclusion that is being implemented right now not only in the European legislation, but also in the way "Europe" is being constructed as a concept. One of the most interesting ideas discussed in relation to "European apartheid" is probably that of the all-inclusive community. It is difficult to envision a society without borders, yet Balibar at least tries to make us think that it might be possible.

The author raises a variety of other interesting issues, including an original approach to nationalism, citizenship, immigration, even the role of communism in the formation of contemporary Europe, and others. All of this is even more exciting when you realize that he is trying to conceptualize a completely new entity (the EU) that is still in the making. So, what will become of Europe - will it be just a big nation-state, a new type of federation, or something else? Balibar doesn't know, but he certainly makes his readers consider some options.

Warning: this is a serious philosophical book that deals with complex context-specific concepts. If you know nothing about nationalism, exclusion, or the European Union, start elsewhere and come back to Balibar when you are ready for the red pill. The book is also very dense - every word counts, and it takes forever to get through, but it is well worth the struggle.