minor cosmopolitan

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Cosmopolitanism is a theory about coexistence, tracing its roots back to ancient Greece with Diogenes, who identified as a "citizen of the world." This idea was later developed by Immanuel Kant, who envisioned a world of perpetual peace. Initially, during the European Enlightenment, cosmopolitanism embraced the liberal ideals of a global economy but was complicit in capitalism, slavery, and colonialism, focusing on a male, bourgeois, and white perspective while ignoring the suffering of marginalized groups. In the 21st century, with rapid globalization, many claimed cosmopolitanism had evolved from a philosophical concept to a tangible reality, as people increasingly identified as global citizens. However, this optimism contrasts sharply with the escalating global ecological crisis, the resurgence of fascism, and ongoing repression of women and minorities, alongside the pervasive "refugee crisis." The initial promises of cosmopolitanism appear unfulfilled, prompting scholars, activists, and artists to confront its complexities and shortcomings. The pressing questions remain: What has become of the cosmopolitan promise, and who has betrayed it?