As we face new global challenges – from climate change to the international political order – the need to re-examine the historical roots of cosmopolitanism and liberal principles on a global scale has become increasingly central to the political conversation. Cosmopolitanism and the Enlightenment brings together leading scholars in cultural history, the history of ideas and global politics in order to reassess the complexity of cosmopolitanism during the Enlightenment and its various interpretations over time. Through a fresh and revisionist perspective, the volume explores issues of universalism and cultural diversity, the idea of civilization, race, gender, empire, colonialism, global inequality, national patriotism, international and civil conflict, and other forms of political discourse, challenging the simple negative stereotype that the Enlightenment was inevitably hierarchical and Eurocentric. This timely intervention into the debate about the legacy of the Enlightenment highlights both the plurality and the continuing relevance of Enlightened cosmopolitanism to contemporary global concerns.

‘These essays, together with the superb introduction by Rubiés and Safier, provide a probing, thoughtful look at the ever relevant subject of Enlightenment cosmopolitanism, informed by cutting-edge research and inspired by the classic works of Anthony Pagden.’

David Bell - Princeton University

'... the range of topics and viewpoints offered by its contributors, the quality of their research, and the extensive documentation to sources they provide will make the book a valuable reference and point of departure for further scholarship in the field.'

David Allen Harvey - Princeton University Source: History of European Ideas