The aim of this thesis is to contribute to the discussion about the grounds for the right to citizenship and to whom this applies. The focus here is on the postcolonial migrant, for this is the...Show moreThe aim of this thesis is to contribute to the discussion about the grounds for the right to citizenship and to whom this applies. The focus here is on the postcolonial migrant, for this is the logical first step in acknowledging differences and inequalities within societies. Through analyzing the relationship between the postcolonial migrant and the former ruling nation I claim that the postcolonial migrant has a legitimate moral claim to citizenship in the former colonizing nation, the ‘motherland’. The legitimacy of this claim stems from grievances, an intertwined relationship and gratitude. Which together form the base of a new ground for the right to citizenship, which I propose to call jus paribus. This right to citizenship is a dormant right which should be given to first- and second-generation postcolonial migrants. By granting these generations a path to citizenship former colonizing nations can begin repaying their historical wrongs.Show less
Populism is by many considered as anti-pluralist and therefore as directly opposed to liberal democratic principles. The populist defence of the people, allegedly unified in their will, seems to be...Show morePopulism is by many considered as anti-pluralist and therefore as directly opposed to liberal democratic principles. The populist defence of the people, allegedly unified in their will, seems to be inherently at odds with the liberal democratic core value of pluralism aimed at politically embedding various interests. In this thesis, I question whether populism is necessarily opposed to liberal democratic pluralism. I build on the assumption that the populist logic is highly adaptive and can appear in combination with an extensive range of ideologies. Therefore, in contrast to the ‘populism is anti-pluralism’ view, populism can be ideologically in favour of pluralism and the populist defence of a collective will can rest on the demands of a heterogeneously constructed people. Even though such a form of left populism is still considered anti-pluralist by some, I argue it is not logically opposed to liberal democratic pluralism.Show less
