The idea of a common European identity is formed and influenced by many different factors. Orientalism and internal religious and cultural differences have historically been the main pillars on...Show moreThe idea of a common European identity is formed and influenced by many different factors. Orientalism and internal religious and cultural differences have historically been the main pillars on which the concept of Europe was founded. However, these foundations seem outdated within the modern framework, arguably to be seen in recent crises such as the Eurozone crisis, rising nationalist tendencies and a decreasing sense of European solidarity. Therefore, this essay explores the possibility of a reimagination of the European identity in such a way that it can cope better with the challenges modern Europe faces. To this end, the first part of the essay will investigate the historical foundation on which current European identity is based, and the limits this identification has. After which, the essay explores both Charles Taylors concept of the politics of recognition – a communitarian multicultural identity politics – and Francis Fukuyama’s model of a liberal democratic identity politics. While a ‘perfect fit’ model to reimagine European identity lays far beyond the scope of this enquiry, the third chapter shall conclude with lessons that can be learned from the Fukuyaman and Tayloresque models to reimagine the European identity.Show less
This thesis argues that within the #EUandME campaign the construction of a ‘European identity’ is grounded upon a bottom-up strategy emphasizing practical shared interests which are founded upon...Show moreThis thesis argues that within the #EUandME campaign the construction of a ‘European identity’ is grounded upon a bottom-up strategy emphasizing practical shared interests which are founded upon shared values. This is in contrast with the popular approach to European identity that focusses on solely shared values. In doing so an analysis will be made of concepts such as social constructivism, identity and constitutional patriotism. Next to this theoretical approach empirical data will be included based on a closer look of the #EUandME young film makers campaign, and how these concepts relate to the identity construction advanced in this campaign.Show less
