Radically Defining Solidarity in a Fragmented World

The mission and principles of the European Solidarity Corps emphasize the critical role of the youth in promoting and affirming the dignity and rights of every human being. This goes hand in hand with advocating for a fair, equal and pluralistic society. And one of the ultimate drivers towards realizing this is through practicing solidarity.

Indeed, contemplating the meaning of solidarity leads one to the standard definition of a kind of union arising from common responsibilities and interests between people; ties that bind individuals as one. The concept is derived from various idealistic notions of justice, equality, empathy and so on. But it’s not just that. It’s also not just about promoting humanitarian ideals or being a selfless person. Solidarity must come from the acknowledgement that each and everyone of us has a genuine interest in the outcome of all struggles – in all fights against injustice, inequality and oppression. We have to be involved.

Getting involved. Stepping in. Taking action. Intervening. These are acts of rebellion – the action in which the late French philosopher Albert Camus considered as the transcendental essence of human solidarity. By rebelling, individuals identify themselves with others and so surpass themselves. For Camus, the rebel is someone who demands respect for themselves in so far as they identify themselves with a natural community. True rebellion is an engagement motivated by pursuing the common good. Rebellion thus defines human solidarity. To exist and to live an authentic and fulfilled life, humans must rebel.

We live in a globalized and interdependent world that is still plagued by division and conflict. In fighting against these contemporary villainies and by upholding human rights and dignity as well as equality and freedom, we also thereby assert the solidarity of our common humanity. Solidarity also means undertaking the task to create and offer counter-narratives and radical alternatives that challenge existing structures that contribute and reproduce the very repressions we are struggling against.  A more progressive agenda must be set with the aim of deepening our understanding of what’s at stake and thus encouraging civic participation. And the youth must be at the forefront of championing these values.

Despite the real disunity and problems haunting the European Union right now, one must not forget the intended aims that were laid at its foundation. Peace, cooperation between states, among others, are what define the European Project, which are merely stepping stones towards finally realizing a structured global community. The fact that it is now advancing its own Solidarity Corps with the youth at its core is a welcome development.

But this initiative must do better and push for a more concrete plan in building a more inclusive society and responding to societal challenges. If we really want to support those who are at the margins and those who are the most vulnerable, then we must finally go beyond the anachronistic concept of nationalism. The youth must begin to acknowledge that they have no country.

The various ways in which nationalist thinking has been embedded in our political structures and reinforced by regressive populist rhetoric by the political elite as well as those who frame themselves as “outsiders” representing “the people” have crippled the significance of collective empathy and belonging; of genuine solidarity. It has punctured our common consciousness and hindered our perspective of envisioning a unified world.

It’s why there is an imperative of radically re-founding the way we frame and practice our politics. The hegemonic idea that liberal democracy would inevitably capture the world has now been proven to be a failure as seen by recent developments of the rise of populist authoritarians not only in Europe or America, but also in countries in the Global South. The fears and concerns of these people in electing strongmen that challenge fundamental democratic principles must be reflected upon and be seen as a response to the failure of neoliberal policies that have only deepened inequality and dissatisfaction among populations. These consequences have been taken advantage of by offering simplistic and reactionary solutions that only seem to stoke fear and hate and away from the solidarity that we need.

We must acknowledge this fact and at the same time offer a radical alternative that is principled and effective, and it must come from the grassroots; from everyone. And it must not come from one place. This is why internationality solidarity is vital. This solidarity with various communities; with youth movements; with groups fighting for social justice and with civil society in general. These solidarities must be strengthened to effect change that transcend beyond state borders; beyond the notion of the nation.

Solidarity is the channel towards the liberation and progress of humanity. Solidarity is a weapon – a weapon of rebels. And this weapon must be used and put into practice.