Eurowhiteness: Culture, Empire and Race in the European Project

The EU is often seen as a cosmopolitan rejection of violent nationalism, but its idea of Europe has a long, problematic history. Eurowhiteness exposes the EU as a vehicle for imperial amnesia, and narratives of European integration emphasize the lessons of war and the Holocaust, but not the lessons of colonial history. Since the 2015 refugee crisis, whiteness has become even more central to European identity, a troubling new turn in Europes long civilisational project. It is time to confront the relationship between ideas of Europe and ideas of race.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 17 August 2023
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

The European Union is frequently perceived as a cosmopolitan rejection of violent nationalism. However, the concept of Europe has a complex and troubled history, dating back to medieval times when it was closely associated with Christianity. In the modern era, it became linked with the idea of 'whiteness,' which exposes the EU as a vehicle for imperial amnesia. Narratives of European integration often emphasize the lessons of war and the Holocaust, but fail to acknowledge the impact of colonial history. The EU is primarily concerned with power rather than peace, and civic ideas of Europe are being overshadowed by ethnic and cultural ones.

Since the 2015 refugee crisis, whiteness has become even more central to European identity, representing a troubling new development in Europe's long civilizational project. It is crucial to confront the relationship between ideas of Europe and ideas of race.

The European Union's founding ideals were rooted in the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. However, the rise of nationalism and xenophobia in recent years has challenged these values. Some political leaders have used the refugee crisis to promote a sense of national identity and to undermine the EU's authority. This has led to a rise in populist movements and a decline in support for European integration.

At the same time, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and multiculturalism in Europe. The EU has implemented policies to promote integration and to protect the rights of migrants and refugees. However, these policies have faced criticism for not doing enough to address the root causes of migration and for failing to address the concerns of local communities.

The relationship between ideas of Europe and ideas of race is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, the idea of Europe has been used to promote a sense of unity and common identity among its citizens. On the other hand, it has also been used to exclude and marginalize certain groups, such as immigrants and refugees.

One of the key challenges facing Europe is the need to address the legacy of colonialism and imperialism. Many European countries have a history of colonizing other parts of the world, and this has had a profound impact on the cultures and societies of those countries. The effects of colonialism can be seen in the ongoing struggles for independence and self-determination in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

In conclusion, the European Union faces a critical moment in its history. The rise of nationalism and xenophobia has challenged its founding ideals and threatened its stability. At the same time, there is a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and multiculturalism in Europe. The relationship between ideas of Europe and ideas of race is complex and multifaceted, and it is essential to address the legacy of colonialism and imperialism to build a more inclusive and prosperous future.

Weight: 230g
Dimension: 190 x 130 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787389328