[D66] Key Aspects of Derrida’s New International

[René Oudeweg]

[too bourgeois? in certain maoist or other orthodox circles maybe...]

ChatGPT:

Jacques Derrida's concept of the "New International" emerges in his 1993 
work, Specters of Marx. It refers to a form of global solidarity that 
transcends national boundaries and formal political institutions. 
Derrida's "New International" is an ethical and political idea, 
emphasizing the need for a new kind of global justice and democracy in 
response to the failures of existing systems. Here's a deeper look into 
the concept:


Key Aspects of Derrida’s New International:

     Post-Cold War Context: Derrida introduced the "New International" 
in the wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union and the so-called "end 
of history," where capitalism and liberal democracy seemed to have 
triumphed. He challenged the notion that Marxism was dead, suggesting 
that the underlying issues of inequality and oppression it sought to 
address still persisted.

     A Call for Justice: The "New International" is driven by a call for 
justice, rather than the traditional goals of sovereignty or 
state-building. It is a loosely connected movement of individuals and 
groups who are united by a shared concern for the marginalized, 
oppressed, and excluded, seeking to address injustices on a global scale.

     Non-Institutional and Decentered: Unlike the old international 
organizations, such as the United Nations or Communist Internationals, 
Derrida’s vision is not tied to a specific state, institution, or 
ideology. It is decentralized, not represented by any one leader, party, 
or nation, and does not rely on formal structures of governance. 
Instead, it is fluid and evolves organically through shared commitment 
to justice.

     Spectrality and Responsibility: Derrida’s use of the term "specter" 
refers to the ghostly presence of unresolved past injustices 
(particularly those related to Marxism and colonialism) that haunt the 
present. The "New International" must recognize and respond to these 
specters of history. This includes addressing the legacy of colonialism, 
economic inequality, and environmental destruction.

     Universal Ethical Responsibility: The "New International" 
represents a universal ethical responsibility that goes beyond borders. 
For Derrida, it is not limited to political institutions but involves a 
shared ethical responsibility to those who suffer. It aims to challenge 
the global capitalist system, raise questions about economic 
exploitation, and rethink democracy and human rights.

     Radical Democracy: The "New International" envisions a radical 
democracy that is open, inclusive, and continually redefined. It 
promotes solidarity among those who are oppressed or excluded from 
existing political and economic structures. It is not about taking power 
but about rethinking how power operates globally.

Conclusion:

Derrida's "New International" is a call for a global, ethical, and 
political alliance that confronts the enduring issues of oppression, 
injustice, and inequality in the post-Cold War world. It rejects 
traditional state-centered politics in favor of a more fluid, 
decentralized movement focused on justice, human rights, and the 
responsibility to address historical legacies that still affect the 
present. It is an ongoing, evolving concept that challenges established 
norms and advocates for a new kind of global solidarity.