Fostering a Global Identity: Climate Change, Environmental Degradation and the Emergence of a Hypothetical Other

Abstract

In this essay we argue that there are certain processes at work in the world, which could theoretically contribute to the fostering of a global identity. Even though a global identity is regarded by many social scientists as unviable, if not impossible, because an “Us” is always in need of a “Them”, we aim to transcend these conceptions. The central theory is that as humanity’s sense of interconnectedness grows and the need for a global collaboration becomes necessary in order to deal effectively with climate change and environmental degradation,a process could be set in motion whereby, as we move towards a collaborative “Us” (the unified social body), a hypothetical or historical “Them” is constructed (the divided social body). The purpose of this speculative paper is primarily to challenge prevailing, perhaps pessimistic, convictions that the construction of a global identity is impossible, even though in light of the nature of current pressing issues it is highly necessary.