Two arguments apparently support the thesis that collective identity presupposes an Other: the recognition argument, according to which seeing myself as a self requires recognition by an other whom I also recognize as a self (Hegel); and the dialogic argument, according to which my sense of self can only develop dialogically (Taylor). But applying these arguments to collective identity involves a compositional fallacy. Two modern ideologies mask the particularist thesis’s falsehood. The ideology of indivisible state sovereignty makes sovereignty as such (...) appear particularistic by fusing “internal” with “external” sovereignty; nationalism imagines national identity as particularistic by linking it to sovereignty. But the concatenation of internal sovereignty, external sovereignty, and nation is contingent. Schmitt’s thesis that “the political” presupposes an other conflates internal and external sovereignty, while Mouffe’s neo-Schmittianism conflates difference (Derrida) with alterity. A shared global identity may face many obstacles, but metaphysical impossibility and conceptual confusion are not among them. (shrink)

The Trafficking Victims’ Protection Act of 2000 has been presented as an important tool in combatingthe exploitation and abuse of undocumented workers, especially those forced into prostitution. Through a close reading of the legislation and the debates surrounding its passage, this article argues that the law makes strategic use of anxieties over sexuality, gender, and immigration to further curtail migration. The law does so through the use of misleading statistics creating a moral panic around “sexual slavery,” through the creation of (...) a gendered distinction between “innocent victims” and “guilty migrants,” and through the demand that aid to victims be tied to their willingness to assist in the prosecution of traffickers. As a result, the legislation is less a departure from, than of a piece with, other recent antisex and antiimmigrant policies. (shrink)

Although efforts have been directed towards the protection of victims of human trafficking and smuggling, the existing systems are still flawed and lack more effective ways to provide support, assistance and long-term status to those victims. Several international mechanisms exist, however, the protection and assistance they provide often depends on the nature or value of the information provided by victims. Asylum may be the only relief available to victims of smuggling, many of whom suffer serious human rights violations. This article (...) provides several proposals for obtaining permanent legal status in destination countries for women who fear returning to their home country or who cannot return because of great economic need. Specifically, the article will discuss relief under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol, provide suggestions for improved trafficking visas and, finally, suggest that labour based immigration include work visas for prostitutes. _Published online_: 11 December 2017. (shrink)

This edition includes two important texts illustrating Kants's view of history along with notes and a comprehensive bibliography.