Radboud University Nijmegen, MSc, Anthropology and Development Studies

A multidisciplinary perspective on the most relevant local and global issues regarding solidarity, with specific focus on cultural diversity and citizenship; climate change and natural resources; and international solidarity and social movements. The refugee crisis in Europe and elsewhere is deepening tensions and divisions between people. Should we provide shelter to innocent victims of violence in the Middle East and Africa or should we close all borders to protect ourselves from possible terrorists? This question is a prime example of the issue of solidarity leading to tensions and conflict, not only between nation-states or people with different cultural backgrounds, but even within local communities. Indeed, solidarity presents one of today’s main challenges. Highly volatile flows of people, goods and ideas have resulted in a diversification of national populations combined with a high degree of global interconnectedness. At the same time, neoliberal reforms of states and societies around the world are restructuring social connections between peoples and states leading to increasing inequality between nations as well as social groups within countries. In addition, climate change and the scarcity of natural resources constitute a global predicament.