European identity in the academic discourse: constructing a cosmopolitan image of Europe

Abstract

This article explores the processes of European identity’s discursive construction in the framework of contemporary cosmopolitanism theories, in particular – concepts developed by Ulrich Beck and Gerard Delanty. Considering Beck’s contribution in cosmopolitanism conceptualization, the author focuses on the notions of “methodological” and “banal” cosmopolitanism and their role in comprehending Europe as a real cosmopolitan empire. In Delanty’s theory of cosmopolitanism a distinction between European and other cosmopolitan projects is underscored and its connection with social theorists rather than Brussels officials is stressed. Finally, Florian Pichler’s empirical study of European cosmopolitan identity is considered and its significance for verification of the key cosmopolitan theory assumptions.