Derridean ”Unconditional Hospitality” and New Image of European Borders

Basia Nikiforova

Lithuanian Culture Research Institute

Abstract

Migration and borders are at the heart of critical, radical geography and new materialism. Jacques Derrida’s concept of 'unconditional hospitality’ helps us to rethink the past to the present and needs to be deconstructed according to current and future changes. While this ideal may not be fully attainable in practice, it can inspire border researchers to strive for more inclusive and empathetic ways of understanding and engaging with border issues. The notion of marginalising solidarity with refugees reflects the shift in priorities during the pandemic. What does marginalising solidarity mean for border researchers? First, the symbolic reconstruction of political entitlement and exclusion from social life; second, the intensification of internal and external borders; third, the growing priority of security over humanitarianism in public opinion and political discourse. The article highlights issues such as the duality of the migrant and the multiple paths to legal status. The race and religious affiliation of the migrant are important components of the Other.

Keywords:

Derrida, hospitality, humanitarian crisis, mass migration, refugees, responsibility, solidarity

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Published
2024-11-26

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Nikiforova, B. (2024). Derridean ”Unconditional Hospitality” and New Image of European Borders. Border and Regional Studies, 12, 105–125. https://doi.org/10.25167/brs5237

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Basia Nikiforova 

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