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Nationalism, Immigration, and the Legacy of Auschwitz
Philosopher Reyes Mate discusses the dangers of nationalism, the lessons of Auschwitz, and the challenges of immigration in a Q&A format.
Spanish
Spain
PoliticsHuman Rights ViolationsRussia Ukraine WarImmigrationHistoryNationalismPhilosophy
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Reyes MateDonald TrumpWalter BenjaminHannah ArendtGiorgio AgambenJorge SemprúnFriedrich Hölderlin
- Why does Mate believe nationalism is collapsing?
- Mate argues that nationalism is collapsing because nation-states, including Spain, are failing to address the unstoppable phenomenon of immigration due to unequal wealth distribution. Their reactions of increased borders and exclusion are unsustainable.
- How does Mate connect Auschwitz to current challenges?
- Mate warns of the potential for a repeat of Auschwitz if the current nationalistic responses to immigration continue. He says that the failure to heed the message of those who survived the concentration camps—to never repeat the barbarity—has left the underlying political and moral foundations for such atrocities intact.
- What is Reyes Mate's perspective on the myth of Babel?
- Reyes Mate believes that leaving the Tower of Babel was beneficial for humanity, as it led to the discovery of diversity. However, he notes that only a few, primarily the Jewish people and their diaspora, recognized this positive aspect.
- What is Mate's perspective on immigration and nationalism?
- Mate sees immigration as the fundamental problem, breaking the nation-state model and forcing change. He proposes a philosophy of diaspora and hospitality, emphasizing the recognition of human rights beyond national boundaries and rejecting nationalistic responses, even those outside the far-right.
- What are Mate's views on Catalan independence, amnesty, and the return of Trump?
- Mate celebrates the decline of Catalan separatism but advocates for dismantling nationalism in Spain, the Basque Country, and Catalonia, and embracing a more posnational EU. He supports amnesty as a sign of state magnanimity and anticipates Trump's return will exacerbate issues of immigration, climate change, and nationalism.