Global Solidarity
Solidarity calls individuals to stand in support of all, and to make choices -both economic and otherwise-with consideration to the impact they will have on the rest of humanity. Beyond merely acknowledging our interdependence as an observable fact, or valuing it for the productivity and variety it may afford us, solidarity emphasizes the positive value that this interdependence contributes to human existence. Through solidarity, the individual is invited “to transcend the human condition, not by sacrificing personal liberty, but by realizing their freedom and full potential in the community, and assisting others to do the same” (Locatelli, 2005). Practically speaking, this means that individual, political, economic, and social decisions and processes should be made with loving concern for the common good while respecting the dignity of each person.
Economic and political structures, institutions, and activity must be governed in ways which enable all to realize their essential human nature through robust social participation. We must recognize that in addition to the legal protection of freedoms and liberties (i.e. right to assembly, fair trial, private property), individuals’ and communities’ capacity to participate is also dependent their access to certain basic goods.
These enabling goods or necessary material conditions include food, shelter, water, basic medical care, educational opportunity and clothing. Only with these essential enabling goods do individuals have the capability to fully realize their human nature by exercising social and political rights such as self governance, freedom of speech, and association.
Practical Application:
Development
Trade & Investment
Peace & Security
Immigration
Refugees
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