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The American Century? Migration and the Voluntary Social Contract

Author

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  • Jonathon W. Moses

    (Norwegian University of Science and Technology (in Trondheim, Norway), jonathon.moses@svt.ntnu.no)

Abstract

This piece argues that free migration was a central if implicit part of the liberal social contract and that America’s founders were both aware of this and exploited it to legitimate their new state. The piece begins by describing this uniquely American contribution to liberal political thought. It then juxtaposes this contribution against the nature of our own international order, to show just how foreign the American Century has become. The piece closes with a short depiction of what an American Century would look like today—were it true to this early ideal—and comments on its feasibility.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonathon W. Moses, 2009. "The American Century? Migration and the Voluntary Social Contract," Politics & Society, , vol. 37(3), pages 454-476, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:polsoc:v:37:y:2009:i:3:p:454-476
    DOI: 10.1177/0032329209338928
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pitkin, Hanna, 1966. "Obligation and Consent—II," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 60(1), pages 39-52, March.
    2. Przeworski, Adam & Wallerstein, Michael, 1982. "The Structure of Class Conflict in Democratic Capitalist Societies," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 76(2), pages 215-238, June.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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