Griffin, David R.  “Global Imperialism and Reconstructive Postmodernism.”  Process Thought and East Asian Culture: Philosophy and East Asian Thoughts, 111-135. Trans., Lee Kyungho, 137-156. [Conference paper presented at The 5th International Whitehead Conference], Seoul, South Korea, May 28.2004.

Abstract

In this lecture, I will argue the following four theses: Modern culture and politics have led to global imperialism—the attempt by one nation to create an all-inclusive empire. To overcome global apartheid and avoid global tyranny, this global imperialism must be overcome. Overcoming global imperialism will require moving from a modern to a postmodern world order, in which the anarchical order based on sovereign nation-states is replaced by global democracy. Cultural resources for the twofold task of postmodern politics—resisting global imperialism and creating global democracy—can best be supplied by a reconstructive form of postmodernism, meaning one that shows morality to be rooted in the very fabric of the universe.