Takuya Saito

This paper examines Kant’s theories of patriotism and cosmopolitanism, emphasizing the influential role of monarchs and their governments. It challenges the common belief that Kant only advocated for cosmopolitanism by showcasing his defense of a specific form of patriotism tied to a republican constitution. The argument posits that Kant’s republican patriotism and cosmopolitanism are not only compatible but also mutually reinforcing. Understanding this dynamic requires a focus on patriotism on the part of government rather than that of citizens. Kant’s earlier handwritten and lecture notes from the 1760s to the 1780s suggest that both patriotism and cosmopolitanism weaken parochial nationalism and are vital for an ideal civil constitution. While initially ambiguous about monarchical and republican patriotism, Kant later clarifies that a patriotic government must be republican, respecting the common will and safeguarding civil and political rights. Moreover, autocratic monarchs can facilitate this transition by emulating republican government and gradually implementing reforms, thereby fostering trust and promoting cosmopolitanism, which ultimately contributes to a more lawful international relation.