The power of solidarity

Abstract This chapter explores solidarity as a multifaceted concept essential for strengthening social cohesion and addressing shared human vulnerabilities. It distinguishes solidarity from justice, emphasizing that solidarity emerges from relational, action-oriented practices rooted in shared experiences, while justice often relies on enforceable rules. The chapter highlights solidarity’s transformative potential in building inclusive institutions and addressing systemic injustices, while also cautioning against its misuse in exclusionary or harmful ways. Historical and contemporary examples demonstrate how solidarity can be both a force for liberation and a tool for exclusion. By examining its normative and practical dimensions, the chapter underscores solidarity’s critical role in creating societies that are not only just but also compassionate and resilient. It calls for renewed focus on solidarity to bridge divides and strengthen the social fabric in an increasingly fragmented world.