Unleash the links 

Unique to human society, solidarity is both a necessity for survival as well as a social construct. It stems from values, beliefs, identities of belonging, protocols or ethics, and therefore is found in a range of interests or is practised in different ways. 

In any case, it seems to mark the embodiment of a collective conscience. Modern states of law are driven by egalitarian and emancipatory ideals and, paradoxically, end up creating a form of solidarity that tends to reduce the structural injustices and inequalities associated with how these states are run. 

Furthermore, individuals and communities are faced with ambiguities in collective responsibility: can we truly stand in solidarity with what we can’t see, what we don’t know, and what we don’t understand? Or, on the contrary, is it the feeling of solidarity that pushes towards the unknown or unfamiliar otherness, thus becoming a source of knowledge and resulting in transcending pre-established boundaries, gaining a broader feeling of responsibility, and building a common future? With whom do we stand in solidarity? And, conversely, from which causes do we wish to disengage ourselves? How do emotions influence our commitments? What does mutual aid say about the creation and strengthening of social groups? Is all solidarity desirable, and what can be said about corporatism and other defences of individual interests? Which progressive forms of solidarity contribute to the common good as a matter of democratic responsibility? How can we reaffirm the need to structure solidarity without losing sight of the importance of our individual responsibilities as we live alongside each other?