cosmopolitans

Cosmopolitans is a term used to describe people who identify with cosmopolitanism, or to a cocktail by the same name. The word cosmopolitan derives from the Greek kosmopolites, meaning “citizen of the world.” In English, cosmopolitan or cosmopolitanism denotes an orientation or ideology that emphasizes global belonging over allegiance to a single nation or locality.

In philosophy and political theory, cosmopolitanism argues that all human beings form part of a single moral community and that individuals may have obligations beyond their national borders. The concept has historical roots in Enlightenment thought and has been developed in modern debates around globalization, human rights, migration, and cultural pluralism. Thinkers have explored how universal respect for persons can coexist with respect for local cultures and political institutions.

In sociology and cultural studies, cosmopolitans are often described as individuals with broad mobility, multilingual abilities, and exposure to diverse cultures, frequently living in global or metropolitan settings. They may participate in transnational networks and support cross-border cooperation. Critics of cosmopolitanism contend that it can privilege urban elites, overlook local inequalities, or downplay particularistic cultural loyalties.

A separate use of the term refers to the Cosmopolitan cocktail, a vodka-based drink that gained prominence in the late 20th century and became widely associated with popular culture in the 1990s. A typical recipe combines vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice, though numerous variations exist.