Strength through Diversity? The Paradox of Extraterritoriality and the History of the Odd Ones Out

Abstract

Abstract This contribution argues that the right of access to extraterritorial jurisdiction shaped privilege-based communities across national borders. It discusses extraterritoriality as a legal framework that enabled and shaped the building of communities of foreigners from many different backgrounds. Extraterritoriality – counterintuitively – amalgamated and strengthened a community through that very diversity. This was precisely why that community of foreigners – specified as the odd ones out – understood itself as a social unit across national boundaries, loosening and even contesting its affiliation to a specific nation and/or empire.