Scholars tend to define global citizenship in political (Archibugi and Held, 1995;
Archibugi and Kohler, 1998; Archibugi et al, 1998; Held 2003) or legal terms (Giddens,
1991, Falk 1994; Franck 1999; Bennett 2000, et al). Grounded in the works of Vaclav
Havel and Martha Nussbaum, this paper explores the notion of community and individual
responsibility as it applies to global citizenship as a moral disposition. I argue that
human interaction involves various levels of “community” which both complement and
often conflict with one another. These levels can be understood as concentric circles
beginning with the individual and leading to the highest level, the global citizen. I define
global citizenship as: a moral disposition which guides individuals’ understanding of
themselves as members of communities—both on local and global levels—and their
responsibility to these communities. Full human potential is realized when global
citizenship is materialized into action through one’s participation either on a local or
international level.
Global Citizenship
When we think of ourselves as global citizens, what exactly does this mean? What
exactly is citizenship and how does it relate to the development of our obligations to
others on a global scale? In order to answer these questions, it is necessary to first
discuss what “citizenship” is. Citizenship, however, is not a simple concept nor does it
have a straightforward definition. Aristotle explained the dilemma of defining citizenship
best when he stated:
The state is a compound made of citizens; and this compels us to consider who
should properly be called a citizen and what a citizen really is. The nature of
citizenship, like that of the state, is a question which is often disputed: there is no
general agreement on a single definition” (Politics, Book III 1275a).
As Aristotle points out, there are three main components involved: the State, the citizens,
and the relationship between the State and the citizens. Within these larger components
are underlying themes of community, boundaries, and obligation. The significance of
global citizenship is that it draws on these sub themes to transcend the limits of formal
1
This paper is part of a larger project which analyzes the steps involved in becoming a global citizen as
well as the potential obstacles by blending political theory with qualitative research. Specific case studies
include unique data from US and international participants in the 2004 International Leadership Program in
Prague, Czech Republic and the 2004 International Education Program in Havana, Cuba.
3
Convention