To be a world citizen; now there’s a utopian idea. It involves free transit among countries, equal development opportunities no matter where you are born, and the sense of a worldwide community striving for the same goals. Yes, I know, it sounds like idealism coming from the UN or some other organization. We can’t even get our own political parties to have a constructive discussion, let alone reach an understanding. So why should we believe many different political parties, monarchies and institutions can form some sort of world government? Because of one reason: as of today, 27 countries have done it.
Those who are keen on politics might already know I’m referring to the European Union. Since 1993, European countries have made efforts to become one great political and economic entity. So what does it all mean for us common folk? For starters, Europeans are free to travel across all countries within the Union without major restrictions; no additional passports are required. Second, the creation of the infamous Euro currency implemented in most part of Europe simplifies exchange rates and economically binds countries’ markets. Lastly (and perhaps the most important,) countries are able to take on political and legal action as a Union, such as establishing fundamental rights for Europeans or taking part in international treaties.
Let’s pretend for a moment that Mexico, the US and Canada were thinking of forming a North American Union (as it was rumored years ago) and let’s leave aside why we would ever want to do that in times like these. But think about it, does it even stand a chance?
My skeptical readers are already thinking of all of the problems this would create. Let’s list a few:
Will it be a truly democratic Union? Or will the US have a big influence?
Can Mexico withstand the effects of subjecting its economy to the NAU?
Will the NAU try to eliminate social disparities?
Can our society deal with racism and social problems?
Is it a threat to diversification in our country?
Will we be able to provide fundamental rights, such as healthcare, education, homes and such to everyone in the NAU?
Will there be free transit in the NAU? (HA! I think not in a million years.)
I agree, skeptical readers. These are just the tip of the iceberg, and guess what? Except for the last one, the European Union has the same problems. European countries have definitely gone to great lengths to make the EU work, but fundamental economic and social flaws are tearing it apart. Greece has made the market crash and more countries might be next. Minorities in France, Germany and the UK are having disputes with the government. Pensions tend to increase in the following years due to the overpopulation of seniors. To top it all off, the EU won’t let Turkey have a membership (looks like Turkey is the black sheep of Europe.)
“Holy moly, is the idea of a world citizenship a flop?” No, my dear reader, all is not lost. The concept might be difficult to achieve because of the aforementioned reasons, but if there is one thing the EU has shown us, is that the feat is not impossible. Good things have come out of this, such as countries giving up a bit of their authority to a bigger institution than they are. There was also an attempt for a European Constitution, but the French backed out on the last touches. Fundamental worldwide rights are possible and international synergy is achievable; the hard part, however, is making sure that every member has met the conditions necessary to belong.
All these tasks and troubles, are they ultimately worth it? That depends if you want to earn the rights and obligations that come with the title. As a world organization, each of us would have to care for what happens in our neighbor countries. Do you, reader, want to become a world citizen sometime in the future?
As for me, I pretty much have it all summed up for when the time comes and we have to make a choice: If you can’t beat them, you might as well join them!
