Questions and Answers: Citizenship

1. Why does the report say about citizenship and its relevance for societies?
2. In many nations, students have lead democratic revolutions--in part because youth tend to be idealistic, in part because of their risk taking behavior -- Does the report assess the impact of youth in radical reforms?
3. How does this relate to the anti-globalization movement?
4. What does the report have to say about the risks of disaffected youth?
5. Do today's youth consider themselves global citizens

1. Why does the report say about citizenship and its relevance for societies?

This report takes the position that it is essential for all individuals to participate in the governance and future of their community and their country. This is a right that is invested in every adult person - it is part of the meaning of being a citizen. But we also believe strongly that individuals get their sense of belonging and identity, the confidence that their lives have worth, and their moral and ethical beliefs from their families and their social world.

 

2. In many nations, students have lead democratic revolutions--in part because youth tend to be idealistic, in part because of their risk taking behavior -- Does the report assess the impact of youth in radical reforms?

Yes. The passion and idealism of young people makes them perfect leaders in movements for social change. They are open to new ideas, have fewer established interests, and are impatient. These factors enable them to take greater risks than the rest of us would be willing to take. Of course, this risk-taking can be dangerous, for them and others, but the enormous improvements in social justice and human rights would not have happened without the leadership and energy of young people.

3. How does this relate to the anti-globalization movement?

The anti-globalization movement is born of precisely the same passionate idealism. The underlying concern of most anti-globalization campaigners is for equity and justice and some democratic oversight of international politics and policies. We live in an increasingly complex and interconnected world, where decisions taken in one place affect the lives of people who live far away. Our global society has not yet worked out how these forces can or should be governed. The anti-globalization campaigners are partly expressing the view that they are not willing to accept the status quo, at least not without some truly democratic debate on the matter.

 

4. What does the report have to say about the risks of disaffected youth?

First, some perspective is needed. There are nearly 1.5 billion young people on the planet. The number of young people who turn to political violence is very, very small. And the phenomenon of political violence is not restricted to a particular region of the world. About 500,000 young people under the age of 18 are recruited into paramilitary and military forces. And about 300,000 youth are actively involved in conflict around the world. Young people can express their dreams and even their anger through non-violent channels, if given the opportunity. For young people, voice and participation - getting recognition from those who count - is essential. Without it, the odds of nihilism or violence increase.

5. Do today's youth consider themselves global citizens?

Yes, young people do consider themselves global citizens. Interestingly, however, so do older people, and at least according to the World Values Survey, there's not much difference between older and younger people in this regard.