The Future of Postnational Citizenship : Human Rights and Borders in a Re-Nationalizing World

Scholarly writing on citizenship of recent decades has frequently led to a reductive understanding of the institution and practice of citizenship - for example, focusing solely on issues of membership. This is equally true in the understanding of the role of human rights vis-à-vis citizenship, notably regarding the concept of postnational citizenship. We examine the concept and practice of postnational citizenship in a period of apparent "re-nationalization" - from Brexit and the election of Trump to the significant gains of far-right parties. Drawing on the work of, inter alia, Manlio Cinalli, we examine a more multidimensional notion of citizenship, beyond issues of membership. We highlight the profound transformations that are taking place, impacting social and political forms of association, networks and in the signification of borders and boundaries.

Finally, while observing the continuing key significance of postnational citizenship in driving contemporary developments, we also note fundamental social and economic challenges scholars need to engage for postnational citizenship and human rights to continue to have a robust presence. [Publishers' text].