| As the world continues to advance technologically, countries and individuals become more politically, socially, and economically interconnected. Scholars focus on the political and legal structures that can help create and foster global citizenship. However, the role of the individual is often neglected. Grounded in the works of Vaclav Havel and Martha Nussbaum, this project explores the notion of community and individual responsibility as it applies to global citizenship. 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. Blending political theory and qualitative research, this project analyzes the steps involved in becoming a global citizen as well as the potential obstacles. 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. An analysis of the students' experiences reveals how global citizenship education can lead to personal development and cross-cultural understanding. |
