Italian citizenship and the transcending of territory

Abstract

Mass migration means that links between a persons country of residence and country of citizenship are now often broken. In such circumstances which political rights should an expatriate citizen have? Italy has created overseas electorates for Italian citizens living abroad. This spreads the Italian nation well beyond the territorial boundaries of Italy and allows people who are not subject to Italy's laws to participate in making those laws. This is incompatible with the democratic principle that the ruled should be the rulers Includes an introduction by Katharine Betts written for the three articles: Hugo, G.; Defining Australia's national population in the era of globalisation. People and Place. 2006; 14(4): 26-33Carli, C.; Italian citizenship and the transcending of territory. People and Place. 2006; 14(4): 34-36Fedi, M.; Transnational citizenship: multiplicity of rights, responsibilities and opportunities. People and Place. 2006; 14(4): 37-39 Copyright. Monash University and the author/s