Nationality has been a cornerstone of human identity for centuries. But let’s be honest—it’s rarely about who you are. Most of the time, nationality is just a label you inherit at birth. You’re born within a border, and boom—that’s your national identity. You didn’t earn it. You didn’t choose it. It’s simply handed to you.
But what if nationality could mean something more? What if it reflected your values, your beliefs, and the way you live your life? Imagine a world where your passport wasn’t tied to your birthplace but to the principles you stand for.
Let’s explore how we got here, why the traditional idea of nationality is becoming outdated, and what a values-driven approach to belonging could look like.
Nationality as a Tool for Unity
Historically, nationality served as a way to bring people together. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the idea of a shared national identity was critical for uniting fragmented regions. Italy and Germany, for example, were not single countries but a patchwork of smaller states. Nationalism gave these regions a reason to band together, creating stronger, more cohesive nations.
In the United States, nationality was built on ideals rather than geography or ethnicity. A country of immigrants, the U.S. couldn’t rely on shared ancestry to forge a national identity. Instead, it embraced principles like liberty, opportunity, and the pursuit of happiness. These values became the glue that held together a diverse population, giving millions of immigrants a shared sense of purpose and belonging.
This approach worked—at least for a time. Nationality inspired people to contribute, to unite, and to build something greater than themselves. But today, in a world that is more interconnected and diverse than ever, the traditional concept of nationality feels increasingly restrictive.
The Problem With Birthright Nationality
The issue with birthright nationality is simple: it’s arbitrary. Where you’re born has nothing to do with your character, your values, or your actions. Yet, it determines so much about your life—your opportunities, your rights, and even your identity.
This system assumes that everyone born within a certain border automatically aligns with that nation’s values. But in reality, people grow up to hold vastly different beliefs, even within the same country.
At the same time, people who deeply align with a country’s values but were born elsewhere often face immense barriers to belonging. Think of immigrants who embrace a nation’s ideals, contribute to its economy, and integrate into its culture—only to be treated as outsiders for decades.
This disconnect shows the flaws of a system that prioritizes birthplace over belief.
A New Approach: Nationality as a Choice
What if nationality were based on values instead of geography? Imagine a world where countries clearly defined their principles, and people could choose to belong to the nation that best aligned with their beliefs.
For example, some nations might prioritize capitalism and individualism, while others might focus on sustainability or collective welfare. People would decide where they belong based on alignment, not accident.
Of course, this choice would come with responsibilities. If you chose a nation, you would commit to its rules and values. You wouldn’t move to a capitalist country and demand socialism, nor would you join a collective society and insist on rugged individualism. Belonging would mean adaptation and respect, not entitlement.
Learning from the United States
The United States offers a powerful example of how values-based nationality can work—at least in theory. For much of its history, the U.S. was a nation of immigrants, drawing people from around the world who believed in its promise of opportunity and freedom.
Immigrants didn’t expect the U.S. to adapt to their beliefs. Instead, they embraced the American Dream, learning the language, contributing to the economy, and adopting the ideals of their new home. In return, they gained not just a passport but a sense of belonging.
This system wasn’t perfect—far from it. The U.S. often excluded certain groups and failed to live up to its own ideals. But the core idea was revolutionary: nationality wasn’t about ethnicity or geography. It was about believing in and contributing to a shared vision.
Today, however, this model is breaking down. Nationality has become more about legal status than shared values. The idea of mutual respect has eroded, replaced by entitlement on one side and exclusion on the other.
Building Nations of Choice
To create a better system, we need to rethink nationality entirely. Instead of being tied to birthright, it should be tied to belief.
In this system, countries would openly state their principles—whether capitalist, socialist, environmentally focused, or something else. People would choose their nationality based on alignment with these principles, and in doing so, they would commit to living by the nation’s rules.
This approach wouldn’t just benefit individuals; it would strengthen nations. Countries would become communities of shared values, united by belief rather than divided by arbitrary borders.
Respect as the Foundation
The key to this system is respect. Choosing a nationality would mean respecting the rules and values of the nation you join. You wouldn’t move to a country and demand it change to suit you. Instead, you would adapt to its way of life, contributing to its success and cohesion.
This respect would go both ways. Nations would welcome those who align with their principles, regardless of where they were born. And individuals would have the freedom to find a place where they truly belong.
A Future Beyond Borders
The traditional concept of nationality served its purpose in the past. It united fragmented regions and gave people a sense of belonging. But in today’s interconnected world, it’s time for a new approach.
Nationality should reflect who you are, not where you were born. It should be a choice, not an inheritance. By shifting to a values-based system, we can create a world where belonging is meaningful—where it’s about alignment, respect, and contribution, not chance.
So, where do you truly belong? Not where you were born, but where your values fit. It’s time to move beyond borders and birthrights to a world where identity is a matter of choice.