The CBI Index: becoming a citizen

One of the core attributes of citizenship by investment programmes is their aptitude for openness – allowing individuals to obtain dual nationality without needing to demonstrate ancestral ties to a host country, or family connections with current citizens. 

Nationality and identity feature prominently in the public discourse, even as their meaning becomes less intelligible. What is it to be a ‘national’, what benefits attach to that classification, and how likely is it that those benefits will persist in the future?

Generally, being a ‘national’ or ‘citizen’ of a country means an individual is entitled to certain civil rights and protections, and, in return, is bound by duties and allegiance. 

However, as countries disaffiliate themselves from international organisations, embrace isolationist policies, and begin to close themselves to global trade and connectivity, what those rights may truly entail becomes less clear. Will Britons be able to live and work in Europe tomorrow? And will US citizens continue to hold the same freedom to trade and travel as they do today?

Citizenship diversification, just like asset diversification, can ensure that the onuses of citizenship never outweigh the advantages, as the latter can be derived from multiple, independent channels. 

The CBI  Index makes it possible for persons to determine whether, on balance, the acquisition and relinquishment of liberties makes citizenship of a particular country a step worth taking. 

It is thus an assessment tool for individuals actively seeking to preserve, or even improve, their standing vis-à-vis their government and the international community as a whole.