The Golden Passport: Global Mobility for Millionaires

The Golden Passport is a comprehensive investigation of the global market for citizenship, examining the wealthy elites who buy passports, the states and brokers who sell them, and the normalization of a once-shady practice. It reveals how the initially dubious sale of passports has transformed into a full-blown citizenship industry that thrives on global inequalities, with some buyers hoping to use it as a visa-free travel or as an insurance policy, while others take out a new citizenship to escape state control.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 19 September 2023
Publisher: Harvard University Press

A captivating exploration of the intricate dynamics between individuals, their capital, and a world characterized by profound interconnectedness and stark disparities emerges in the pages of "The Golden Passport." This definitive, meticulously detailed, and remarkably nuanced study delves into the global market for citizenship, shedding light on the privileged elites who purchase passports, the states and brokers who facilitate their acquisition, and the gradual mainstreaming of a once-obscure practice.

Our citizenship holds immense significance in shaping our lives, influencing our rights, expanding our travel horizons, and ultimately shaping our opportunities. However, acquiring a new citizenship is a complex and often arduous journey. Nevertheless, for those with substantial financial resources, such as billionaires like Peter Thiel and Jho Low, as well as countless unknown multimillionaires, it becomes merely a matter of cost.

Over a dozen countries, many of them picturesque islands situated in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and South Pacific, actively sell citizenship to approximately 50,000 individuals annually. During six years of extensive fieldwork spanning four continents, Kristin Surak unraveled the remarkable transformation of the initially dubious sale of passports into a thriving citizenship industry that thrives on global inequalities. Within this industry, "investor citizens" seek to leverage their newfound passports for visa-free travel, or as a stepping stone toward residence in countries like the United States. Others perceive citizenship as an insurance policy, providing protection against political instability or state control at home. Yet, it is important to note that the primary intention of most buyers is not to relocate to their chosen country and integrate into their new compatriots' communities. The complex relationships between these global elites and their local counterparts add an additional layer of intrigue to this study.

"The Golden Passport" is a groundbreaking exploration of a contentious practice that has gained popularity among the nouveaux riches. It takes readers on a journey from the intricate details of the application process to the broader geopolitical implications. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Surak offers a comprehensive analysis of this evolving phenomenon, challenging our perceptions of citizenship, wealth, and power. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics shaping our global society and the increasingly blurred lines between national borders and economic opportunities.

Weight: 586g
Dimension: 166 x 243 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674248649