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Nationalism and Global Citizenship in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Addressing Inequality and Fostering “Glo-Ubuntu” Citizenship

Author

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  • Senyo Dotsey

    (Interuniversity Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning (DIST), University of Turin & The Polytechnic University of Turin, Viale Mattioli, 39, 10125 Turin, Italy)

  • Holly Oberle

    (Social and Behavioral Sciences Faculty, Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction, CO 81501, USA)

  • Audrey Lumley-Sapanski

    (Social and Behavioral Sciences Faculty, Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction, CO 81501, USA)

  • Morten Fiete Peters

    (Institute for Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Bremen, Universitätsboulevard 11-13, 28359 Bremen, Germany)

Abstract

This article examines how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed and intensified global inequalities, particularly through the lens of vaccine distribution, thereby challenging the ideals of global citizenship. While the pandemic highlighted humanity’s interconnectedness and shared vulnerability, the unequal access to vaccines and resources revealed enduring structural disparities between nations. Drawing on a review of the existing literature from three national contexts, this study critiques the limitations of global citizenship as a framework for addressing such inequalities. In response, it proposes “glo-ubuntu citizenship”—a reimagined concept rooted in African philosophy and the idea of shared humanity—as a more culturally grounded and ethically responsive approach. This model blends the global and local dimensions of citizenship while emphasizing solidarity and mutual care. The article argues that while glo-ubuntu citizenship is not without its challenges, it holds greater potential than conventional models for fostering equity in global health governance and guiding more inclusive responses to future crises.

Suggested Citation

  • Senyo Dotsey & Holly Oberle & Audrey Lumley-Sapanski & Morten Fiete Peters, 2025. "Nationalism and Global Citizenship in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Addressing Inequality and Fostering “Glo-Ubuntu” Citizenship," World, MDPI, vol. 6(3), pages 1-20, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jworld:v:6:y:2025:i:3:p:87-:d:1691926
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Osiander, Andreas, 2001. "Sovereignty, International Relations, and the Westphalian Myth," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 55(2), pages 251-287, April.
    2. Senyo Dotsey, 2023. "Foreign Healthcare Workers and COVID-19 in Europe: The Paradox of Unemployed Skilled Labour," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-14, April.
    3. Senyo Dotsey & Audrey Lumley-Sapanski & Maurizio Ambrosini, 2023. "COVID-19 and (Im)migrant Carers in Italy: The Production of Carer Precarity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(12), pages 1-18, June.
    4. Krzysztof Goniewicz & Amir Khorram-Manesh & Attila J. Hertelendy & Mariusz Goniewicz & Katarzyna Naylor & Frederick M. Burkle, 2020. "Current Response and Management Decisions of the European Union to the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-12, May.
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