In the article I want to raise the question not only of legal, but of philosophical order, namely, what does it mean to be a citizen? Citizenship of a certain country means that this person belongs to the state. But this is a formal point of view. I’ll try to touch on the depth of the problem.
Historical background
Previously, a person was considered a subject. Agree, the word is not quite right now, because it reflects some kind of dependence. Therefore, one can say that citizenship also implies a cultural, ideological and spiritual connection of a person with the state, his belonging to him. What does it mean to be a worthy citizen? To honor the interests of your country, to be a patriot and to understand that abroad you will always feel like a stranger. Honestly, I don’t understand how you can have several citizenships at the same time. Indeed, in this case, it is impossible to feel involved in the affairs of the country. In any case, one of the states will be closer to you, closer.
What does it mean to be a citizen of the Russian Federation?
This is the main question for us, because we were born and raised in this country. When the USSR existed, no one could even think of any other citizenship than Soviet. I will not lie if I say that every citizen of the USSR felt that power and role of the state in the world. Maybe I didn’t think about it, but on a subconscious level it was. Now there is no such feeling. But nevertheless, Russia is legally the legal successor of the Union, therefore, a piece of greatness is present with us. What it means to be a citizen for our country is the opportunity to live in a unique state, where cultures of hundreds of nations intertwine, where there are opportunities that many do not have, where every day you feel a connection with a great history.
People of the world
For some, citizenship does not play a special role. What does it mean to be a citizen for them? This is to live in a country that will fully provide you financially, create such living conditions that will be better in relation to the state in which you were born. They are also called the people of the world. They do not think about borders, having changed in their life not only several places of residence, but several countries. This understanding of citizenship is also possible. This is perceived as independence from any political structures. A person may have no connection with his homeland at all.
Civil rights
Citizenship is often viewed through the prism of the rights that it gives. This, of course, is the opportunity to elect and be elected, to participate in referenda and other forms of citizens' will. What does it mean to be a citizen in that sense? Be sure to participate in these events, because if you do not, then the meaning of citizenship is lost. It turns out that you are doing the same thing as foreigners (not citizens), and this is completely wrong.
Conclusion
Many meanings can be found in the concept of citizenship. I tried to reveal three of them, but maybe everyone feels somehow differently and understands belonging to the state in a different sense. I just give material for reflection, so that everyone understands for themselves what it means to be a citizen of their country.