Citizens of the World: Global Citizenship and the Internationalization of Canadian Higher Education

This thesis argues that there is a contradiction between the theoretical foundations of Global Citizenship (GC)—a philosophy promoting a universal conception of citizenship and a duty to ameliorate global inequality—and its implementation by Canadian higher education institutions (HEIs). Canadian HEIs are presently “internationalizing”: attracting international students and faculty, partnering with HEIs and businesses around the world, and building international campuses. The teaching of GC is often considered one aspect of this process, and is growing increasingly popular. This thesis provides a conceptual clarification of GC by tracing its roots to the cosmopolitanism of Kant and Greek and Roman philosophers, and analyzes the internationalization activities of Canadian HEIs from this vantage point. It shows that at least some Canadian HEIs are employing business practices that are at odds with GC. Proponents of GC must confront these contradictions if they hope to fulfill the ethical promise of the philosophy.MAS