Event Recap: "Golden Passports: The Global Market for Citizenship"

The panel discussion was moderated by Andreas Gofas, and featured insights from Kristin Surak, Associate Professor of Political Sociology at the London School of Economics, Alexander Cooley, Claire Tow Professor of Political Science at Barnard College, Columbia University, and investigative journalist Makarios Drousiotis, author of "Putin’s Island."

Kristin Surak opened the event by presenting findings from her latest book, The Golden Passport: Global Mobility for Millionaires, which highlighted the dynamics and trends within the global citizenship market. Her presentation emphasized how Golden Passports are reshaping global mobility and elite networks, with far-reaching consequences for political and economic structures worldwide. She also noted the growing ability of the wealthy to bypass traditional immigration systems, fueling inequality and creating a more divided global system.

Makarios Drousiotis followed with a case study on the controversial Golden Passport program in Cyprus, highlighting the challenges within the scheme and its influence on Cyprus' political landscape. His investigative work highlighted how lax oversight and political entanglements enabled financial misconduct, raising concerns about the broader implications of such programs on governance and national sovereignty.

Alexander Cooley explored the geopolitical dimensions of Golden Passports, discussing how these programs intersect with shifting global power dynamics. He examined how Golden Passports reflect changing geopolitical alliances and how major world powers have responded to their rise. His analysis suggested that these citizenship schemes are not just about financial gain but also about strategic leverage, with countries using them to attract investment and strengthen their global influence.

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session featuring insightful questions from Columbia University students and the general audience. As investment-based residency programs like the Golden Visa shape global migration trends, the Athens Columbia Global Center remains committed to fostering critical discussions on their ethical, political, and economic implications. We are grateful to everyone who joined us for this thought-provoking conversation.