Beware States Piercing Holes into Citizenship

Abstract

It is possible to imagine carefully fashioned cases where denationalisation seems a morally appropriate response as long as a range of guarantees are met. However, while this realisation might help us identify the terms on which the denationalisation of a particular individual is permissible, it tells us little about the broader consequences of piercing the norm of unconditional citizenship for punitive reasons. Once we are realistic about the political dangers of conceding to the state powers to withdraw citizenship, we’re brought back to a position compatible with Audrey Macklin’s ban on denationalisation.