2026 Rainer Bauböck Essay Award on the Global State of Citizenship: Explore How AI Will Transform Citizenship Worldwide

The 2026 Rainer Bauböck Essay Award on the Global State of Citizenship is now open for submissions. Organized by GLOBALCIT, the Global Citizenship Observatory at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies of the European University Institute, this prestigious international competition invites early-career scholars to critically explore one of the most pressing questions of our time:

How will Artificial Intelligence transform membership, rights and practices of citizenship?

This annual essay award honors the legacy of Rainer Bauböck and encourages innovative, interdisciplinary thinking on citizenship in a rapidly evolving global landscape shaped by artificial intelligence.

About the GLOBALCIT – Rainer Bauböck Essay Award

The GLOBALCIT – Rainer Bauböck Essay Award was established to promote cutting-edge research and fresh perspectives on citizenship and democratic theory. Sponsored through the funds of the City of Vienna 2023 Prize in Humanities and Social Sciences awarded to Rainer Bauböck, the competition reflects his lifelong academic contributions to citizenship theory and democratic inclusion.

GLOBALCIT, based at the European University Institute in Florence, is a leading research observatory dedicated to citizenship laws, policies, and practices worldwide. Through this award, GLOBALCIT seeks to encourage emerging scholars to shape the global conversation on citizenship.

2026 Essay Question: AI and the Future of Citizenship

For the 2026 edition, participants are invited to answer the following question:

“How will Artificial Intelligence transform membership, rights and practices of citizenship?”

Applicants are expected to focus on the impact of AI on human citizenship rather than debating whether AI-driven robots themselves could claim citizenship. Essays should explore:

• How AI may influence national membership and migration policies

• The impact of AI on civil, political, and social rights

• The transformation of democratic participation through AI

• Surveillance, digital governance, and algorithmic decision-making

• The global and transnational implications of AI in citizenship regimes

Both domestic and international dimensions of citizenship are encouraged, offering wide room for interdisciplinary exploration across law, political science, sociology, philosophy, technology studies, and related fields.

Essay Requirements and Submission Guidelines

Participants must carefully follow the submission criteria to ensure eligibility:

• Essays must be single-authored

• Written in English

• Maximum 3,000 words

• Include a reference list (not counted toward the word limit)

• Use standard academic citation practices

• Written in a non-technical style accessible to a broader public audience

• Include a declaration specifying whether and how AI tools were used for research or text generation

Submissions must be sent via email to: globalcit@eui.eu
Applicants must include:

• A short CV

• A digital photo

Submission Deadline

31 March 2026 at 23:59 CEST

Late submissions will not be considered.

Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria

A distinguished jury composed of GLOBALCIT co-directors and an expert in the field will review submissions. Essays will be evaluated based on:

• Originality of arguments

• Intellectual rigor

• Ability to inspire and engage

• Clarity and accessibility

• Concise yet compelling presentation of ideas

The competition prioritizes essays that bridge academic depth with public relevance.

Award Benefits and Recognition

The winner of the 2026 Rainer Bauböck Essay Award will receive:

• €1,000 cash prize

• Publication on the GLOBALCIT website

• Publication in the EUI research repository, Cadmus

• Dissemination through EUI communication channels

• Invitation to present the essay at a GLOBALCIT workshop in Florence (14–15 May 2026), either online or in person

This opportunity offers both financial recognition and high-level academic visibility within an international research community.

Intellectual Property and Data Protection

Participants retain full copyright over their essays. By entering the competition, applicants agree to the processing of their personal data solely for purposes related to administering the contest, announcing the winner, and promotional communication. Personal data will not be shared with third parties.

Why This Essay Award Matters in 2026

Artificial Intelligence is already reshaping public administration, governance systems, border control, digital identity, and democratic engagement. As states integrate algorithmic systems into decision-making processes, the fundamental meaning of citizenship may evolve in unprecedented ways.

This competition offers early-career researchers a unique platform to:

• Influence international debate

• Engage with leading scholars in citizenship theory

• Publish with a globally respected research institution

• Contribute to ethical and democratic reflections on AI

For scholars working at the intersection of technology, law, and democratic governance, this award represents a timely and impactful opportunity.

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