Gary Davis was an extraordinary figure and one of the most important pioneers of post-nationalism in the 20th century. As a former Broadway actor and World War II pilot, Davis was profoundly impacted by the horrors of war, prompting him to renounce his American citizenship in 1948. He famously declared himself a “citizen of the world” and, in a bold move, interrupted a United Nations General Assembly session to advocate for world government and the idea of global citizenship.
Davis didn’t stop there. He created the “World Passport,” a speculative document for those who identify as global citizens. Surprisingly, despite its unconventional nature, this document has been accepted by some countries, allowing people to cross borders with it. Davis also played a pivotal role in founding the World Government of World Citizens, striving to transcend national boundaries, and built a coalition of cities to support this vision.
For those interested in his fascinating life and contributions to the post-national movement, I highly recommend the documentary The World Is My Country, which delves into his life’s mission and his ongoing influence on global citizenship movements. It’s one of the most exciting documentaries I’ve ever seen. #postnational