Citizenship

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As civilization developed, people relied on leaders to settle disagreements. However, leaders often overstepped their bounds. Recognizing this, societies shifted away from granting power as a form of security or inheritance. Instead, they established elections and, eventually, larger parliaments to ensure even minority voices were heard. The state evolved into a res publica, a sort of corporation with a budget managed by a prime minister. Over time, fundamental necessities and human rights were codified. The judiciary, as the third branch of government, ensured a universally applied set of rights that are fairly enforced.

Such a system carries significant costs. Therefore, societies invested in universal education for their children, aiming to empower them to proactively reduce the need for government intervention. Liberty is the cornerstone of a state that exists to serve its citizens, a relationship maintained through the power of the vote. A liberal state cannot revoke this fundamental right.

Liberty ultimately fostered the growth of free markets, where prices are determined by the balance between supply and demand, rather than by central planning.

Free markets thrive on the freedom of speech and information, which empower citizens to make informed decisions. These independent decisions are a citizen's right, and free speech is their shield. In the past, this concept was often referred to as "equality." However, "equality" was frequently distorted, particularly in communist regimes, to justify seizing wealth that individuals had acquired through their own choices and hard work. "Independence" is a more accurate term to describe the freedom of individuals to determine their own fate, free from external control.

The third pillar of a modern society is fraternity. Fraternity acts as a safety net, ensuring that no one is deprived of their rights or economic well-being, even when information is scarce or manipulated.

From these foundations, the empire emerged. Interestingly, an empire isn't defined by its geographical boundaries. Many nation-states, once proud of their clearly defined borders, faded in the twentieth century. Empires are res publica that operate within or beyond the confines of a single state, such as the British East India Company or the European Union. Their primary function is to regulate and stabilize market forces.

Empires typically distribute their influence among various entities: local and national governments, large corporations, and international organizations. Empires arose as trade expanded to encompass increasingly larger circles of citizens. This expansion necessitated standards and arbitrage to ensure the quality of goods could compete with local products. Each additional circle in this trade network increases supply and drives down prices, benefiting everyone. Multiple suppliers further reduce risks and lower interest rates.

Governments play a vital role in mitigating risks, particularly by ensuring access to universal essential services. By definition, a non-universal service cannot be considered essential. Governments provide these services to their entire voting population. People need essential services to participate effectively in the democratic process. After all, the government exists because of its voters.

Defense alliances function as a form of empire. NATO's future role is possibly to minimize the risks associated with conducting business, allowing citizens within its member states to flourish. This represents a shift from its objectives nearly a century ago. To achieve this goal, costs must be carefully managed. Waging war for the sake of national pride has no place in this framework.

Liberty, independence, and fraternity ensure that citizens within such an organization are relatively equal. Most differences should stem from individual needs and preferences, or life stages. Inequality can arise in many ways, but its primary threat lies in its potential to weaken the provision of universal services. Greed and envy erode the very foundations of society. States built on inequality, sometimes masked under the term "merit," eventually weaken or collapse. These states are unable to effectively wage war when challenged, regardless of whether they field a professional or conscripted army.

Free markets, guided by stable and predictable regulations, tend to generate high outputs. This leads to lower prices, greater consumer choice, and reduced risks. Such a society is well-positioned to provide essential universal services, contributing to the overall prosperity of its citizens - the commonwealth of individuals.