Description
Book SynopsisThis highly accessible book provides a concise and comprehensive introduction to the history and meaning of sovereignty. Drawing on a wide range of examples, it shows how sovereignty operates in our daily lives and analyses the issues raised by its universality and centrality in the organization of the world.
Trade Review“A strong, coherent and logical narrative ... Its lucid and cogent approach makes it highly useful to those new to the subject and its substantial arguments will stimulate those who are more advanced.”
International Affairs “Sovereignty is a systematic survey of the history of an idea. It accomplishes the ambitious task of untangling the often conflated concepts of authority, supremacy, independence and power from sovereignty. As such, it is a must-have for researchers and teachers concerned with understanding the development of independent, sovereign states.”
David A. Armstrong, Nuffield College, Oxford
“Sovereignty is the great survivor among modern political concepts. Its death – and the retreat of the State and society of states that it supports – have often been foretold. Yet they persist. In this penetrating and elegantly written book Robert Jackson explains why. It will be indispensable reading for all students of politics and international relations.”
James Mayall, Centre of International Studies, Cambridge
“Historically grounded and philosophically rich, Jackson’s examination of sovereignty will take a deserved place among the primary works on this foundational concept of international politics. In illustrating how the practices and institutions of sovereignty retain their vitality, he also demonstrates the freshness and cogency of his own thought.”
David Clinton, Baylor University
Table of ContentsPreface.
Chapter 1 Sovereignty and Modernity.
Manifestations of Sovereignty.
Sovereignty and Modernity.
Independence and Supremacy.
Power, Authority, Responsibility.
The Discourse of Sovereignty.
Chapter 2 'A Shocking Idea'.
Europe before Sovereignty.
Respublica Christiana.
The Revolution of Sovereignty.
Chapter 3 Sovereigns of Europe and the World.
The Great Transformation.
The Divine Right of Kings.
Dynastic Sovereignty.
Western Empires.
Imperial Sovereignty.
Chapter 4 Popular Sovereignty.
In the Name of the People.
Parliamentary Sovereignty.
Democratic Sovereignty.
Totalitarian Sovereignty.
National Self-Determination.
Territorial Sovereignty.
The End of Sovereignty?.
Chapter 5 Sovereignty and Humanity.
Protecting Human Rights.
Humanity Discourse.
Human Rights, Human Wrongs, and Sovereign States.
Human Rights under International Law.
Humanitarian Intervention.
Chapter 6 Sovereignty and Globalization.
9/11 and the State.
The Globalization Thesis.
The Sovereign States System.
Presuppositions of a States System.
Between Past and Future
