Sovereignty: The Evolution of an Idea

Sovereignty is at the very centre of the political and legalarrangements of the modern world. The idea originated in thecontroversies and wars, both religious and political, of 16th and17th century Europe and since that time it has continued to spreadand evolve. Today sovereignty is a global system of authority: itextends across all religions, civilizations, languages, cultures,ethnic and racial groupings, and other collectivities into whichhumanity is divided.

In this highly accessible book, Robert Jackson provides a conciseand comprehensive introduction to the history and meaning ofsovereignty. Drawing on a wide range of examples from the USDeclaration of Independence to terrorist attacks of 9/11 he showshow sovereignty operates in our daily lives and analyses the issuesraised by its universality and centrality in the organization ofthe world. The book covers core topics such as the discourse ofsovereignty, the global expansion of sovereignty, the rise ofpopular sovereignty, and the relationship between sovereignty andhuman rights. It concludes by examining future challenges facingsovereignty in an era of globalization.

This interdisciplinary study will be of interest to a wide range ofstudents, academics and general readers who seek to understand thisfundamental concept of the modern world.