The concept can be questioned due to distinctions being made between legal, political, external and internal sovereignty. (Heywood, 1997, p143). Due to the existence of a typology, the concept is more likely to be contested. The nature of sovereignty advocated can also cast disagreements as not all interpretations are based on a democratic regime. The contested nature of sovereignty is summarised by David Held, who explains it ‘no longer retains the meaning that it had 50 years ago. The concept is premised upon a bounded territorial state system, increasingly threatened by social and technological change.’ (Bealey, Chapman, Sheehan, 1999, p323).
Sovereignty would be useful to a politics student as it is central to the political process. The concept of sovereignty is interrelated to democracy, a key feature of Western politics, which in some form is adopted throughout the world. Through understanding where ultimate authority resides in political institutions, the features and key principles of democracy are analysed. Furthermore, through revising sovereignty, it can be understood how it applies to non-democratic institutions such as dictatorships or one party political regime. By studying sovereignty, a comparison of the contrasting political regimes, (democracies and dictatorships) can be undertaken. Sovereignty, in this way is an intrinsic part of the study of politics. The concept of sovereignty enables a student to explore one of the political controversies of the C21st. On a European level, and to a degree on an international level it is argued that national states have experience a decrease of sovereignty. This is due to some political powers giving been transferred to international bodies due to membership of institutions such as EU, NATO or NATO. The theoretical principles of sovereignty are central to the political processes and it would be necessary for a politics student to understand the concept as it is constantly raised in political debates in legislatures throughout the world.
The concept of sovereignty has attracted major media coverage. This reflects its political significance. The articles chosen are intrinsic with sovereignty as both display different features of the concept.
UN backs Lebanon sovereignty call.
This article is of relevance as it highlights how a state is only sovereign or can restore its sovereignty once it is recognised by other states. This is the situation in Lebanon, which is likely to regain its sovereignty once Syria removes its troops and no longer undermines the Lebanese authority and control. A convention in the international system explains that all states must have mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty and territory. (Bealey, Chapman and Sheehan, 1999, p360).
Roger Knapman on the EU constitution.
This article is an example of the ongoing controversy of how UK parliamentary sovereignty is arguably decreasing due to EU membership. The article refers to the impact EU legislation, in particular the planned constitution has on UK sovereignty due to EU law overriding national law. The view generated contradicts that of Jack Straw who argued that the EU constitution strengthens national government.
Bibliography
BBC News, Roger Knapman on the EU constitution,( 2004)
Httpp://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-1/1/hi/UK_politics/3962309.htm
BBC News, UN backs Lebanon sovereignty call,(2004)
Http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/3622260.stm
Bealey. Frank. Chapman. Richard.A. and Sheehan. Michael. 1999. Elements in Political Science. (Cornwall. Edingburgh University Press) p.323, 360
Held. David. 2002. Models of Democracy.(Cornwall. Blackwell Publishers) p77,352-360.
Heywood. Andrew.1997. Politics. (Wiltshire. Palgrave) p26,143
