What Is Sovereignty In Contemporary World?

Conceptual Theories of Sovereignty

Historically, sovereignty has been discussed and examined extensively within the theoretical and philosophical paradigms. Innumerable thinkers have presented alternative models of explaining the character, range, and limits of sovereign authority in a state.

One of the leading views in sovereignty is held by the British philosopher John Austin, who propounded the "command theory of law." According to Austin, sovereignty was the supreme, absolute, and undivided power of the state. He believed it is vested in the person of the sovereign, who issues commands that should be obeyed by the people. Though this concept of sovereignty as a centralized, absolute authority has been very influential, it has also received grave criticism.