Nature of State Sovereignty - Research Proposal Example

In this context, sovereignty is considered as one that is entirely inseparable from the modern state. The problem here is how to comprehensively or universally define sovereignty. There are scholars who pointed to the fact the concept itself is ambiguous and is prone to varying interpretations.

The purpose of this research, hence, is to show that sovereignty has a coherent character, with continuing relevance, particularly in international relations. Though it has evolved and may have taken different definitions according to state, commentator, international experts, and so forth, its development tells us of a universal pattern – that one which was transformed according to the theory of International Relations.

Methodology
This study will primarily use secondary data on modern sovereignty – texts and materials available that would: 1) help develop a framework to establish a universal character for sovereignty; and, 2) explain and support the assumption that the conceptions of sovereignty are not exactly contradictory but actually coherent and could complement each other.

Literature Review
Being a major theme in political thought, the body of scholarly work on modern sovereignty is quite extensive. Since the research methodology for this paper is qualitative in nature, these resources would be extensively utilized. Some important works to be included in this research, for instance, is that published by David Held, whose discourse on the emergence of modern sovereignty is extremely helpful (1995). I would also like to cite Martin Loughlin’s (2004) work on public law that posited a framework wherein sovereignty and its various conceptions would be reconciled into one encompassing, coherent and continuing concept. Meanwhile, John Jackson’s (2006) own discourse on the subject explored the relevance and the role played by sovereignty in international relations. There is, for instance, his discourse of the “Westphalian” concept, among other theories that outlined the dynamics of international relations in the context of the issue of sovereignty. (57) There are many other materials to be used by this paper such as those written by Brace and Hoffman, Hasenclever, Mielebock and Schimmelfennig, Hoffman, Harris, Krasner, and a number of other researchers.

Conclusion
The subject of modern sovereignty could be interpreted in a number of ways. But these interpretations and their differences do not necessarily mean that the concept is marred by contradictions. Instead, they represent the variables that constitute the logical progression of the transformation of modern sovereignty in order to navigate the international environment wherein nation-states increasingly interact in political, economic, and military areas. Read More