Category: Concept Of Sovereignty Challenged

Now we may turn to a theory that stands for a categorical rejection of the State as an ‘unnecessary evil’ and advocates liberation of the individual from any form of authority. Anarchism, as a political philosophy, not only rejects state sovereignty but denounces any form of authority—yoke of private property, authority of religion and yoke… Continue reading Anarchism

As mentioned above, from pluralism to Guild Socialism, the degree of opposition to the State and its sovereignty increases. Syndicalism presents even a higher degree of rejection of the concept of State and its sovereignty. Syndicalism is based on the idea that Trade Union organizations as representatives of the interests of the workers should take… Continue reading Syndicalism

During medieval Europe, Guild system has emerged as a part of the diffused power structure. Guild refers to ‘association of merchants and craftspeople in medieval Europe, formed to give help and advice to its members and to make regulations and set standards for a particular trade.’108 Each member of an autonomous Guild owned the instruments with… Continue reading Guild Socialism

After a rather lengthy discussion on the pluralists’ criticism of sovereignty, we may now turn to some other trends or approaches, which besides being critical to the state and sovereignty also, at times, reject the necessity of state and sovereignty. These criticisms may involve: (i) pluralistic arguments based on groups like professional and economic associations… Continue reading Other Critiques of Sovereignty

Our critical evaluation of the pluralist theory may assess it as a critique of the monist theory of sovereignty and as a theory of a pluralist state. The advocates of the monist doctrine of sovereignty focused on legal functions of the State at the cost of exclusion of social forces, which determine the content and… Continue reading Critical Evaluation of Pluralist Theory

The adherents of the traditional concept of sovereignty maintain that legally, international law and treaty obligations do not constitute legal limitations on the state’s sovereignty. This is primarily due to the fact that they are at most, self-restricted as ‘voluntary assent of the state is necessary to their binding validity and that assent once given… Continue reading Internationalism and the State

In line with the pluralist position, Laski supports the independent and prior existence of associations in society as compared to the State. According to Laski, ‘The state is only one among may forms of human association and as compared with the other associations, has no superior claims to the individual’s allegiance.’82 The State becomes as one… Continue reading Place of the State in the Great Society: State and Other Associations

Laski makes a distinction between the State as a concept and its reflection in practice as government. Government for all practical purposes invokes the power of the State and makes decisions, issues orders and enforces obedience. Thus, power of the State is expressed in the government. Laski says, ‘A theory of State … is essentially a… Continue reading State and Government—Sovereignty of Fallible Men?

Laski’s rejection of sovereignty and absolutist state begins with the criticism of the monist theory of sovereignty. He employs three grounds for refuting monist concept of sovereignty and these do not necessarily involve pluralistic arguments. His criticism is based on three grounds—historical, legal and political. In his Grammar of Politics and Foundations of Sovereignty, Laski provides refutations of… Continue reading Criticism of Monist/Austin’s Theory of Sovereignty

The pluralist position of Professor Laski of the London School of Economics and Political Science is found in his various writings. He has waged a multi-sided attack on the concept of sovereignty of the State. However, he is also the one who subsequently reconsidered his position on the State and has shown a shift from… Continue reading Harold Joseph Laski