Absolute Sovereignty Theory vs. Relative Sovereignty

Attribute	Absolute Sovereignty Theory	Relative Sovereignty
Definition	Belief that a state has ultimate authority and control over its territory and people	Belief that a state's authority is limited by external factors such as international law or agreements
Extent of Power	Unlimited power within its borders	Power may be limited by international agreements or norms
Autonomy	Complete autonomy in decision-making	May have to consider external factors in decision-making
Responsibility	Assumes full responsibility for actions within its borders	May share responsibility with other states or international organizations

Absolute Sovereignty Theory

Absolute sovereignty theory is a political theory that asserts that a state or ruler has complete and total authority over its territory and people. This means that the state has the ultimate power to make decisions without interference from external sources. In this theory, the state is seen as the highest authority and is not subject to any higher power or authority.

One of the key attributes of absolute sovereignty theory is the idea of indivisibility of sovereignty. This means that the state's authority cannot be divided or shared with any other entity. The state is considered to be the sole source of power within its borders, and all decisions and actions are ultimately made by the state.

Another important aspect of absolute sovereignty theory is the concept of supremacy. This means that the state's laws and decisions are considered to be the highest authority within its territory, and all other entities, including individuals and organizations, are subject to the state's authority.

Overall, absolute sovereignty theory emphasizes the idea of a centralized and powerful state that has complete control over its territory and people. This theory has been influential in shaping the structure of many modern states and their relationships with other states.

Relative Sovereignty

Relative sovereignty, on the other hand, is a political theory that recognizes the existence of multiple sources of authority within a state. In this theory, sovereignty is seen as a relative concept that can be shared or divided among different entities, such as the central government, regional governments, and international organizations.

One of the key attributes of relative sovereignty is the idea of shared authority. This means that different entities within a state, such as regional governments or international organizations, have some degree of authority and decision-making power. This can lead to a more decentralized system of governance where power is distributed among multiple actors.

Another important aspect of relative sovereignty is the concept of interdependence. This means that states are interconnected and rely on each other for various reasons, such as trade, security, and environmental protection. In this context, sovereignty is seen as a flexible and evolving concept that can be influenced by external factors.

Overall, relative sovereignty theory emphasizes the idea of a more fluid and interconnected system of governance where authority is shared among multiple entities. This theory has become increasingly relevant in the context of globalization and the growing importance of international cooperation.

Comparison

• One of the main differences between absolute sovereignty theory and relative sovereignty is the concept of indivisibility. Absolute sovereignty theory asserts that sovereignty is indivisible and belongs solely to the state, while relative sovereignty recognizes the possibility of shared authority among different entities.
• Another key difference is the idea of supremacy. In absolute sovereignty theory, the state's laws and decisions are considered to be the highest authority, while in relative sovereignty, authority can be shared among multiple actors, leading to a more decentralized system of governance.
• Relative sovereignty also emphasizes the concept of interdependence, highlighting the interconnected nature of states and the importance of cooperation and collaboration. This stands in contrast to absolute sovereignty theory, which tends to focus on the state as the ultimate authority.
• Both theories have influenced the development of modern states and their relationships with other states. Absolute sovereignty theory has historically been more prevalent, especially in the context of nation-states, while relative sovereignty has gained prominence in the era of globalization and increased international cooperation.