Shared sovereignty is a concept in political science and international relations that refers to the practice of multiple actors or entities sharing power and authority over a particular territory or issue. It is a departure from traditional notions of sovereignty, which usually attribute exclusive control and decision-making to a single governing entity, typically the nation-state.
In the context of shared sovereignty, power, and authority are divided and distributed among multiple actors, often with overlapping jurisdiction. This arrangement aims to address the challenges posed by globalization, interdependence, and the increasing complexity of global problems that cannot be effectively tackled by a single authority.
Shared sovereignty can take different forms. In some cases, it involves delegating certain powers to regional or supranational organizations, such as the European Union, which exercise authority alongside the nation-states. This enables both the transfer of powers from nation-states to supranational bodies and the retention of national sovereignty.
The concept also extends to issues such as human rights, climate change, and global security, where international agreements and institutions are established to coordinate and unite the efforts of multiple actors. Shared sovereignty implies that states voluntarily limit their sovereignty to collaborate and pursue common objectives, while also respecting the interests and rights of other stakeholders.
Overall, shared sovereignty recognizes that in a globalized world, no single entity can unilaterally address complex challenges. It requires cooperation, coordination, and the pooling of resources and decision-making powers among multiple actors to achieve effective governance and resolve collective problems.
The term "shared sovereignty" is a compound phrase that combines two words: "shared" and "sovereignty".
The word "shared" is derived from the Old English word "scearu" meaning "portion", which later evolved to "shar" in Middle English, and eventually became "shared" in modern English. It means a division or distribution of something among multiple parties.
The word "sovereignty" has its roots in the Latin word "superanus", which means "chief" or "above". In medieval Latin, the term "superanus" evolved into "superanusitas", referring to supreme power or authority. Eventually, it developed into the French word "souveraineté" and entered the English language as "sovereignty" in the 14th century. It implies the supreme and independent power or authority of a governing body over a particular territory or group of people.