A sovereign state enters into a binding international convention that restricts its domestic tariff policies and subjects its trade disputes to an international tribunal. Critics argue that this agreement extinguishes the nation's sovereignty. Which principle of modern sovereignty best explains why voluntary entry into such international treaties does not negate state sovereignty?
- ALegal sovereignty is absolute and strictly inviolable, rendering all external treaty obligations legally void within domestic courts
- External sovereignty grants a state the supreme capacity to enter into binding international agreements and voluntarily limit its operational powers without forfeiting its ultimate legal authorityAnswer
- CPolitical sovereignty automatically transfers to supranational organizations whenever economic treaties are ratified by member states
- DDe facto sovereignty is permanently delegated to international courts, stripping the central government of internal enforcement power
Answer
External sovereignty grants a state the supreme capacity to enter into binding international agreements and voluntarily limit its operational powers without forfeiting its ultimate legal authority.
In political science and constitutional law, external sovereignty refers to a state's independence from external control and its capacity to interact with other states on an equal footing. Entering into international treaties and accepting international law are exercises of external sovereignty. A state's voluntary decision to abide by treaty limitations does not destroy its legal sovereignty because the state retains the ultimate legal right to revoke its participation or alter its laws.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
External Sovereignty and International Limitations
Estimated Time:1m 30s