This volume explores a wide range of issues that have altered the theory and practice of state sovereignty. Interdisciplinary in its analysis, the book discusses the contemporary meaning and relevance of sovereignty and how it relates to the constitution of international order.

Sovereignty, as a concept, is in a state of flux. In the course of the last century, traditional meanings have been worn away while the limitations of sovereignty have been altered as transnational issues compete with domestic concerns for precedence. This volume presents an interdisciplinary analysis of conceptions of sovereignty. Divided into six overarching elements, it explores a wide range of issues that have altered the theory and practice of state sovereignty, such as: human rights and the use of force for human protection purposes, norms relating to governance, the war on terror, economic globalization, the natural environment and changes in strategic thinking. The authors are acknowledged experts in their respective areas, and discuss the contemporary meaning and relevance of sovereignty and how it relates to the constitution of international order.

'This superbly edited collection of essays offers readers an illuminating overview of how the concept and practice of sovereignty is adapting to the multiple challenges of globalization. The volume achieves an impressive unity of focus due to a series of brilliant reconceptualizations of sovereignty.' Richard Falk, University of California, Santa Barbara, USA