Postmodern trends in state sovereignty: a theoretical approach to the concepts of authority, legitimacy and autonomy

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25057/2500672X.1724

Keywords:

State, Sovereignty, Authority, Legitimacy, Autonomy

Abstract

The article examines the evolution of the concept of sovereignty in the context of postmodernity, focusing on the distinction between internal and external sovereignty of a State. It highlights how the intervention of non-state actors has reconfigured the traditional role of the State as the sole sovereign agent, raising questions about whether sovereignty remains an unrestricted quality in contemporary state models. The influence of postmodern forces in the erosion of state sovereignty is analyzed, demonstrating how international organizations, transnational companies, and NGOs have taken on functions previously exclusive to the State, posing a challenge to traditional state authority. Furthermore, the decrease in conflict resolution through classical legal mechanisms is addressed, noting that fewer disputes between individuals are resolved through formal judicial processes. This trend, based on increasing individualization and focused on personal over collective, presents challenges for the application of the law and the protection of the rights of the parties involved. In the economic context, the article examines how neoliberalism has influenced the predominant economic narrative, affecting state sovereignty and reshaping power relations in the postmodern society. In summary, the article offers a profound reflection on the transformation of sovereignty in the postmodern era, highlighting the significant challenges and changes that States face in a globalized and constantly evolving environment.

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Published

2025-06-09

How to Cite

Puentes Sánchez, J. C., Correa Vargas, R. A., & Cárdenas Rojas, L. V. (2025). Postmodern trends in state sovereignty: a theoretical approach to the concepts of authority, legitimacy and autonomy. Nuevo Derecho, 21(36), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.25057/2500672X.1724

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