Abstract
The conception of the State is constantly challenged. The new disruptions and social, political and economical developments have questioned the existence, meaning and scope of the institutionalized State. While many believe that the State is no longer necessary in a current international law environment, others defend its applicability and relevance. Many theories of the State have risen either as justification for its existence or termination. Sphere sovereignty is a known theory within the Christian tradition. It lacks, however, acknowledgement in a wider context. Although this theory presents a relevant approach to the formation and the meaning of the State, its origins and developments are not widely known. The article proposes the reader to look back in order to understand the roots of sphere sovereignty and its basic tenets to, then, look forward, proposing that some challenges in international law could be faced through the lens of sphere sovereignty.
Highlights
Our world is experiencing a disruptive era, where new forms of social, political, economic and legal conviviality are continuously challenging traditional values and conceptions
To look forward at the future implications of this theory, evince that some of the current international law challenges could be explained by sphere sovereignty: First, the maintenance of State’s external sovereignty in a globalized environment; and, second, the justification for the participation of several non-governmental entities in an international realm
Sphere sovereignty teaches that the sovereign powers belong to God alone, even though He delegates it to be exercised by different associations
Summary
Beirne School of Law, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Email address: To cite this article: Renato Saeger Magalhaes Costa. A Sphere Sovereignty Theory of the State: Looking Back and Looking Forward.
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