Idea suwerenności wewnętrznej państwa – ujęcie klasyczne i jego współczesna reinterpretacja

Abstract

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The aim of the paper is an analysis of the notion of sovereignty from a classical perspective and its modern interpretation. THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The research problem centres around the analysis of the classical approach to sovereignty, which implies its supreme authority, that is the ability to regulate every aspect and task within the state’s territory on the basis of its exclusive competences. The article presents the ideas of such authors as: J. Bodin, T. Hobbes, J. Locke and J. J., which are followed by their contemporary reinterpretation. THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: The article begins with a historical overview of the development of the notion of sovereignty of a state, which is followed by their contemporary interpretation in the context of the new challenges it faces and processes leading to the reduction of its executive authority. RESEARCH RESULTS: The interpretation of the notion of sovereignty has undergone historical evolution and moved from identifying it with absolute self-governance and supreme authority to contemporary variants of the notion making reference to the state’s function in today’s international community. CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Fears regarding the ability of the state to continue its existence as the institution maintaining the highest power over a given territory seem unfounded, as, by creating various international structures aimed at tightening inter-state cooperation, states successfully protect their sovereignty. The contemporary challenges they have to face lead to the need to reinterpret the notion of sovereignty so as to embrace new relations between such entities as the individual, society, and nation or state.