A Sphere Sovereignty Theory of the State: Looking Back and Looking Forward

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.