Sovereignty: The Evolution of an Idea

“A strong, coherent and logical narrative ... Its lucid and cogent approach makes it highly useful to those new to the subject and its substantial arguments will stimulate those who are more advanced.”
International Affairs

“Sovereignty is a systematic survey of the history of an idea. It accomplishes the ambitious task of untangling the often conflated concepts of authority, supremacy, independence and power from sovereignty. As such, it is a must-have for researchers and teachers concerned with understanding the development of independent, sovereign states.”
David A. Armstrong, Nuffield College, Oxford

“Sovereignty is the great survivor among modern political concepts. Its death – and the retreat of the State and society of states that it supports – have often been foretold. Yet they persist. In this penetrating and elegantly written book Robert Jackson explains why. It will be indispensable reading for all students of politics and international relations.”
James Mayall, Centre of International Studies, Cambridge

“Historically grounded and philosophically rich, Jackson’s examination of sovereignty will take a deserved place among the primary works on this foundational concept of international politics. In illustrating how the practices and institutions of sovereignty retain their vitality, he also demonstrates the freshness and cogency of his own thought.”
David Clinton, Baylor University