Exploring the Concept of Sovereignty: The Role of 主権者 in Modern Governance

Introduction Sovereignty is a foundational concept in political theory and international relations, traditionally understood as the ultimate authority within a territory. The term “主権者” (shuken-sha), which translates to “sovereign” in Japanese, emphasizes the role of the sovereign as the holder of the supreme power of governance. This paper aims to explore the concept of sovereignty by analyzing the role of 主権者 in modern governance, particularly in the context of nation-states, globalization, and the rise of non-state actors. By examining the implications of sovereignty for contemporary political structures and practices, this report seeks to clarify the evolving nature of sovereignty in a rapidly changing world.

The Concept of Sovereignty Sovereignty, at its core, refers to the ability of a state or governing body to exercise authority without external interference. Historically, this concept has been associated with the Treaty of Westphalia (1648), which established the principles of territorial integrity and non-interference in the domestic affairs of states. In modern governance, the notion