Sovereignty: It’s not just theoretical

With what might best be described as a Season of Revolution currently unfolding in the Middle East and North Africa, questions have begun to arise (in my mind at least) as to the changing role of states as well as that of the international community in the midst of revolution and civil unrest. As such conflicts erupt, governments and citizens alike must come to an understanding of who is responsible to whom, and to what extent power and control equate or call for responsible action in the interest of the citizenry. The ultimate question being: does sovereignty rest with the government of the state or the citizenry of the state? The answer to this question is crucial, as it ostensibly informs the actions not only of the state in question, but of the international community at large. Read more…