Networked statehood: an institutionalised self-contradiction in the process of globalisation?. (2nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Golia, Angelo; Teubner, Gunther
• Is Part Of: Transnational legal theory. Volume 12:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 7
• Page End: 43
• Publication Date: 2021-01-02
• Subjects: Transnational regimes and networks -- statehood -- globalisation -- systems theory -- international organisations; International law -- Periodicals; Comparative law -- Periodicals; Conflict of laws -- Periodicals; Jurisprudence -- Periodicals; 341
• DOI: 10.1080/20414005.2021.1927608
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2041-4013

Abstract

ABSTRACT: World economy and world science have not yet found a counterpart in a world state and probably never will. However, the contours of a political system have emerged, which fulfil the functions of statehood at the global level. Such a system does not take the form of a uniform corporative-hierarchical collectivity but of networked statehood, ie a network of individual states, international organisations, and transnational regimes. Relying on social science and legal constructions, this article offers a positive and negative definition of this concept and an analysis of its intrinsically self-contradictory character traits. Despite these unavoidable contradictions, this article argues that networked statehood still provides considerable advantages and outlines general principles of a future law of networked statehood. These outlines are founded on the belief that networked statehood must be seen as a new and distinct legal form of action but likewise facing the problem of democratic legitimacy.