"Prospettive per una democrazia post-sovranista"

Abstract: Neither in its exercise nor in theoretical debate is the state’s sovereignty absolute any more. Indeed, a certain “fragility” can be observed in the traditional concept of sovereignty based on the definition of an impermeable territory and an exclusive identity. Instead greater consideration is given to “responsible sovereignty” and its functions. On this basis it is possible to judge the legitimacy of how sovereignty, for instance in its “duty of protection” or in its “duty of prevention”, is exercised with regard to human rights and the dignity of the person. Increasingly these functions of national sovereignty are evaluated by the international community. World power seems set on a track towards a twofold form of legitimacy: on the one hand, a partial but “inclusive” sovereignty, that is, open to the universal dimension of human rights; and, on the other hand, transnational processes of legitimation from below that may be developed to create a worldwide elected assembly.