A Study on the Paradigm Shift in Public International Law: Transition from Absolute to Relative Sovereignty

AUTHOR(S)

PRAJWAL BHATTARAI

ABSTRACT

—— This research delves into the intricate evolution of sovereignty within the framework of Public International Law (PIL), exploring the transition from absolute sovereignty to the contemporary concept of relative sovereignty. Drawing upon foundational principles, including the nature, scope, and sources of international law, alongside modern theories of interpretation, the study examines the nuanced interplay between national and international legal regimes. Through a comparative lens, it scrutinizes the distinctions between absolute and relative sovereignty, elucidating how the latter concept recalibrates state autonomy within a globalized landscape. By evaluating pertinent case studies and legal precedents, the research elucidates how the freedom of individual states is intricately intertwined with the liberties of others, and how state independence is contingent upon adherence to international legal norms. This analysis offers valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of sovereignty in PIL, underlining the imperative of harmonizing national interests with the principles of international law. This study explores how the idea of sovereignty in international law has shifted from being absolute to relative. It looks at the basic principles, where international law comes from, how it has grown over time, and how we interpret it today. We also compare national and international laws and examine what sovereignty means for a state. Through examples and case studies, we see how the freedom of one state is affected by the freedoms of others and how international law influences a state’s independence. This research sheds light on the changing nature of sovereignty in today’s world, showing how states must balance their own interests with the rules of the global community. Keywords — Sovereignty, Public International Law (PIL), Absolute and Relative Sovereignty, International Legal Regimes, State Autonomy, International Legal Norms, Comparative Analysis, Legal Precedents, Harmonization, State Interests, Global Community.