A supranational organization is a multinational entity where member countries relinquish some level of authority and sovereignty on certain matters to the union, and decisions made by the group are binding for these countries. Essentially, member states participate in joint decision-making on issues that will impact their citizens.
The EU, United Nations, and the World Trade Organization (WTO) represent varying degrees of supranational cooperation. Specifically within the EU, policies are collectively voted on, affecting each member nation.
Such supranational entities are considered by many as effective modalities to govern international affairs, aimed at preventing conflicts and fostering cooperation, particularly in economic and military domains. However, critics, especially those with nationalist perspectives, argue that submission to international rules and decisions of supranational organizations effectively undermines the sovereignty of member states and their citizens.
Key Takeaways
- Supranational organizations establish international rules to govern nations’ affairs, primarily to prevent conflicts.
- Member countries of organizations like the EU and WTO agree to share sovereignty regarding specific issues.
- These organizations amplify collective influence in global matters.
- Citizens from member states often voice concerns about ‘interference’ in local matters.
A Shift Towards Supranational Governance
The development of supranational organizations marks a significant transformation—or divergence, depending on one’s perspective—from the Westphalian notion of absolute sovereignty where nation-states were not accountable to external authorities in domestic or international politics, except in cases of conflict or treaties.
Prominence of supranational ideologies amplified notably after the two world wars in the early 20th century. To mitigate future devastating wars, nations then exhibited increasing willingness to pool sovereignty on certain issues, predominantly trade-related, into a supranational body’s decision process.
Among such entities, the EU, considered the epitome of a supranational organization, was envisioned in the 1950s essentially to avert wars amongst neighboring states. The European Coal and Steel Community was its first form.
The European Union: A True Example of Supranationalism
The quintessential example of a nearly complete supranational union is the European Union. Through the Europe Declaration of 1951, the progenitors of the original EU framework – the European Coal and Steel Community – proclaimed the formation of the “first supranational institution,” aspiring to build an organized Europe.
Following World War II, prominent voices like Albert Einstein even called for a supranational body to oversee military contingents including nations like the U.S., Soviet Union, and Great Britain, though such an institution never materialized.
Over decades, the EU has seen dramatic evolution from its nascent form but not without struggles. A populist surge amid economic uncertainties and the effects of globalization led Britain to the unprecedented decision of exiting the EU in 2016 (Brexit).
Related Terms: Globalization, International Law, Multilateral Organizations, National Sovereignty.
