Debatten Um Die Souveranitat

Jean Bodin's book Six Livres de la Republique, first published in 1576, has left a lasting impression on European political thought. Generations of political philosophers and experts in constitutional law have dealt with his reflections on the state and sovereignty. In light of present issues, whether state debt crises or the erosion of statehood through internal conflicts, Bodin's ideas remain strikingly relevant: only sovereign state power, inextricably linked with the rule of law and good governance, can secure peace both within and outside of a state's borders. This volume explores the essential elements of Bodin's theory of the state, including his conceptions of good governance, sovereignty, justice, and public finance. Furthermore, it examines current debates on sovereignty as well as early modern controversies surrounding Bodin's theories, from which stemmed, among others, concepts of federalism.