Hybrid Sovereignty in World Politics

Hybrid sovereignty is the idea of overlapping relations between public and private actors in global power, such as contractors fighting international wars, corporations regulating global markets, or governments collaborating with nongovernmental entities to influence foreign elections. This study reveals how hybrid power operated at some of the most important turning points in world history, and it is crucial to understand how it emerged and continues to shape international relations to sustain meaningful dialogues about the future of global power and political authority.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 307 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The concept of hybrid sovereignty encompasses intricate and multifaceted relationships between public and private actors in critical domains of global power. These actors include contractors engaged in international warfare, corporations overseeing global markets, and governments partnering with non-governmental organizations to influence foreign elections. This groundbreaking research unveils the hidden dynamics and often overlooked complexities that underpin the global order, where power flows seamlessly across public and private boundaries. Through extensive original archival research, Swati Srivastava uncovers the untold stories of how hybrid power played a pivotal role in shaping world history, including the expansion of the British empire, the founding of the United States, the establishment of free trade, the realization of transnational human rights, and the conduct of twenty-first-century wars. Understanding the origins and ongoing influence of hybrid sovereignty is essential for fostering meaningful discussions about the future of global power and political authority. By delving into these complex interconnections, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the challenges and opportunities that arise in an increasingly interconnected world.

ISBN-13: 9781009204477