The Continuing Question of Sovereignty and the Sovereign Military Order of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta

21 Pages Posted: 4 Jun 2008

Date Written: June 2008

Abstract

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is the only organisation currently recognised, albeit by a minority of States, as quasi-sovereign. The article begins with a brief look at the concepts of sovereignty and statehood as traditionally understood. The case of the Order of Malta is then examined in its historical context, and the basis for its claimed sovereignty assessed. Recent reconsideration of the concept of State sovereignty, and challenges to the State, are then considered. The lessons from the example of the Order of Malta for the relationship of territory and statehood are evaluated.

Keywords: law, sovereignty, statehood, Order of Malta

JEL Classification: K10, K33

Suggested Citation

Cox, Noel S.B., The Continuing Question of Sovereignty and the Sovereign Military Order of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta (June 2008). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1140462 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1140462

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