Territory, Authority, Rights

Synopsis

Where does the nation-state end and globalization begin? In Territory, Authority, Rights, one of the world's leading authorities on globalization shows how the national state made today's global era possible. Saskia Sassen argues that even while globalization is best understood as "denationalization," it continues to be shaped, channeled, and enabled by institutions and networks originally developed with nations in mind, such as the rule of law and respect for private authority. This process of state making produced some of the capabilities enabling the global era. The difference is that these capabilities have become part of new organizing logics: actors other than nation-states deploy them for new purposes. Sassen builds her case by examining how three components of any society in any age--territory, authority, and rights--have changed in themselves and in their interrelationships across three major historical "assemblages": the medieval, the national, and the global.

The book consists of three parts. The first, "Assembling the National," traces the emergence of territoriality in the Middle Ages and considers monarchical divinity as a precursor to sovereign secular authority. The second part, "Disassembling the National," analyzes economic, legal, technological, and political conditions and projects that are shaping new organizing logics. The third part, "Assemblages of a Global Digital Age," examines particular intersections of the new digital technologies with territory, authority, and rights.

Sweeping in scope, rich in detail, and highly readable, Territory, Authority, Rights is a definitive new statement on globalization that will resonate throughout the social sciences.

Summary

Chapter 1: Territory and Boundaries

* Territory refers to physical and social spaces over which individuals, groups, or states claim control and ownership.
* Boundaries define the limits and demarcation of territories and can be either physical (e.g., walls, fences) or symbolic (e.g., cultural norms, language).
* Example: A homeowner's property boundary separates their land from their neighbor's and establishes their exclusive right over their property.

Chapter 2: Authority and Legitimacy

* Authority refers to the power and authority exercised by individuals or institutions over a territory or group of people.
* Legitimacy is the perceived rightfulness and acceptance of authority, which can stem from various sources such as tradition, charisma, or legal-rational processes.
* Example: A government's authority is legitimized through the electoral process, where citizens consent to their governance.

Chapter 3: Rights and Liberties

* Rights are entitlements or freedoms that individuals or groups claim and enjoy within a territory or society.
* Liberties are specific actions or behaviors that are protected from government interference.
* Example: Freedom of speech is a right that allows individuals to express their opinions without fear of censorship.

Chapter 4: Territoriality and Identity

* Territoriality is the behavioral tendency to defend and maintain a specific territory against perceived threats.
* Identity is closely linked to territory, as individuals and groups develop a sense of belonging and cultural connection to the places they inhabit.
* Example: A local sports team can inspire a strong sense of territoriality and community identity among its fans.

Chapter 5: Territorial Disputes and Conflict

* Territorial disputes arise when two or more parties claim control over the same territory or boundary.
* Conflicts over territory can be driven by economic resources, geopolitical ambitions, or cultural and historical factors.
* Example: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine is rooted in competing territorial claims and a prolonged history of political and religious tensions.

Chapter 6: Territory in the Digital Age

* Technology and digital spaces have expanded the concept of territory beyond physical boundaries.
* Cyberspace and social media platforms create new forms of territoriality and jurisdiction, raising questions about digital rights, freedom of expression, and privacy.
* Example: The European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) establishes regulations for the use and protection of personal data within the digital sphere.

Chapter 7: Territoriality, Authority, and Rights in a Globalizing World

* Globalization has challenged traditional notions of territorial sovereignty and authority.
* Transnational organizations, migration patterns, and international law have influenced the allocation of rights and responsibilities across borders.
* Example: The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples recognizes the rights and cultural autonomy of Indigenous communities worldwide, transcending national boundaries.