This work investigates the evolving nature of sovereignty within the context of the United Kingdom and the European Union, questioning whether the traditional concept of the sovereign state remains viable in a post-sovereign era. Sir Neil MacCormick, a distinguished legal philosopher, utilizes his expertise in jurisprudence and constitutional theory to analyze the shifting power dynamics between national governments and supranational entities. He argues that the rise of the European Union and the internal pressures of devolution necessitate a fundamental re-evaluation of how we define statehood and national identity in the modern world.

Legal scholars and political scientists frequently cite this text as a foundational contribution to the debate on European constitutionalism. Readers often note the high level of academic rigor and the sophisticated philosophical approach applied to contemporary political structures.