Supranationalism

Supranationalism is a method of decision-making in international organizations, where power is held by independent appointed officials or by representatives elected by the legislatures or people of the member states. Member-state governments still have power, but they must share this power with other actors. Furthermore, decisions are made by majority votes, hence it is possible for a member-state to be forced by the other member-states to implement a decision against its will.

An alternative method of decision-making in international organizations is intergovernmentalism.

Few international organisations today operate on the basis of supranationalism; the main exceptions are the European Union, the World Trade Organisation, and the South American Community of Nations, often called supranational unions, as they incorporate both intergovernmental and supranational elements.

See also

• Federation