The Concept of Sovereignty and the Transnational Challenge of Global Religions. A Theoretical Framework

This paper aims at analysing the concept of sovereignty from a peculiar perspective. Instead of the typical global powers considered by scholars (economic and financial powers), it will pay specific attention to global Religions. After an initial clarification of what ‘Religions’ are intended to be from this viewpoint, the paper will discuss the idea, proposed by an eminent academic, to consider global religions as “new transnational nations”. Does this idea represent only a useful metaphor or a realistic perspective not to be underrated? May we make a persuasive comparison between the classic elements of a State and the contemporary structure of global religions?