Althusius and the concept of majestas: a preliminary study of its impact in International Relations

Abstract

Johannes Althusius’ work is seminal in political theory, especially in the context of political and religious conflict in Europe. In Politica, he addresses key issues such as sovereignty, the internal organisation of states and the relations between them, with important implications for law and international relations. His notion of majestas/sovereignty reflects an evolution from the Middle Ages to Jean Bodin, seeking to define the supreme power of political communities. Althusius also distinguishes between full and non-full confederations, outlining a classification of how political communities can be grouped at the international level. His legacy remains relevant in studies on sovereignty, federalism, and political associations.