This article from Asia Times traces the origin of the notion of legitimacy of government into what became the notion of the sovereign nation at the end of the 30 years war in 1648. While the UN charter embraces sovereignty, the US has long embraced legitimacy. (George W. Bush please note!) I don't know whether the re-invention of the UN in the coming years will turn on the distinction, but I do know that being aware of this intellectual lineage will help my understanding of unfolding events.
Posted by Donald Douglas at October 20, 2003 07:33 PM | TrackBack