Supranationalist

A supranationalist is an individual who advocates for or supports a form of international cooperation where nations cede some degree of sovereignty to a larger entity or authority for the benefit of the collective. This entity, often a union or alliance, possesses power and decision-making capabilities that transcend national boundaries. Supranationalism prioritizes global or regional interests over solely national ones, emphasizing collaboration and shared governance to address challenges such as economic stability, security, environmental concerns, and human rights. Supranationalists believe that pooling resources and coordinating policies at a higher level ultimately strengthens individual nations and contributes to a more peaceful and prosperous world, even if some autonomy is sacrificed.

Supranationalist meaning with examples

• The European Union, a key example of supranationalism, allows nations to cooperate on trade, and economic policies. The ardent supranationalist believed that relinquishing some national control would streamline processes and boost overall economic performance within the EU. The aim was a more integrated and competitive European market, transcending individual member nations' limitations.
• Despite the rise of nationalism, some politicians remain staunch supranationalist advocates for further global integration. They emphasize that issues like climate change and pandemics require a unified, global response, which can be difficult to achieve with only national action. Their vision involves international agreements and shared responsibilities above individual country's self-interest.
• During the Cold War, some supranationalist groups believed in a unified world government. They proposed systems of collective security and conflict resolution. They aimed to transcend the ideological divide through global cooperation. Though seemingly far-fetched then, they hoped the destruction caused by war would be prevented by sharing the burden of defense.
• The founding fathers of the UN were driven by supranationalist ideals, hoping to prevent future conflicts. They focused on international cooperation, emphasizing dialogue, diplomacy, and collective security. Despite limitations, the UN remains an important platform for addressing international challenges and is rooted in supranationalist thinking.
• Financial markets and multinational corporations have become key drivers of supranationalism in the modern era. Their operations often operate beyond the control of national governments. This has forced politicians to consider their power and the potential need to create international bodies to regulate them. The effect is an increasingly interconnected world economy.