The Viability of Transnational Referendums

Abstract

With every passing year, the borders between states weaken, with less trade barriers and restrictions of movement. So too do the issues of one state more and more become shared with that state’s neighbours. Theorists of cosmopolitan democracy have suggested that where issues have effects that stretch beyond borders, every citizen who is potentially affected by it should have a say on that issue. One suggestion is, in conjunction with representation via the state in the international forum, that of transnational referendums. David Held’s suggestion is for such referendums to occur in the case of “contested priorities concerning the implementation of core cosmopolitan concerns”, with a number of different practical applications. Held suggests that this could ask either a cross section of the public, targeted or significantly affected groups, or policy makers and/or legislators.