Abstract

Sovereignty under external constraint.

This constitutional analysis examines the relationship between external security assurances, sovereign constitutional authority, and the lawful scope of executive diplomacy in the context of Guyana’s territorial controversy with Venezuela.

Published in connection with regional security developments surrounding the “Shield of the Americas” initiative and evolving United States strategic policy in the Western Hemisphere, the analysis considers how smaller constitutional democracies engage powerful external actors while preserving institutional independence and constitutional legitimacy.

It argues that external security alignment strengthens sovereignty only where constitutional control over national decision-making remains intact and where international legal processes continue to govern territorial settlement. The analysis further explores the constitutional implications of strategic interdependence, executive responsibility, and international adjudication under conditions shaped by broader regional security doctrine.

Keywords

Keywords and subject references.

Shield of the Americas; Guyana; Venezuela; constitutional governance; sovereignty; executive authority; presidential diplomacy; territorial integrity; International Court of Justice; constitutional legitimacy; regional security; external security guarantees; constitutional law; strategic interdependence; Western Hemisphere security; international adjudication; foreign affairs authority; constitutional diplomacy.

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