# The system theory of Niklas Luhmann and the constitutionalization of the world society #### 2012 - Clemens Mattheis **Link**: http://gojil.uni-goettingen.de/ojs/index.php/gojil/article/view/284 **DOI**: 10.3249/1868-1581-4-2-MATTHEIS **Links**: **Tags**: **zotLink**: [zot](zotero://select/items/@mattheisSystemTheoryNiklas2012) ###Abstract ``` The article takes a critical look at the current ‘constitutionalization vs. fragmentation’ debate and examines it on a system theory-based outlook. The historical background deals with Niklas Luhmann’s system theory and analyses whether his move ‘from territoriality to functionality’ is applicable to modern international law. The contribution analyses a possible constitutionalization in Luhmann’s “world society” in form of structural couplings and beyond a societal constitutionalism or a postnational order. The essential argument is that there is a constitutional system-theoretical element in modern, state-centered international law: a value-based, ‘structural coupling’ between the political system and the law system in terms common values such as core human rights and basic principles. ``` ### Notes-Highlights