What is the term for a venture involving three or more national states with cooperation to promote shared objectives, often at the expense of sovereignty (ex. the European Union)?

• A. Supranationalism
• B. Internationalism
• C. United Nations
• D. European Union

Answer: (A)

Supranationalism is when three or more countries pool some of their sovereignty and operate through institutions that can make binding decisions for all member states. This arrangement aims to advance shared objectives—like trade rules, security collaboration, or regulatory standards—even if that means giving up a degree of national control. The European Union is a clear example, with institutions that can adopt rules and policies that member countries must follow.

Internationalism describes general cooperation among nations without creating a higher authority that can compel states to act. The United Nations is an international organization that coordinates diplomacy, aid, and rules, but it does not embody the idea of surrendering sovereignty to a single supranational body. The European Union is a real-world instance of supranationalism, not the term itself.