Supranationalism is a method of decision-making in
international organizations, where power is held by independent appointed officials or by representatives elected by the legislatures or people of the member states. Member-state governments still have power, but they must share this power with other actors. Furthermore, decisions are made by majority votes, hence it is possible for a member-state to be
forced by the other member-states to implement a decision against its will.
An alternative method of decision-making in international organizations is intergovernmentalism.
Few international organisations today operate on the basis of supranationalism; the main exception is the European Union, which incorporates both intergovernmental and supranational elements.
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