Abstract Authority and Irresponsibilization: Structural Transformation of Responsibility in Modern Sovereignty

This paper introduces the concept of “irresponsibilization” as a structural transformation within modern sovereignty. Irresponsibilization refers to a process in which decision-making authority is exercised while the attribution of corresponding responsibility becomes institutionally indeterminate. The paper proposes a three-layer structural model consisting of: 1. Symbolic overconcentration of legitimacy2. Functional dispersion of decision-making3. Normative suppression of institutional critique When these layers converge, sovereignty appears unified while responsibility becomes politically unrecoverable. This condition is conceptualized as “abstract authority.” Building upon and extending insights from Max Weber and Hannah Arendt, the paper repositions responsibility as a structural variable rather than a purely normative concept. This record includes:- English version (v1.0)- Japanese version (v1.0)- Conceptual diagram (Figure 1)- Figure README file- References files (EN/JP) Version 1.0 (February 2026).