The Sovereign Spine: How Institutions Stay True to Their Intent Over Time

This paper examines how institutions maintain alignment with their declared purpose over extended time horizons. It develops the concept of the sovereign spine as a structural property of institutional decision systems that preserves coherence across governance layers. The paper explores how alignment is sustained through continuous translation and adjustment rather than fixed control. It contributes a structural account of institutional stability and long-term coherence. This paper is part of the Coherence Programme. Further materials and companion papers are available at: https://thecoherenceprogramme.org/