Sovereignty

Definition

Sovereignty is the supreme authority of a state to govern itself and make its own decisions without interference from external forces. This concept is central to the modern state system, as it underpins the idea of nation-states having full control over their territory and political affairs. Sovereignty has been challenged in recent years due to globalization, which often leads to interconnectedness that can diminish the absolute power of individual states.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sovereignty became a key principle in international law with the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, which ended the Thirty Years' War and recognized the rights of states to govern themselves.
2. Modern globalization has led to increased economic interdependence, which can challenge traditional notions of sovereignty by allowing external influences to shape domestic policies.
3. The rise of international organizations like the United Nations can complicate state sovereignty by promoting collective decision-making on global issues like climate change and human rights.
4. Some states voluntarily limit their sovereignty through treaties or agreements that enhance cooperation on shared concerns, such as trade or security.
5. Issues like humanitarian intervention bring forth debates about when it's acceptable to infringe on a state's sovereignty for moral or ethical reasons.

Review Questions

• How has the concept of sovereignty evolved with the rise of globalization?
  • The concept of sovereignty has evolved significantly with globalization, which fosters greater interconnectedness among states. While traditional sovereignty emphasizes a state's absolute control over its territory and affairs, globalization introduces external economic and political influences that can impact this control. States increasingly find themselves navigating complex relationships where they must balance national interests with international obligations, leading to debates about how much sovereignty they are willing to cede for cooperation in areas like trade and environmental policy.
• Discuss the implications of intervention on the principle of sovereignty in modern international relations.
  • Intervention in sovereign states raises critical questions about the balance between respecting national sovereignty and addressing humanitarian crises or violations of human rights. The idea that one state can intervene in another's affairs challenges the foundational principle of sovereignty, often leading to tensions in international relations. While interventions may be justified on moral grounds, they can also provoke resistance from the affected states and spark debates about legitimacy and legality in international law.
• Evaluate how international organizations influence state sovereignty and provide examples.
  • International organizations influence state sovereignty by promoting collective action on global challenges that transcend national borders. For example, the United Nations encourages member states to cooperate on issues like climate change, where unilateral action may not suffice. This cooperation can lead to states agreeing to limit certain aspects of their sovereignty for the greater good. However, this creates tension as some states may perceive such agreements as constraints on their autonomy, highlighting the ongoing negotiation between maintaining sovereignty and participating in global governance.

Related terms

Nation-State: A political entity characterized by a defined territory, permanent population, government, and recognized sovereignty.

Globalization: The process of increasing interconnectedness among countries through trade, communication, and cultural exchange, which can impact national sovereignty.

Intervention: The act of a country or organization intervening in the affairs of another sovereign state, often raising questions about the legitimacy and limits of sovereignty.