key term - Westphalian Sovereignty

Definition

Westphalian sovereignty refers to the principle of international law that each state has exclusive sovereignty over its territory. It establishes the modern state system, where states have the right to self-governance and non-interference from external actors within their borders.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Westphalian system emerged from the Peace of Westphalia treaties in 1648, which ended the Thirty Years' War in Europe.
2. Westphalian sovereignty established the modern nation-state as the primary unit of international politics, with each state having equal legal status and territorial integrity.
3. The principle of non-intervention is a key aspect of Westphalian sovereignty, prohibiting states from interfering in the internal affairs of other states.
4. Westphalian sovereignty has been challenged by the rise of global governance, human rights norms, and the increasing interdependence of states in the modern world.
5. The concept of Westphalian sovereignty is often contrasted with the idea of popular sovereignty, where the people within a state are the ultimate source of political authority.

Review Questions

• Explain the key features of Westphalian sovereignty and how it shaped the modern international system.
  • Westphalian sovereignty established the modern nation-state as the primary unit of international politics, with each state having equal legal status and the exclusive right to control its territory and internal affairs. This principle of non-intervention, where states cannot interfere in the domestic matters of other states, became a cornerstone of the international system. Westphalian sovereignty laid the foundation for the modern state system, where states are recognized as the sole legitimate actors in global affairs and have the right to self-governance within their borders.
• Analyze how the concept of Westphalian sovereignty has been challenged in the modern era.
  • The traditional Westphalian model of sovereignty has faced increasing challenges in the modern world. The rise of global governance institutions, the growing importance of human rights norms, and the increasing interdependence of states have all undermined the absolute authority of the state within its borders. Transnational issues like climate change, terrorism, and pandemics require coordinated international responses that transcend state boundaries. Additionally, the principle of non-intervention has been questioned in cases of humanitarian crises or gross human rights violations, leading to the development of the 'Responsibility to Protect' doctrine. These developments have put pressure on the traditional Westphalian conception of sovereignty, requiring states to balance their autonomy with greater global cooperation and accountability.
• Evaluate the significance of the Westphalian model of sovereignty in the context of the transition from the classical to the modern international system.
  • The Westphalian model of sovereignty was a pivotal development in the transition from the classical to the modern international system. Prior to the Peace of Westphalia, the international order was characterized by a complex web of overlapping authorities, religious and dynastic loyalties, and a lack of clear territorial boundaries. The Westphalian system established the nation-state as the primary unit of international politics, with each state having the exclusive right to control its territory and internal affairs. This shift towards a state-centric model of international relations laid the foundation for the modern international system, where states are recognized as the sole legitimate actors and the principle of non-intervention is a central tenet. While the Westphalian model has faced challenges in the modern era, its core principles continue to shape the dynamics of global politics, as states strive to balance their sovereignty with the demands of an increasingly interconnected world.

Related terms

Sovereignty:

The supreme power or authority within a territory or state, giving a state the right to self-governance and control over its internal and external affairs.

Non-Intervention: The principle that states should not interfere in the internal affairs of other states, respecting their sovereignty and right to self-determination.

Anarchy:

The absence of a central authority or government, leading to a state of disorder and chaos in the international system.