14.3 Sovereignty and Anarchy
3 min read•june 18, 2024
and shape global politics. States have supreme authority within their borders and interact in a system without a higher power. This creates a complex web of relationships, where countries balance their interests against international norms.
The modern international system reflects these dynamics. States navigate power balances, , and arrangements while grappling with 's impact on traditional sovereignty. Understanding these concepts is key to grasping global politics.
The Concept of Sovereignty
Sovereignty in state behavior
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- Sovereignty grants states supreme authority to govern themselves and make decisions independently without external interference
- Internal sovereignty refers to a state's authority over its own territory and population, allowing it to determine domestic policies and governance structures
- External sovereignty ensures a state's independence from outside intervention and grants it the right to engage with other states as an equal partner ()
- Sovereignty shapes state behavior by enabling states to pursue their own interests and goals, enter into agreements and treaties, and determine their own domestic policies
- The principle of , a key aspect of sovereignty, prohibits states from intervening in the internal affairs of other states (Russia's annexation of Crimea)
- emphasizes the principle of territorial integrity and non-intervention in the affairs of other states
Anarchy in International Relations
Anarchy in international relations
- in international relations describes the absence of a central authority or government above the level of sovereign states, with no "world government" to enforce rules or resolve disputes
- States are the highest authority in the international system and must rely on their own capabilities to protect their interests and ensure their security and survival
- Anarchy influences interactions between states by creating a system that encourages competition and conflict as states seek to maximize their power and influence (US-China rivalry)
- The , a key consequence of anarchy, arises when actions taken by states to increase their own security are perceived as threats by other states, leading to arms races and potential conflict (India-Pakistan tensions)
- , a prominent theory in international relations, emphasizes the importance of power and self-interest in an anarchic system
Sovereignty vs anarchy in global politics
- Sovereignty and anarchy are closely intertwined in the international system, with sovereignty providing the basis for state authority and anarchy shaping the context in which states interact
- The interplay between sovereignty and anarchy affects state decision-making by:
- Encouraging states to prioritize their own interests and security above other considerations (US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement)
- Making states reluctant to cede authority to international institutions or accept limitations on their sovereignty (US opposition to the International Criminal Court)
- Creating incentives for states to engage in self-help behavior, such as building military capabilities or forming alliances ()
- The impact of sovereignty and anarchy on international cooperation is complex:
- Sovereignty can facilitate cooperation by providing a basis for states to enter into agreements as equal partners ()
- Anarchy can hinder cooperation by making it difficult to enforce agreements and creating incentives for states to defect from cooperative arrangements ()
- International institutions and regimes can help mitigate the effects of anarchy by providing forums for cooperation and dispute resolution, but their effectiveness is limited by the underlying principle of state sovereignty ()
- The tension between sovereignty and anarchy is a central feature of global politics, shaping the behavior of states and the prospects for international cooperation and conflict (North Korea's nuclear program)
The Modern International System
Key concepts in the international system
- The forms the foundation of modern international relations, with sovereign states as the primary actors
- is a key mechanism for maintaining stability in an anarchic system, as states seek to prevent any single state from becoming too powerful
- provides a framework for regulating state behavior and resolving disputes, though its enforcement remains challenging in an anarchic system
- arrangements aim to deter aggression by creating mutual defense commitments among states
- Globalization has increased interdependence among states, challenging traditional notions of sovereignty and creating new forms of cooperation and conflict
Key Terms to Review (29)
Anarchy: Anarchy in the context of international relations describes a condition where there is no central authority that governs the actions of states globally. It underscores a system where sovereign states operate independently and are primarily self-regulating without overarching control.
Anarchy: Anarchy refers to a state of disorder or absence of governmental authority in a society. It is a concept that is often associated with the international system, where there is no central governing body or authority that can enforce rules and regulations among sovereign states.
Assad: Bashar al-Assad has been the President of Syria since July 2000, succeeding his father Hafez al-Assad. His leadership is characterized by an authoritarian regime, maintaining power through a combination of political maneuvering and military force, amidst internal conflict and international scrutiny.
Balance of power: The balance of power is a principle in international relations that aims to prevent any one nation or alliance from becoming too dominant by equally distributing power among competing states or alliances. It operates on the premise that equal power among states will deter aggressive actions and maintain stability.
Balance of Power: The balance of power refers to the distribution of power and influence among different actors, whether they are individuals, groups, institutions, or nations, in a given system. It is a concept that emphasizes the importance of maintaining a relative equilibrium of power to prevent any single entity from dominating or becoming too powerful within a specific context.
Collective security: Collective security is a system designed by a group of nations to prevent aggression by any one member against another, ensuring mutual protection. It relies on the principle that an attack on one is considered an attack on all, necessitating joint action to repel the aggressor.
Collective Security: Collective security is a system where nations agree to collectively defend any member state that is attacked, with the goal of preventing war and promoting global stability. It is based on the principle that an attack on one nation is an attack on all nations in the system.
Globalization: Globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of the world's economies, cultures, and populations driven by the expansion of international trade, investment, and communication. It is a multifaceted process that has profound implications across various aspects of political, economic, and social life.
Globalization Introduction,: Globalization is the process through which businesses, ideas, and cultures spread around the world, creating a more interconnected and interdependent global economy. It involves the increasing interaction among governments, companies, and people across international borders.
International law: International law encompasses rules and norms governing the behavior of states and international entities in their interactions with each other. It aims to facilitate cooperation, resolve conflicts, and establish a framework for international relations.
International Law: International law is the set of rules, norms, and standards that govern the interactions and relations between nations, states, and other international actors. It provides a framework for cooperation, conflict resolution, and the establishment of rights and obligations in the global arena.
Iran Nuclear Deal: The Iran Nuclear Deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), is an agreement reached in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 (the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council—China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States—plus Germany) along with the European Union. The deal aimed to ensure that Iran's nuclear program would be exclusively peaceful by imposing limitations and rigorous inspections in exchange for lifting economic sanctions on Iran.
Kyoto Protocol: The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement adopted in 1997 that set binding emissions reduction targets for developed countries in an effort to combat global climate change. It represents a landmark international effort to address the environmental crisis of greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on the planet.
Legislative sovereignty system: A legislative sovereignty system is a political structure where the legislature holds supreme power over the creation, amendment, and repeal of laws, often with limited checks from other branches of government. In this context, it contrasts with systems where courts (judicial review) or executives have comparable or superior influence over legal matters.
NATO: NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a political and military alliance formed in 1949 to promote collective security and defense among its member states. It serves as a key actor in the international system, contributing to global governance and regional cooperation.
Non-Interference: Non-interference is a principle that emphasizes the importance of respecting the sovereignty and autonomy of states, by refraining from intervening in their internal affairs or external relations. It is a core tenet of international relations, closely linked to the concepts of sovereignty and anarchy in the global system.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO): NATO is a military alliance formed in 1949 comprising 30 member countries from North America and Europe committed to mutual defense in response to an attack by any external party. It plays a significant role in international peacekeeping, crisis management, and promoting democratic values across member states.
Realism: Realism is a theoretical approach in political science that emphasizes the role of power, self-interest, and the anarchic nature of the international system in shaping the behavior of states and other actors in global affairs. It views the world as a competitive arena where states pursue their own interests and security, often at the expense of others, in the absence of a central authority to govern their interactions.
Security dilemma: A security dilemma occurs when one state's efforts to increase its own security cause insecurity in other states, leading to a cycle of escalation that can decrease overall security. This concept is central to the Realist Worldview in International Relations, highlighting how the pursuit of power and survival can inadvertently heighten tensions.
Security Dilemma: The security dilemma is a concept in international relations that describes a situation where actions taken by a state to enhance its own security have the unintended consequence of making other states feel less secure, thus leading to an escalation of tensions and a potential conflict. It arises from the anarchic nature of the international system and the inherent uncertainty about the intentions of other states.
Self-Help: Self-help refers to the act of individuals taking responsibility for their own well-being and improvement, often through personal initiative, rather than relying on external assistance or intervention. It is a concept that emphasizes personal agency and empowerment in addressing one's own challenges and achieving desired goals.
Sovereignty: Sovereignty refers to the supreme and independent authority of a state or political entity to govern itself and its territory without external interference or control. It is a fundamental concept in political science that underpins the power and legitimacy of governments and their ability to make decisions and enforce laws within their borders.
State System: The state system refers to the global political structure composed of sovereign nation-states, each with its own government, territory, and population. This system emerged from the Peace of Westphalia in 1648 and has since become the predominant organizational framework for international relations and global governance.
Structural realism: Structural realism is a theory in international relations that emphasizes the anarchic structure of the international system, where no central authority exists, leading states to act primarily out of self-interest to ensure their survival. It suggests that the behavior of states is determined more by the constraints and opportunities this system presents than by their individual characteristics or internal politics.
United Nations: The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, and promote social progress, better living standards, and human rights. It serves as a platform for countries to address global issues and cooperate on a wide range of matters, including political, economic, social, and environmental concerns.
United Nations Charter: The United Nations Charter is the foundational treaty of the United Nations (UN), an international organization dedicated to maintaining peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and promoting social progress, better living standards, and human rights. It was signed on 26 June 1945 in San Francisco, at the conclusion of the United Nations Conference on International Organization, and came into force on 24 October 1945.
United Nations Security Council: The United Nations Security Council is the principal organ of the United Nations responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security. It is charged with the primary task of preventing and resolving conflicts between nations through diplomatic means and, if necessary, the use of force.
Westphalian Sovereignty: 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.
World Trade Organization: The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the international organization that oversees and facilitates global trade. It was established in 1995 to replace the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and serves as a forum for governments to negotiate trade agreements and resolve trade disputes.