State Sovereignty

Definition

State sovereignty refers to the concept that a state has the ultimate authority and independence to govern itself without external interference. This principle is foundational to international relations, emphasizing the right of states to control their own territory, make their own laws, and engage in diplomatic relations. State sovereignty is closely tied to the notion of territorial integrity and is a key principle in the structure of the international system, shaping interactions between states and influencing the development of international law.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 is often cited as the beginning of the modern system of state sovereignty, establishing the idea that states have authority over their own territory and domestic affairs.
2. State sovereignty has been challenged in contemporary times by globalization, humanitarian interventions, and transnational issues like climate change, which require cooperation among states.
3. The United Nations upholds the principle of state sovereignty while also recognizing the responsibility of states to protect human rights within their borders.
4. Sovereignty can be understood in two dimensions: external sovereignty, which pertains to recognition by other states and non-interference; and internal sovereignty, which involves control over a state's own affairs.
5. In some cases, state sovereignty may be limited by international law, particularly when states commit human rights violations or engage in aggressive actions against other states.

Review Questions

• How did the Peace of Westphalia contribute to the establishment of state sovereignty in international relations?
  • The Peace of Westphalia marked a significant turning point in international relations by formally recognizing the principle of state sovereignty. It ended the Thirty Years' War in Europe and established a new political order based on the idea that each state has the right to govern itself without external interference. This agreement laid the groundwork for modern nation-states and emphasized respect for territorial boundaries and domestic authority.
• Evaluate how globalization challenges traditional notions of state sovereignty.
  • Globalization poses significant challenges to traditional notions of state sovereignty by increasing interdependence among nations. Economic integration, transnational corporations, and global communication networks reduce states' control over their own economies and policies. Additionally, global issues such as climate change and pandemics require cooperative approaches that may infringe on individual states' autonomy, thus blurring the lines of sovereignty in an interconnected world.
• Discuss the balance between state sovereignty and international law regarding human rights protection.
  • The balance between state sovereignty and international law is a complex issue, particularly concerning human rights protection. While states have the right to govern their own affairs without outside interference, international law holds that they also have a responsibility to uphold human rights standards. When a state fails to protect its citizens or engages in gross human rights violations, the international community may intervene through diplomatic pressure or even humanitarian interventions, challenging the absolute nature of state sovereignty. This tension reflects ongoing debates about how best to respect national autonomy while ensuring the protection of fundamental human rights.

Related terms

Territorial Integrity: The principle that a state's borders are inviolable and should not be violated by other states, supporting the idea of state sovereignty.

Non-Intervention: A principle in international law that prohibits foreign interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.

International Law: A set of rules and norms that govern interactions between states, including treaties, customs, and legal principles that relate to state sovereignty.