The Concepts of Sovereign Statehood - Essay Example

Sovereign hood Prior to the world wars, the sovereignty of nations was never respected as powerful nations were the most significant international players. The trend developed as many countries in South America and Africa were under colonization. Developed nations controlled the wealth and the ability of nations to obtain wealth as well operates under their own mandates. In an argument by Osiander this greatly hindered the development of many countries (252). Apart from the effects on underdeveloped countries, developed countries also did not respect the sovereignty of each other. Increased tensions were visible as battle for supremacy as never an unexpected outcome. However, after the world wars, the trend changed. Developed nations became responsible for global peace. For this reason, states developed to the institution level as they have the mandate to operate under their own will and mandate. Osiander asserts that the effects of the world war depicted how much global peace was a necessity (280). The author further points out that global peace increased the growth of developed countries (Osiander 280). However, countries in Africa were still under colonization as the Struggle for independence ensued. At the time the battle to end the European supremacy in Africa was becoming a significant trend. Mingst& Snyderare of the assumption that the fight for independence in Africa completed the trend of state sovereignty (98). The independent of Africa of African states also have them the mandate to operate under their own mandate. However, what changed this trend? Did the institutional state of countries have a negative effect on the globe? This is after the considering that the nation-state is not relevant in the modern century. In an argument by Muller external forces in the modern century bear more significance that the nation-states (89). Many nations have experienced external influence either directly or indirectly. The change caused by these external factors has been significant in the sovereignty of states. For instance, political tension experienced in Arab countries and Africa have attributed to the influence by western nations. Muller asserts that political tension in independent nations have mostly been cause by external factors that seeks to benefit from the role of a certain regime (97). For instance, the dictatorship regime of President Muamar Gadhafi of Libya was influenced towards its termination by western influence. Western nations felt discontent by the leader’s way of leadership. The same could be said of Syria whose regime creates discontent in the international community (Allison 795). However, the support is divided as some nations support the federal government. However, some developed nations support the rebels that have an objective of ending the current political regime. If the nation-state was still relevant, it is an obvious assumption that the current political regime would have unlimited support from the international community (Allison 796). Biasness in the community has great influence of the outcome of most political revolutions. Allison is also of the assumption that the nation-state position could allow countries to solve their internal issue without much influence from the international community (796). In a counter argument, Muller is of is of the assumption that the international community is mandated to create laws and policies aimed at ensuring that peace prevails (115). The mandate is also aimed at protecting human rights. Minus the international community, nations would breach human rights as well as take actions that are dangerous on humanity. For instance, it has taken the efforts of the international community to help nations embrace way in that could minimize pollution. Across the globe air pollution from companies was a major issue. The trend led to the rise of climate change. However, the international community seeks to change this trend by putting in place mandatory requirements for all nations to manage their manufacturing companies. This form of external influence is important in making state be responsible on their actions. In an argument by Mingst& Snyder the modern state require control from the international community (122). The authors are also of the assumption that minus the international community, state would be irresponsible to a level that would threaten global peace (Mingst& Snyder 122). The international community provides laws that are aimed at guiding the operations of state with the objective of maintaining global peace. Muller also points out that, the irresponsibility of political regimes require external control from the international community (66). The author analyzes the functions of the International Criminal Court. The court is provided with the mandate or prosecuting leaders breaking the international human rights acts. The court was created after the increasing cases of genocide across the globe. As much as the court has been criticized for being controlled by western nations, it is an obvious assumption that the court has a significant role in ensuring leaders pay for their crime. In addition, leaders become more responsible when performing their roles. This is similar to invasion of the United States to countries that breach the international peace agreements. For instance, the invasion on Iraq was heavily criticized as one that overruled the federal rule of the nation. Leaders across the globe were opposed to the invasion. However, the nation presented an enormous threat to the international community and they had to be stopped. The United States as the superpower had to stop the progress of the threat. This similar to the Invasion of Afghanistan. The nation was breeding terrorist and the intervention of the international community was inevitable considering the effects of the terrorism across the globe (Muller 113). Apart from the irresponsible nature of states, another factor leading to the termination of the nation-state is globalization. Globalization refers to the objective of creating an equal international system for all nations across the globe. To benefit from globalization, a state should agree to the provisions of the international community. This includes carrying out operations as required by international bodies. In addition, providing transparency of their operations is also required. This trend makes it easy for external factors to influence a state’s internal and external affairs. Globalization has also led to the increased creations of international bodies. International bodies dictate the mandate of nations in the international system. In an argument by Muller international bodies provide specific requirements that need to be adhered to by states (133). For instance, the United Nations Security Council determines cases that involve the conduct of a state in regards to global peace. These bodies eliminate the possibility of a federal government to control its operation in the international system. In addition, many states seek help from the international bodies. This makes it difficult for countries to ignore the requirements by the international community. The situation is more significant in underdeveloped nations. The countries highly depend on financial resources from the international community. In case of sanctions, the nations may be led to poverty considering the benefits of globalization would not be at their disposal. In an assertion by Osiander as much as the modern day international system eliminate the federal mandate in states, the globe has been more peaceful and responsible (267). However, the author points out that the trend is changing as nations seek for supremacy in the international system. Countries ignore the requirements of the international community since they have alternatives from other continents. For instance, Africa nations have turned to the East for aid after increased tension with western nations. However, the results of this trend may be fatal considering the international system is being changed to provide federal governments with the mandate to operate independently without external influence. Works cited Allison, Roy. "Russia and Syria: Explaining Alignment with a Regime in Crisis." International Affairs 89.4 (2013): 795-823. Print. Mingst, Karen. & Snyder, Jack. Essential Readings in World Politics. New York: W. W. Norton & Company. 2011. Print. Muller, Gilbert. The new world reader. Orlando, FL: Houghton Mifflin. 2014. Print. Osiander, Andreas. "Sovereignty, International Relations, and the Westphalian Myth", International Organization 55.1 (2001): 251–287. Print. Read More