Q7. The 1648 Peace of Westphalia marked the end of the 30 years’ war. According to mainstream writings it also marked the birth of the modern international system. Please explain.

Question 1

Why did the Peace of Westphalia mark the birth of the modern international system? Describe the elements of the Peace of Westphalia.

Answer 1

• added the concept of sovereignty
• provided states security allowing for them to coexist
• empowered territories to enjoy the highest authority possible on the international sphere
• more than 300 states recognized
• marks the birth of the modern international system

3 things characterize the post-Westphalia world:
1. Creation of sovereign state
2. sovereign political units - no longer required religious blessing
3. Ended the period of religious wars

Question 2

What were the problems with the Westphalia system?

Answer 2

The problem with the Peace of Westphalia is that it was a self adopting system, there was no mechanism for which it was possible to adjust the balance of power.

Question 3

Describe the Concert of Europe

Answer 3

The Concert of Europe, which came about after the Napoleonic Wars sought to right this problem of the ‘self-adopting’ system which was generated by Westphalia. It decided that this time, territorial change may not come around without consent of the five members of the Great Powers. **It abolished the idea of unilateral decisions. **