Sovereignty 2 Flashcards
Internal + External
Internal sovereignty
1) Internal sovereignty is about states governing themselves independently.
2) States have full responsibility for, and power over, what happens within their borders.
3) For example, they can decide and enforce their own laws, collect taxes, and spend the money raised on their own priorities and needs.
4) States can decide their own trade policies, perhaps by placing tariffs on imports or deciding to join regional free trade areas with no tariff barriers.
Criticism of internal sov
1) Internal sovereignty is often seen as essential to having a well-functioning society.
2)in reality, it might be difficult to find any state that has absolute internal sovereignty, since this implies absolute acceptance of the authority of the government.
3) Some may see democratic states as having more internal sovereignty than dictatorial ones because the people actively participate in the political process and elect their governments.
4) Although government decisions are frequently criticised and questioned in democracies, the mechanisms of the state and state authority would not be widely challenged if internal sovereignty is intact.
Liberalism and internal sovereignty
1) Liberals believe that the people of a state must be in agreement with the will of the government in order to achieve sovereignty.
2) The best way to achieve this is through the political system of democracy, in which people can actively participate in choosing the political leadership of the country.
External Sovereignty
1) External sovereignty refers to a state’s ability to act independently in the international arena, free from interference or intervention by other states or external entities. This involves how a state manages its relationships with other countries, handles its foreign affairs, and is recognized within the international system.
2) States generally respect each other’s borders and do not intervene or interfere in what goes on within the borders of those states.
3) States may make representations on other states’ internal actions by way of established intergovernmental bodies, such as the United Nations.
4) It is based on the principle of international anarchy with no higher authority than the state, and only voluntary agreements between states.
why do wealthiest states have the strongest external sovereignty (3)
1) Military Power and Deterrence: Wealthy states typically have more advanced military capabilities, allowing them to deter external threats and maintain autonomy in international relations.
Example: The United States has one of the most powerful militaries in the world. Its military presence in key regions, such as NATO bases in Europe and military deployments in Asia, serves as a deterrent to potential adversaries and reinforces its position in global geopolitics.
2) Economic Influence: Wealthier states possess economic power that allows them to shape global trade, finance, and investment policies, giving them a strong position in international negotiations.
Example: Germany, as Europe’s largest economy, plays a leading role in the European Union (EU) and is a key player in global financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. Its economic influence allows it to shape policies and decisions that affect global trade and finance.
2) Diplomatic Clout: Wealthy states often have the resources to exert influence through diplomacy, shaping international norms and alliances.
Example: The United States, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), holds significant power to veto resolutions and influence global decision-making. Additionally, its leadership in forming alliances like NATO and trade agreements like the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) solidifies its diplomatic influence.
why dont wealthiest states have the strongest external sovereignty (3)
1) Global Interdependence: Even the wealthiest states are affected by global economic interdependence, which can limit their ability to act autonomously in international relations.
Example: The United States, despite its economic and military power, cannot fully control global trade as it relies on international supply chains, such as with China for electronics and rare earth metals. Global economic crises, like the 2008 financial meltdown, also show how interconnected economies can impact even the wealthiest nations.
2) International Law and Obligations: Wealthy states are often bound by international treaties, laws, and agreements that limit their external sovereignty.
Example: The European Union imposes rules and regulations on its member states, limiting their individual foreign policy choices. For instance, Germany’s ability to negotiate trade deals independently is constrained by EU trade policy, and it must adhere to the EU’s collective foreign relations strategy.
3) Power of Non-State Actors: In the modern world, non-state actors (such as multinational corporations, international organizations, and NGOs) have significant influence, which can challenge the external sovereignty of even the wealthiest states.
Example: Large corporations like Amazon, Google, and ExxonMobil exert tremendous influence on global markets, often shaping policies in wealthier states. In some cases, these corporations can push for policies that may not align with the national interest of their host countries, such as lobbying for tax breaks or favorable environmental regulations.
What other factors strengthen external sovereignty?
1) Military Power: Strong military capabilities allow states to defend their borders, deter external threats, and assert their independence.
Example: The United States’ military dominance enables it to maintain control over its territory and project power globally through alliances like NATO.
2) Economic Strength: Wealthy, economically stable states can influence global markets and protect their interests, strengthening their ability to maintain sovereignty.
Example: China’s economic growth has boosted its international influence, allowing it to shape trade policies and assert its position globally, especially through the Belt and Road Initiative.
3) Diplomatic Influence: States with robust diplomatic networks can shape international laws and norms, increasing their ability to safeguard their sovereignty in global politics.
Example: France’s permanent membership in the UN Security Council allows it to exert influence over international decisions and maintain its sovereignty through diplomacy.
How do economics and the balance of power impact external sovereignty?
1) A state-centric model of global politics (realist view) sees states as independent and autonomous (much like a series of balls- some are more powerful than others).
2) They may or may not collide with each other as they maintain a precarious but essential balance of power.
3) This theory is sometimes referred to as the Billiard Ball model.
global level = empty table
state level = individual billiard balls
Without analogy
1) Economic strength: Wealthier states can support strong militaries, trade relationships, and diplomatic influence, which help protect their sovereignty. For example, the U.S. uses its economic power to shape global policy.
2) Balance of power: In a system where no single state dominates, weaker states must balance alliances to maintain sovereignty. When the balance shifts, stronger states may exert influence, like Russia’s influence over Ukraine in recent years.
3) Global dependencies: Economically weaker states rely on trade, aid, or foreign investment, often compromising sovereignty. For example, some African states depend on international aid, which can limit their decision-making autonomy.
Realism and the balance of power
1) Realists argue that the state is the most powerful actor in global politics and the powerful states have a greater level of external sovereignty.
2) Powerful states are able to make decisions that impact the global community and are generally accepted as the movers and shakers of global politics.
In contrast, other states have very little external sovereignty
3) Accepting this power, enables maintain a stable world order and prevents conflicts.
4) Many scholars argue that we are living in an era were the US and China represent two powerful states with strong evidence of external sovereignty.
Challenges to sovereignty
1) Devolution
2) Govt inconsistency ( Pooled)
3) War (responsible)
4) Media (Popular)
5)colonialism (western)
6) Globalization
7) Non - state actors
Why is sovereignty still valid (why isn’t it eroded)
What is digital (cyber) sovreignity
