A Simple Note on Westphalian State System

This is a term that is used in international affairs and is said to have originated from the Treaties of Westphalia in 1648, which put an end to the Thirty Years War. It is commonly understood to refer to a network of states or an international society that is made up of sovereign state entities that hold the monopoly on the use of force inside their own boundaries, which are acknowledged by each other.The official diplomatic relationships that exist between the heads of state and governments are what are used to conduct international relations.International law comprises the treaties that are created (and broken) by the various sovereign entities that make up the world. The term implies a separation of the domestic and international spheres, such that states may not legitimately intervene in the domestic affairs of another, whether in the pursuit of self-interest or by appealing to a higher notion of sovereignty, which could be religion, ideology, or some other supranational ideal. 

This is because states do not have the authority to legitimately intervene in the domestic affairs of another state. To put it another way, the word distinguishes the’modern’ state structure from earlier forms like the Holy Roman Empire and the Ottoman Empire.

The Westphalian State System’s Defining Characteristics

The Westphalian state-centric system was based on some new principles, such as the sovereignty, sovereign independence, and equality of the nation states, territorial integrity, the equal rights and obligations of the states, non-intervention in the domestic affairs of others, and the conduct of interstate diplomacy. These were the foundations of the system.

In spite of the fact that the Westphalian system was initially formed in early modern Europe, 

its most ardent supporters can currently be found in non-Western countries. In a joint statement made in 2001, the presidents of China and Russia vowed to “fight attempts to undermine the fundamental rules of the international law with the use of ideas such as ‘humanitarian intervention’ and ‘limited sovereignty.'” 

China and Russia have exercised their right to veto in the United Nations Security Council in order to prevent what they believe to be violations of Syrian state sovereignty on the part of the United States. Russia was excluded from the original Westphalian system when it was established in 1648.

Nevertheless, post-Soviet Russia views Westphalian sovereignty as a way to counterbalance the strength of the United States by fostering the establishment of a multipolar international order.A number of people in the West have positive things to say about the Westphalian state. U.S. President Donald Trump was encouraged by American political scientist Stephen Walt to return to Westphalian ideals, which Walt described as a “logical approach” for American foreign policy.Pat Buchanan, a prominent political pundit in the United States, has also expressed support for the conventional nation-state.

The sovereignty of Westphalia

In international law, the concept of Westphalian sovereignty, sometimes known as state sovereignty, refers to the premise that each state possesses exclusive sovereignty over the territory that it controls.The principle is enshrined in the United Nations Charter, which states that “nothing… shall authorise the United Nations to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state.”

This principle is the foundation of the modern international system of sovereign states and is also enshrined in the United Nations Charter.The concept maintains that every state, regardless of its size, possesses an equal claim to the freedom to exercise sovereignty. According to political scientists, the idea dates back to the Peace of Westphalia (1648), which put an end to both the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648) and the Eighty Years’ War (1568–1648). 

The idea that one should stay out of other people’s business was refined during the 18th century.The Westphalian system reached its zenith in the 19th and 20th centuries, but in more recent times,it has come up against opposition from proponents of humanitarian intervention.

Examples of the Westphalian system

The signing of the Treaty of Westphalia brought an end to the conflict that had lasted for thirty years. This treaty established the land boundaries between the states, and as a result, each state became autonomous and was given its own territory. Every state was free to exercise sovereignty over their own territory, and this freedom ushered in a period of profound transformation around the globe. Without the ability of one nation to interfere in the domestic affairs of another superpower on its own soil, wars are less likely to break out. 

This treaty also introduces the concept of secularism, which states that issues pertaining to religion would be the responsibility of the person and not the state. The state will not be bound to any religion, and the religion will have no control over any of the state’s political or economic affairs.The state cannot be tied to any religion.The Treaty of Westphalia has been incorporated into the governing structures that exist in the current world. 

The idea of liberalism was first articulated in the 21st century, ushering in a period of significant upheaval around the globe. The countries experienced growth in their socioeconomic demands and economic power as a result of their economic prosperity. 

In the meantime, the liberal system is characterised by its incorporation of a democratic form of government, open markets, and the promotion of human rights all around the world.

Conclusion

The western nations, on the basis of their argument that this political philosophy is in direct conflict with the concept of national sovereignty, have been quite critical of liberalism.However, the principles of the Westphalian system provide protection for those who are subjected to an imposed expansion of liberty.The idea of a nation’s right to exercise its sovereignty is being challenged in different parts of the world by various organisations. In a similar vein, the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation, and the International Monetary Fund all meddle in national agendas by interfering with matters such as the economics, security, and disagreements. However, each and every nation has a clearly defined border that serves to protect its citizens from the dangers posed by the other nations. 

In the meantime, they hold the supreme power in that section of their territory that has been delineated. It is strictly forbidden for any of the other nations to meddle in the internal affairs of any one of the other nations.