1. And does it still work in the modern world?

2. The Sovereign State This is the basic “building block” of international relations, diplomacy, the UN etc. But, its creation is part of a wider “modernism” in which science developed, capitalism flourished, and the modern state emerged. It came as part of change in the world, not least the expansion of Europe into the Spanish, Portuguese, and later British, Dutch and other maritime states. This created a new class of people through trade, and brought great wealth.

3. Two types of system So, we are looking at the evolution of two types of system: (1) the system within sovereign states, (b) the system that connects states, and both of these change over time (think of the creation of the United Nations). So we have different ideologies that change the role of the state relative to its citizens. Then we have international organizations, regional agreements, international law etc, that regulate the way that countries work together.

4. The Treaty of Westfalia 1648 This is often quoted as the beginning of the modern sovereign state. Before this people really belonged to rulers and not to places. In the feudal system they were “assets” However, groups of people did have their own languages, and places that they regarded as home— e.g. Scotland, Bulgaria—though Bulgaria moved to different locations. In addition, the rulers of Europe came under the control of the Church, many under Rome.

5. What did the Treaty Do? It ended the Thirty-Years War, but looked for a new way forward. It arose from a new Europe in which Protestant countries, following the Reformation, no longer recognized the authority of the Church. These were mostly in N. Europe and included England. It introduced the idea of the Territory of the State being fixed, and the state being more important than any individual ruler. It introduced the modern idea of international relations

6. The Westfalia Treaty Three main principles came out of this with regard to the political system: The principle of the Sovereignty of States The principle of the legal equality of states The principle of non-intervention of states in other state’s affairs. These have become essential parts of the modern state system and the way these states relate to each other. Of course, they do not always follow these rules. These are the basis of much of the United Nations.

7. But… The treaty did not create the Nation state. Some of the states were nations, such as France; others were mixtures of nations, such as the UK, and some were empires like Austria. Some were not nations, like Belgium. In the 19 th century, the state and the nation began to merge into one identity with the rise of nationalism. This nationalism, as in Germany, created rivalries with neighboring nations, like France. Some countries, like Bulgaria, were totally locked out of this process.

8. It did not… Have anything to do with the idea of democracy, which had no part in the planning of the Treaty. It was to establish the rights of states, however they were governed—and there were all sorts of different political systems. It made borders very important, and a source for political rivalry.

9. Implications The sovereignty of the Protestant states, particularly the UK, which was not really involved in this Treaty, created an environment which allowed the growth of: Science—which had challenged the Catholic view e.g. Gallileo. Capitalism—which had been limited by the Catholic Church not allowing lending for interest. A new class of people: capitalists, merchants, bourgeoisie—the main force for change later. A more “modern” society not tied to the past.

10. Challenges The state, as it emerged from Westfalia, is now challenged by several forces: Globalization, which needs larger players (perhaps), but is not easily managed by 200+ sovereign states, each with its own interests (Copenhagen Conference). The European Union: Is it to be a new “super-state,” a more conventional federal state, or some sort of “shared sovereignty”? Failed States, such as Somalia, turn sovereignty into a threat. Should other states intervene? Afghanistan.

11. More challenges. What happens when states misuse sovereignty—like “Rogue States?” Iran and the nuclear question. What do we do about non-sovereign states, that exist and function? Transdniestria, North Cyprus. What is the status of a state that only some countries recognize? Kosovo. Do we need some sort of sovereign power above states to deal with global issues? Pandemics, Terrorism, Climate Change? Nations without sovereignty. The Kurds.