The state in the developed Western world is undergoing a transformation causing a diminishing meaning of borders and a fading extent of sovereignty. The world is, as Jackson and Sorensen conclude, still a territorial world, but we can observe a weakening of “Westphalian parameters” (2007, p. 2, p. 25). Even though the Westphalian order in terms of the territorially defined sovereign nation state is still the dominant form, it faces several profound challenges through the irresistible processes that globalization brings about.
Economic developments, first and foremost with reference to the area of finance, account for a decline in the meaning of national borders, which have come increasingly under pressure after the end of Cold War. The revolution in information and communication technologies contributes its share. Looking at the political dimension we can realize a shift of various aspects of state sovereignty as regards the regulative rules to other levels, in the case of the EU-example to the supranational level.
From the absolutist state in the 17th century to the current order it has been a long way: with the Peace Treaty of Westphalia the modern state emerged and became global after the end of the Second World War. Now it’s a mixed actor model, which requires the adaptation of states to cope adequately with these new collective challenges of the 21st century.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Variables
- Hypotheses
- What is a modern state?
- Economic dimension of globalization
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to explore the changes in the modern nation-state since 1945, focusing on the impact of globalization. It investigates how globalization, particularly its economic and political dimensions, has challenged the core principles of territoriality and sovereignty inherent in the Westphalian state system.
- The evolution of the modern state since the Peace of Westphalia.
- The impact of economic globalization on state territoriality.
- The role of technological advancements in eroding state sovereignty.
- The changing nature of sovereignty in a globalized world.
- Globalization's influence on the definition and function of state borders.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section establishes the research question: Why has the modern nation-state changed since 1945? It posits globalization as a key factor influencing these changes, specifically focusing on the economic and political dimensions. The author outlines the methodology, which involves a literature analysis of journal articles and database research, to examine how globalization has altered the concepts of territoriality and sovereignty within the modern state.
Definition of Variables: This section defines the dependent variable (changes in statehood and sovereignty since 1945) and the independent variable (globalization). It outlines the operationalization of these variables, highlighting indicators used to measure changes in statehood, sovereignty, and the dimensions of globalization (economic and political).
Hypotheses: The section presents the hypothesis that the end of the Cold War significantly accelerated globalization, leading to modifications in the modern state, transitioning it from a modern to a postmodern state. It sets the stage for investigating the causal link between globalization and the observed transformations in statehood and sovereignty.
What is a modern state?: This section delves into the origins of the modern state system, tracing it back to the Peace of Westphalia in 1648. It establishes the core principles of territoriality (clearly defined borders) and sovereignty (exclusive authority within those borders) as defining characteristics of the Westphalian state. The author lays the groundwork for analyzing how these foundational concepts are challenged by globalization.
Economic dimension of globalization: This section examines the economic aspect of globalization as a primary driver of change in the modern state. It argues that advancements in communication and information technology, along with increased financial flows, have created "porous" borders, rendering state control over economic activities increasingly difficult. The author cites examples such as the rapid growth in mobile phone and internet users and the dramatic increase in global equity trade volume to illustrate the deterritorializing effects of economic globalization.
Keywords
Modern state, Westphalian state, globalization, sovereignty, territoriality, economic globalization, political globalization, technological advancements, deterritorialization, post-modern state, Cold War.
Frequently Asked Questions: Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the overall topic of this language preview?
This preview provides a structured overview of a research paper exploring the transformation of the modern nation-state since 1945, focusing on the impact of globalization, particularly its economic and political dimensions, on the core principles of territoriality and sovereignty.
What are the main sections included in the preview?
The preview includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It offers a comprehensive outline of the research paper's structure and content.
What are the key objectives and themes of the research paper?
The paper aims to investigate how globalization has challenged the core principles of the Westphalian state system (territoriality and sovereignty). Key themes include the evolution of the modern state since the Peace of Westphalia, the impact of economic globalization on state territoriality, the role of technology in eroding sovereignty, and the changing nature of sovereignty in a globalized world.
What are the main hypotheses explored in the paper?
The paper hypothesizes that the end of the Cold War significantly accelerated globalization, leading to modifications in the modern state, transitioning it from a modern to a postmodern state. It investigates the causal link between globalization and the observed transformations in statehood and sovereignty.
How does the paper define the key variables?
The dependent variable is defined as "changes in statehood and sovereignty since 1945," while the independent variable is "globalization." The preview highlights that the operationalization of these variables includes specific indicators to measure changes in statehood, sovereignty, and the dimensions of globalization (economic and political).
What is the methodology used in the research?
The methodology involves a literature analysis of journal articles and database research to examine how globalization has altered the concepts of territoriality and sovereignty within the modern state.
How does the paper define the "modern state"?
The paper traces the origins of the modern state system back to the Peace of Westphalia (1648), defining it by its core principles of territoriality (clearly defined borders) and sovereignty (exclusive authority within those borders).
How does the paper address the economic dimension of globalization?
This section examines economic globalization as a primary driver of change, arguing that advancements in communication and information technology, along with increased financial flows, have created "porous" borders, making state control over economic activities more difficult. Examples like the growth in mobile phone and internet users and increased global equity trade are cited.
What are the keywords associated with the research paper?
Keywords include: Modern state, Westphalian state, globalization, sovereignty, territoriality, economic globalization, political globalization, technological advancements, deterritorialization, post-modern state, Cold War.
What is the intended audience for this research paper?
Given the academic nature of the preview and its focus on structured analysis of themes, the intended audience appears to be academics and researchers interested in international relations, political science, and globalization studies.
- Citar trabajo
- Natalie Züfle (Autor), 2007, Changes in statehood and sovereignty of modern states , Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/180082
