Globalisation has brought about fundamental change. Advancements in technology have made the global markets more accessible than ever before making trade and investing abroad much more efficient. It has become so easy to reach the global population that it would be detrimental for any entity not to expand its horizons; however, the question on whether or not an entity should go global raises conflict right from the start.
Trading, in general, makes it more likely for conflict between countries due to natural trade relations; however, globalisation mitigates these problems. Conflict is innately involved in trading and trying to maximize one's own position but globalisation has brought information and resources closer to the trader allowing for faster and more informed decision making. So although conflicts may arise, globalisation helps to extinguish the conflict faster.
NAFTA is a trilateral agreement between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico which allows for free trade within North America. Although there is a section in NAFTA that specifically deals with conflicts between member countries, in general, the agreement makes it easier to do trade or invest by globalising the continent. That's not to say conflict doesn't arise because it quite frequently does; it just happens less often because the ground rules are well established.
Table of Contents
1. Globalisation and its Impact on Sovereignty
1.1 Dependency and Global Markets
1.2 Conflict and Trade Relations
2. Realism and the Westphalian System
2.1 Defining Sovereignty in a Contemporary Context
2.2 Statism and State Autonomy
2.3 Survival and Self-Help Mechanisms
Objectives and Core Themes
The work examines the complex interplay between increasing global interconnectedness and the preservation of national sovereignty, specifically analyzing how international relations theory, particularly realism, dictates the limits of state altruism and foreign intervention.
- The dual nature of globalisation in facilitating trade while exacerbating dependency.
- The definition and maintenance of sovereignty within the Westphalian system.
- The core tenets of international realism: statism, survival, and self-help.
- The tension between domestic priority and global humanitarian responsibility.
Excerpt from the Book
Statism and the Westphalian System
Statism refers to the way realists view the state as the primary actor with unabated power. Because the state is innately sovereign, it is autonomous in its decisions and thus has all the control to make and act on decisions without any overarching authority to regulate or punish the state. This type of system is considered anarchic and was first recognized in 1648 at the Peace of Westphalia and is now referred to as the Westphalian system. The underlying argument here is that because a nation has control within its borders only, that nation should strive to achieve a utilitarian outlook domestically before exporting help. Foreign aid should only be undertaken when domestic threats/problems are alleviated. This is because at the most minimal level, states will seek survival and survival is necessary to attain all other societal goals.
Summary of Chapters
Globalisation and its Impact on Sovereignty: This chapter introduces the paradox of globalisation, where enhanced technological connectivity and global trade agreements create efficient markets but also foster dependency and regional conflict.
Realism and the Westphalian System: This chapter analyzes the state as the primary actor in an anarchic global domain, utilizing realist theories to explain why nations prioritize national survival and self-help over foreign aid and altruism.
Keywords
Globalisation, Sovereignty, Realism, Westphalian System, Statism, Survival, Self-Help, Dependency, International Relations, Free Trade, Nation-State, Anarchy, Foreign Aid, National Security, Interconnectedness
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work explores how globalisation complicates national sovereignty and why, from a realist perspective, states prioritize internal stability over international cooperation.
What are the central themes discussed?
The themes include the dependency of developing states on wealthy nations, the role of international agreements like NAFTA, and the application of realist political theory to modern global affairs.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to determine if states can effectively balance the demands of global engagement with the requirements of maintaining their own sovereignty and national security.
Which scientific method is utilized?
The work employs a theoretical analysis based on international relations realism, specifically interpreting historical and contemporary geopolitical frameworks.
What aspects are covered in the main body?
The body covers the systemic origins of conflict in globalisation, the definition of sovereignty, and the realist components of statism and self-help.
Which keywords characterize the analysis?
Key terms include Globalisation, Sovereignty, Realism, Westphalian System, and Self-Help.
How does the author define the "Westphalian system"?
It is defined as an anarchic system established in 1648, where the state is the primary, autonomous actor with total control over its internal domain.
Why does the author argue against providing foreign aid?
The author argues that from a realist perspective, a state must first ensure its own survival and solve domestic problems before it can legitimately commit resources to other countries, as there is no higher authority to guarantee its own security.
- Citar trabajo
- Cory Contini (Autor), 2009, Globalization and Sovereignty through Conflict, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/230473
