Peace of Westphalia
The 1648 treaty that ended the Thirty Years’ War and marked the development of the modern international system.
Principle of State Sovereignty
The concept that states have authority over their internal affairs without external interference.
Non-Intervention
The principle that states should not interfere in each other’s domestic issues.
Montevideo Convention
A 1933 agreement that established legal criteria for statehood and clarified rights and responsibilities of states.
Criteria for Statehood
Requirements such as a permanent population, defined territory, effective government, and capacity for relations.
Sovereignty
A state's supreme authority within its borders, free from external control.
Internal Sovereignty
A state's ability to govern itself independently.
External Sovereignty
A state's interactions with other states and international organizations.
Contested Sovereignty
The debated nature of sovereignty depending on theoretical perspectives.
Sovereign Equality
The principle ensuring all states are independent and equal under international law.
Limitations of Sovereignty
The voluntary limits imposed on sovereignty by joining international organizations or treaties.
Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
The principle asserting an international duty to intervene in cases of severe human rights violations.
United Nations (UN)
An international organization that ensures sovereign equality and mediates disputes.
International Court of Justice (ICJ)
The court that resolves legal conflicts between states.
World Trade Organization (WTO)
An organization that oversees trade agreements and influences states’ economic policies.
Aristotle's View on Governance
Advocated governance by laws over individual rulers to ensure fairness and consistency.
Shang Yang
A legalist philosopher who emphasized strict adherence to laws for stability and institutional continuity.
Balancing Act of Sovereignty
The tension between sovereignty and the constraints imposed by international laws and agreements.
Challenges to Sovereignty
Issues like globalization and human rights that demand international cooperation, sometimes reducing national autonomy.
Concept of Contested Statehood
The debate surrounding sovereignty status in regions like Taiwan and Crimea.