Sovereignty, International Relations, and the Westphalian Myth: Osiander

Argues that traditional narratives on Westphalia are based on an imaginary past

Challenges the view that the peace of Westphalia was a defining moment in the creation of the modern state system

Characterises Westphalia as a myth

Suggests that there was a gradual development of sovereignty and state building

• Real turning points in noting this are the Industrial Revolution & French Revolution

Argues that the reliance on military as a criteria for sovereignty as it overlooks key aspects such as mutual empowerment

Industrialisation was vital in establishing the modern state because the shift it caused was far more seismic both economically and socially than Westphalia

• Made actors more neatly divided & created more independent relationship state and society

Argues than continuity/circular movement in international relations as Osiander contends that IR & global system resembles HRE rather than Westphalian system