|
The states of 21st century differ from the states created
and known during the Peace of Westphalia. This is the resultant
effect of the processes of the forces of globalization and
global transformation. The present changes inherent in the
international system have adversely impacted states by gradually
eroding their sovereignty and their effectiveness. These
have manifested in the form of conflict, the inability of
most states to provide adequately for the social needs of
its citizens, and above all, states' losing their autonomy
and authority. These processes of change have also brought
to the forefront alternatives like international and multilateral
institutions, most of them taking up issues that previously
preoccupied states. This paper, therefore, argues that in
recent times, factors of globalization such as information
technology (IT), markets, international and multilateral
organizations, and international humanitarian intervention
have to a considerable extent undermined the sovereignty
of states.
The issues that predominate today's world present a new
and fundamentally different type of challenge from those
that faced the world at the creation of the state system
in 1648 and at the birth of the United Nations in 1945.
Since then new realities and challenges have developed,
and so too have new opportunities for action and new standards
of behavior in national and international affairs.
The states we have today are different from the states
created and known during the Peace of Westphalia. This is
the resultant effect of the processes of globalization and
global transformation. The changes inherent in the international
system have adversely impacted states by gradually eroding
their sovereignty and their effectiveness. These have manifested
in the form of conflicts, the inability of states to fulfill
adequately the social needs of its citizens, and above all,
states are losing their autonomy and authority. These processes
of change have also brought to the forefront alternatives
like international and multilateral institutions, most of
them taking over issues that previously preoccupy states.
In certain cases, fear of declining sovereignty of states
have necessitated the need for urgent and concerted action
needed to bring international norms and institutions in
line with international needs and expectations, thus foreseeing
the birth of alternatives.
|
