Think Again, Sovereignty by Stephen D. Krasner

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Article Summary
Think Again: Sovereignty
By Stephen D. Krasner

Sovereignty is not Dead

For strong and weak states, sovereignty remains attractive.

National borders and the erosion of national borders are the most concerning consequence of globalization

What does Sovereignty Actually Mean?

Hobbes and Bodin believed it was law and were concerned with maintaining domestic order

In the modern world, sovereignty refers to independent and autonomous states

States can choose their own form of government within their borders

Non-intervention: States should not intervene in the internal affairs of another state

Technological change has made border control very difficult

Political leaders can enter into international agreements they find attractive

Treaties, as long as they are not coerced, are legitimate.

The Modern Sovereign State

1648 Peace of Westphalia ended the Thirty Years War against the Holy Roman Empire

Introduced balance of power ideas

Was a new charter for the Holy Roman Empire

Established rules for religious tolerance

Major political leaders in Europe concluded that it was better to contain religious conflicts rather that repress differences

Challenges to Sovereignty

After WWII, human rights became the focus of attention

UN Charter endorses human rights issues but is nearly unenforceable and ineffective.

Globalization & Sovereignty

States are better equipped today to control the flow of ideas, information and goods than they were in the past.

State control has increased in some areas and decreased in others

Religious tolerance, monetary policy, national citizenship- Decline in state control

Overall government activity has increased among the most advanced states