Sovereign States and Global Co-operation

Abstract

Sovereignty interpreted as absolute domestic control wanes in the face of forces (regional affiliations, NGOs, MNCs among others) brought about by globalisation. This paper highlights the gradual erosion of state power and argues that the Treaty of Westphalia, which created the modern nation state, did not arrogate absolute sovereignty to the state. However, in its reaction to both internal and external forces, the state decides on what to keep and what to give away in order to maintain its relevance as the most central actor in globalisation.


Humanities Review Journal Vol.4 2004:51-60