States
Introduction to the state:
How did states come about?
Based on the Treaty of Westphalia: (1648)
The Treaty of Westphalia is a treaty that ended the 30-year war of religion also known as
the sectarian war. The peace negotiation leading to the treaty brought together several
European powers emperors kings and Queens.
Features of the Treaty:
- The treaty was created on the basis of the settlement of international disputes by
diplomatic means.
- Meaning that disputes were settled without war in relation to foreign policy. (this is
a perspective that has been challenged by realists, refer to previous notes to expand
your knowledge on realism)
- The treaty promoted the coexistence of states.
- it further prohibited the invasion of one country by another and ensured the
recognition and established territories of States and their territorial entity therefore
recognizing the sovereignty of states.
- due to the treaty emerging from of a war of religion it was established that
individuals have religious liberty, giving citizens the right to determine the religion of
their choice.
According to the Treaty of Westphalia a state is sovereign and has its own territory,
population and government.
The state can be viewed in 2 ways in international relations.
1. State as a government:
- There is an authority within a given territory with the three main arms of
government (executive legislature and judiciary)
- The state has coercive or authority which is what the state uses to compile its
citizens to act in a certain way.
Example the police.
2. State as a territorial entity / geographical expression
- Has recognized boundaries, population/ citizens and sovereignty.
Origins of the state (5 theories)
- Social theory is steadfast in the belief that humans have the natural
inclination to live with people as social beings, family and community.
- the Patrilineal and Matrilineal theory traces the origin of the state leader to
the family
- Force theory believes that states emerge through conquest therefore states
must be fought for and those who are defeated do not own the state.
- Divine theory believes that the state is instituted by God and therefore the
head of that state is an extension and representative of God.
Introduction to the state:
How did states come about?
Based on the Treaty of Westphalia: (1648)
The Treaty of Westphalia is a treaty that ended the 30-year war of religion also known as
the sectarian war. The peace negotiation leading to the treaty brought together several
European powers emperors kings and Queens.
Features of the Treaty:
- The treaty was created on the basis of the settlement of international disputes by
diplomatic means.
- Meaning that disputes were settled without war in relation to foreign policy. (this is
a perspective that has been challenged by realists, refer to previous notes to expand
your knowledge on realism)
- The treaty promoted the coexistence of states.
- it further prohibited the invasion of one country by another and ensured the
recognition and established territories of States and their territorial entity therefore
recognizing the sovereignty of states.
- due to the treaty emerging from of a war of religion it was established that
individuals have religious liberty, giving citizens the right to determine the religion of
their choice.
According to the Treaty of Westphalia a state is sovereign and has its own territory,
population and government.
The state can be viewed in 2 ways in international relations.
1. State as a government:
- There is an authority within a given territory with the three main arms of
government (executive legislature and judiciary)
- The state has coercive or authority which is what the state uses to compile its
citizens to act in a certain way.
Example the police.
2. State as a territorial entity / geographical expression
- Has recognized boundaries, population/ citizens and sovereignty.
Origins of the state (5 theories)
- Social theory is steadfast in the belief that humans have the natural
inclination to live with people as social beings, family and community.
- the Patrilineal and Matrilineal theory traces the origin of the state leader to
the family
- Force theory believes that states emerge through conquest therefore states
must be fought for and those who are defeated do not own the state.
- Divine theory believes that the state is instituted by God and therefore the
head of that state is an extension and representative of God.
