HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL SYSTEM
This module examines the introductory aspect of the course. Being an eye-opener to the students on learning about the formation, nature, and trend of the international political system, the course will familiarize the students with ample information on the subject matter.
2. The Treaty of Westphalia (1648): Historical Events, Principles, and Resolutions
2.4. The Principles of the Westphalian System
The enduring significance of the Treaty of Westphalia lies not only in its immediate political outcomes but in the broader principles it institutionalized—principles that redefined the nature of international order.
1. Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity
The most revolutionary principle to emerge from Westphalia was that of state sovereignty—the idea that each political entity possesses supreme authority within its territory and independence from external interference. This principle rejected both papal and imperial claims to universal authority, confirming that legitimacy derived from political, not religious, foundations. States became the primary units of the international system, each with equal rights and responsibilities, regardless of size or power.
2. Legal Equality among States
Westphalia also introduced the concept of legal equality among nations, meaning that all states, whether large or small, were equal under international law. This notion laid the groundwork for later developments in diplomacy and international law, including the establishment of permanent embassies and codified treaty systems.
3. Non-Intervention in Domestic Affairs
Closely linked to sovereignty was the principle of non-intervention—the recognition that no external power should interfere in another state’s internal religious or political matters. This represented a major shift from the universalist ambitions of medieval Christendom toward a pluralistic order based on coexistence and mutual respect for autonomy.
4. Balance of Power
Although not formally codified in the treaties, the balance of power became a practical consequence of the Westphalian settlement. By redistributing territories and recognizing the independence of smaller states, the peace aimed to prevent any single power—especially the Habsburgs—from dominating Europe. This concept guided European diplomacy for the next two centuries, influencing the Concert of Europe after 1815 and later international systems.