| _version_ | 1866901221663571968 |
|---|---|
| author | Revista, Zen HISTORY, 10 |
| author_facet | Revista, Zen HISTORY, 10 |
| contents | The Treaty of Westphalia, signed in 1648, is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in the evolution of international relations, marking the foundational shift from a medieval, religiously-dominated order to a modern system of sovereign states. This paper explores the geopolitical genesis of the modern state-system, dissecting the historical context of the Thirty Years' War, the key provisions of the Westphalian treaties, and their profound and enduring impact on the concepts of state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs. While acknowledging scholarly debates and critiques regarding the "Westphalian myth," this study argues that the Peace of Westphalia solidified crucial principles that continue to underpin contemporary international law and diplomacy. It examines how these principles fostered the rise of the nation-state, shaped the balance of power in Europe, and subsequently influenced the global political order. Furthermore, the paper considers how the Westphalian system has been challenged and transformed in the face of globalization, the rise of non-state actors, and evolving norms such as humanitarian intervention, leading to discussions about a "post-Westphalian" era. Through a comprehensive historical and theoretical analysis, this research aims to illuminate the complex legacy of Westphalia and its ongoing relevance in understanding the dynamics of the international system. |
| format | Recurso digital |
| id | zenodo_https___doi_org_10_5281_zenodo_17782881 |
| institution | Zenodo |
| language | |
| publishDate | 2025 |
| publisher | Zenodo |
| record_format | zenodo |
| spellingShingle | Westphalia Unbound: The Geopolitical Genesis of the Modern State-System Revista, Zen HISTORY, 10 The Treaty of Westphalia, signed in 1648, is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in the evolution of international relations, marking the foundational shift from a medieval, religiously-dominated order to a modern system of sovereign states. This paper explores the geopolitical genesis of the modern state-system, dissecting the historical context of the Thirty Years' War, the key provisions of the Westphalian treaties, and their profound and enduring impact on the concepts of state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs. While acknowledging scholarly debates and critiques regarding the "Westphalian myth," this study argues that the Peace of Westphalia solidified crucial principles that continue to underpin contemporary international law and diplomacy. It examines how these principles fostered the rise of the nation-state, shaped the balance of power in Europe, and subsequently influenced the global political order. Furthermore, the paper considers how the Westphalian system has been challenged and transformed in the face of globalization, the rise of non-state actors, and evolving norms such as humanitarian intervention, leading to discussions about a "post-Westphalian" era. Through a comprehensive historical and theoretical analysis, this research aims to illuminate the complex legacy of Westphalia and its ongoing relevance in understanding the dynamics of the international system. |
| title | Westphalia Unbound: The Geopolitical Genesis of the Modern State-System |
| url | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17782881 |