Sovereignty

Meaning and Concept:

Sovereignty refers to the supreme power or authority of a state to govern itself without the interference and/or influence of any other non-state actor.  Sovereignty is one of the three characteristics of Nation-State which provides that the nation-states would be free from outside interference and/or pressure, and would be free to pursue their national interest through independent foreign policy.

Classification of Sovereignty:

Sovereignty is further classified into two broad categories namely, Internal Sovereignty and External Sovereignty. Internal Sovereignty refers to the idea that no power other than government of the state would control the internal and external affairs (Foreign Policy), and the people of the state would willingly obey their respective governments. Whereas, the External Sovereignty discusses the territorial integrity and describes that territorial boundaries of the states would be honored and shall be free from external control and no other state would attack/violate the territorial boundaries.

History and Origin:

The concept of Sovereignty was first pronounced in 1648 after 30 years European Religious War (1618-1648) between Holy Roman Empire and German Empires. After this war the "Treaty of Westphalia" was signed between numerous states including England, France, Austria, Spain and German etc. According to this treaty the nation-states would be provided with sovereignty both internal and external. No power other than government of the state would control the internal and external affairs and the people of the state would willingly obey their respective governments.

Before Nation State System there was no internal or external sovereignty in the states and they were controlled and run by religious empires and/or kings. In the middle age between 400-1500 the Feudalism was prevailing where servers worked for their feudal-lords in an exchange of land. On the other hand Holy Roman Empire was established for the same sake where Kings and Nobles were superior in powers than the knights who were workers and fighters for the same.

However Pope had somehow supreme powers even over kings so this situation was quite disturbing because of undefined ultimate supremacy. Nonetheless, this power conflict led to a situation where the National-Royal Army was established. In that era the first gun powder was invented along with another major invention of Canons/Tanks to attack on adversaries. The lords and kings had somehow controlled the internal sovereignty, by curbing the power of Nobles and Pops, even before the treaty of Westphalia but this was still a dilemma for others. 

United Nation:

            The Article (2)(4) of United Nation Charter also focuses on sovereignty of countries and states that “All Members (Countries) shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations”. Means threatening or using force against the territorial integrity or political interdependence of any state is a straightly violation of United Nation Charter. However, still there are number of countries that are violating this article and sovereignty of other states e.g. United States, Israel and India.

Globalization:

            Globalization is process of interaction and integration among people, organizations, institutions and governments of different states. The contentiously increasing trend of globalization has escalated the international trade too. Though the term seems beneficial for the world economy but Neorealist philosopher Mearsheimer opposed this term and stated that the globalization reflects the hegemonic influence of the major powers in international trade and thus weakens the sovereignty of poor states. Dependency theory argues the exploitation of poor states by rich and developed states by Trade Agreements and Multi-National Organizations. Since, the poor states are dependent on rich states for trade programs and economic growth so developed states put conditions on trade agreement to exploit them and thus their sovereignty is tarnished.

Challenges to Pakistan’s Sovereignty:

            There are number of challenges being faced by Pakistan in respect of its Sovereignty, out of all the Indian Threat is the deadliest. India has attacked Pakistan a number of times and faced tremendous retaliation, however the aggression of India is still elevating. In this respect the Pakistan is forced to work on its nuclear program and so far it holds more than 110 Nuclear Warhead and would cross the figure of 200 by 2020, analysts said. Political instability, Drone Attacks, Civil Military relations and provincialism are some other challenges to Pakistan’s Sovereignty.