Evolution of Political System (International Focus)

From the prehistoric times when there were no recognized political systems, largely because
organized social systems were not in place, to the modern times where political systems play a
critical role in setting up agenda for states and facilitating coordination among various
independent entities at all levels, there has been notable evolution in ideologies, beliefs and
practice. The ideals of politics is subject to continuous debate because of the imperfections that
exist even today after so many years of existence.

The emergence of a political structure is a consequence of existence of a social structure which

is somehow connects the participants within that structure. Formulation of these systems at
higher societal levels only begin after those levels begin to develop connections of some sort.
It was restricted to individual tribes of Homo sapiens in the prehistoric era which later formed
larger communities maturing into regional units later which progressed to form city states in
the medieval times along with territorial empires leading to the modern sovereign state systems
when the most evolved global system has emerged. Over the course of centuries, there had
been conflicts concerning wealth and poverty, independence and obedience, life and death
which has shaped the way humans have interacted as a species. This essentially has determined
the existence of politics at the core of which is freedom versus subjugation. This facet
ultimately had to lead to a major functionality of political systems which is power distribution
among people which has consequentially resulted in conflicts related to the cause of liberty
than those of basic needs which were more notable earlier.

For much of recorded history, the ‘international’ aspect had been missing from the global
scenario as relations between clearly delineated states did not exist. The rules were determined
by empires and the geographical borders were more fluid in nature. The close neighbours were
related to a certain extent but everyone else was out of the system. The development of Greek
city-states in the 5th century BC is considered to be one of the first instances of occurrence of
international politics which involved, culture, commerce, war and diplomacy. In the example
of the Peloponnesian war between Athens and Sparta in 431 BC, the key factor of power
distribution was evident between states which demonstrate a fundamental theory in
international politics. After the fall of Greek city states and before the development of
sovereign state system, which emerged in early modern Europe in the 15th century and spread
to the rest of the world in the next five centuries through colonialism, a different kind of system
existed where only the Roman Empire dominated much of the “known world”. After the
collapse of Roman Empire in Europe which is considered to be the hotbed of international
politics study, rise of feudal systems were witnessed where political power and authority was
highly fragmented. Personal and religious persona defined the political authority with more
relevance. Territories had many rulers depending upon the type of inhabitants and the issue
prevalent over there. The emperors, kings and the local nobles wielded power within a larger
geographical scope but had little local authority. Church in Rome had larger religious authority
but had limited practical power. The political systems in other parts of the world developed
along similar lines leading to the modern system of the sovereign states.

After the end of thirty years war in Europe, which arose as a result of religious conflict and
motivation for political control, the gradual process of building the sovereign state system
began. The key aspects here were the existence of multiple states based on the principle of
sovereignty. There are authorities within individual states and no external entity can claim
authority over them. This had greater legitimacy and by the end of 1970s, the entire world had
been contained within a single system of sovereign states. As these states grew and developed,
witnessing collaboration between each other and occasional conflicts in form of war, there was
a need to develop international law and establish a territorial balance of power. Major peace
treaties signed during the course of this evolution had been political instruments to resolve
conflicts. Other manifestations to establish mechanisms for management of state systems were
rise of many non-state actors and international organizations, both collaborative and regulatory
in nature. Major examples of these could be seen in the Concert of Europe held in 1815 and
establishment of League of Nations in 1919 during the Paris peace conference under the treaty
of Versailles as a result of first world war and an objective of “promoting international
cooperation and to achieve peace and security.” Later, it changed to the United Nations after
the Second World War in 1945. Other regional and diplomatic associations like G-20, ASEAN,
SAARC, BRICS, EU, OAS, AL have emerged to facilitate economic and political
collaboration along with an object of strengthening international position through expression
of solidarity.

Political conflicts throughout history have been oriented towards power struggle, genocide,
terror, dominance and subjugation of change agents while they can promote just and
collaborative social development through the right means and methods. Although, we have
been striving to move in that direction with less destructive methods of resolving conflicts,
there is a need for interest based methods that integrate peace with justice in order to tackle
seemingly unending domestic, civil and international conflicts between regions, religions,
classes, ideologues and other polar groups.