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As stated by Reinalda (2016), the Westphalian system, 

often known as Westphalian


sovereignty, is a principle of international law that maintains that all nation-states have exclusive
sovereignty over their own territories. In its most basic form, sovereignty refers to the sole power
and authority to govern or exercise control over a specific region or geographic location. As a
result, the Westphalian System of States refers to the idea that states have the power and
authority to rule themselves independently of any influence or intervention from other states.
The principle establishes the modern understanding of how the international system works. The
United Nations understands that no intervention is permitted in areas that come under another
country's internal authority. As a result, each country is responsible for its internal affairs, with
no interference from other countries. The principle applies to all states in the international arena,
regardless of geographical size, social or economic position. The idea dates back to the 17th
century and has undergone several changes over time. The Westphalian States System
remains relevant in modern society, but it has received several criticisms and considerations
from skeptics, political scientists, and humanitarian interventionists.

The Westphalian state system's relevance is based on its ability to govern international
interactions as well as to ensure peace and security, as no country is legally entitled to wage
war against another. In the face of rising state cooperation due to technology improvements,
each country has managed to strike good deals on its own without being forced into
unconscionable agreements with other dominating or developed states. As a direct
consequence, the system has helped to create a feeling of balance and restraint among states,
preventing them from interfering excessively with one another. Equal treatment in all parts of
relations under the scope of international relations is also an essential self-regulatory
mechanism between countries in their affairs, as they are entitled to equal treatment in all
aspects of relations. Without such a framework, it is arguable that governments would find it
extremely difficult to cohabit in the world. Some would periodically rise up against others,
conducting conquest wars to settle disputes or even to expand their borders or exploit mineral
riches. It has been possible to prevent strands of imperialism and probable colonialism by
providing a favorable framework for countries to interact amicably by preventing such
occurrences.

All in all, since its foundation in the 17th century, the Westphalia system of states has
dominated the political arena. The system's essential principles uphold a feeling of national
sovereignty and the concept of non-interference in other countries' domestic affairs. In today's
society, a rigorous interpretation of the idea makes it difficult to operate the global system. The
system has encountered numerous challenges in recent years as a result of the necessity for
collaboration in areas such as international security, humanitarian assistance, and globalization.
As a result, the Westphalian state system's importance has waned through time, making it less
relevant in today's society. It does, however, continue to play an important role.

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