THE ORIGINS OF INTER-STATE SYSTEM

Introduction:

The world is composed of many states with different forms of government. When

studying of political, military, and other diplomatic engagements between two or more

countries is called International relations. Moreover, when they are going to explore

deepening of interaction between states is referred to the phenomenon of

Internationalism.

According to scholars, there is a decrease in the power of the state and that

other actors are actually becoming powerful. Hence, this manifests efforts of countries

and governments in the world to cooperate and collaborate together. The MNCs and

NGOs such as Amnesty International, are significant organizations that put into question

the strength of the national economy and global politics. Nevertheless, it is important to

study international relations as a facet of globalization, because states or governments

are key drivers of global processes.

In this chapter, the origin of interstate system, the effects of Globalization on

government Institutions that govern international relations, and the difference between

internationalism from global governance will be discussed.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NATION AND STATE

A. STATE

 State refers to the community of persons permanently occupying a definite

portion of territory, independent form external control, and possessing an

organized government to which greater body of inhabitants renders habitual

obedience.

The state is a political and legal concept.

It is not subject to external control.

A single state may consist of one or more nations or people. State refers to a country and its
government; a state as four attributes:

1. People – called the citizens

2. Territory – it governs a specific territory

3. Government – crafts various rules that people follow

4. Sovereignty – refers to internal and external authority

1. NATION

 Nation is an “imagined community”; limited for it has boundaries;

 It is a cultural or ethnic concept, which may consist of one or more states.

 It is a large group of people who are bound together, and recognize a similarity

among themselves, because of a common culture; in particular, a common

language seems important in creating nationhood.

 A single nation may be made up of several states.

DIFFERENT INTERNATIONAL ORGANZATIONS

1. UNITED NATION – is an instrument of international that UN member states are

bound by it. The UN charter codifies the major principles of international

relations, from sovereign equality of States to the prohibition of the use of force in

international relations (https://www.un.org).

UN FIVE PRINCIPLES OF MUTUAL COEXISTENCE (as stated by

Panchsheel Treaty, signed on April 24, 1954):

a) Mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity

b) Mutual non-aggression

c) Non-interference in each other’s internal affairs

d) Equality and mutual benefits

e) Peaceful co-existence

2. EUROPEAN UNION – the European Commission is responsible for designing

European development policy and delivering aid throughout the world as

effectively as possible. It ensures that EU is represented internationally in

development policy matters and in negotiating agreements on international

development issues (https://ec.europa.eu).

3. NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (NAFTA) - fundamentally

reshaped North American economic relations, driving unprecedented integration

between the developed economies of Canada, US and Mexico’s developing one.

It boosted trade by eliminating all tariffs between three countries and creating

agreements on international rights for business investors. Furthermore, reduced

the cost of commerce by spurring investment and growth especially small

business (https://www.thebalance.com).

4. WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO) – is the only international organization

dealing with the global rules on trade between nations. Its main function is to

ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and as freely as possible. The

WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world’s trading

nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to help producers of goods

and services, exporters and importers conduct their business

(https://www.wto.org).

5. INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF) – is an international organization of

189 member countries that works to ensure the stability of international monetary

and financial system. Its mandates includes facilitating the expansion of balanced

growth of international trade, promoting exchange stability, and providing

opportunity for orderly correction of countries’ balance of payments problem

(https://www.imf.org).

6. WORLD BANK (WB) – is an international organization affiliated with the United

Nations and designed to finance projects that enhance the economic

development of member states (https://worldbank.org)

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INTERNATIONALISM AND GLOBALISM

Although the two terms appear to be similar, yet there exist a conceptual

difference between the two:

Globalism is much wider in terms of its meaning, scope and outcome. It

emphasizes the dilution of sovereign expression of the nations but demonstrate the

conflict arising out of this dilution as well. However, this does not mean that globalism is
negative concept because surrendering of national sovereignty (to some extent) is

aimed to moderate the barriers to international exchanges. In addition, globalism is an

ideology posits by Manfred Steger which are based on the belief that people, goods and

information able to cross the national border unfettered. It is further, a widespread belief

among powerful people that the global integration of economic markets is beneficial for

everyone, since it spread freedom and democracy across the world.

On the other hand, internationalism lays stress in the solidarity and cooperation

among nations, while acknowledging their sovereign character. Moreover,

internationalism is a political, economic, and cultural cooperation between nations. It is

further a system of heightened interaction between various sovereign states particularly

the desire for greater cooperation and unity among states and people.

Nevertheless, in spite of this conceptual differences between the two terms, we

can see the amalgamation of this two phenomenon particularly in this contemporary

world order which the international and transnational exchange witness globalism and

internationalism with varying degrees (abhipedia.abimanu.com).

Conclusion

 Internationalism is but one window into the broader phenomenon of globalization;

 Increasingly international relations are also facilitated by international

organizations that promote global norms and policies. The most prominent

example is the United Nations.