Sovereignty, Anarchy, and the World Order

A look at how the concept of state sovereignty has created a paradigm of anarchy internationally that humanity has been yet unable to transcend.

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How does sovereignty shape global politics, and why does it create a war-prone international system? This interview dives deep into the principles of sovereignty, anarchy, and their impact on world order.

Sovereignty, the cornerstone of international relations, positions states as supreme within their territories and ensures mutual recognition among nations. This legal construct fosters formal equality but also limits the system's ability to transcend state boundaries. Drawing on Hedley Bull's The Anarchical Society, sovereignty is seen as enabling structured exchanges among states while perpetuating an anarchic global system.

Anarchy, defined by the absence of centralized authority, normalizes warfare as a persistent feature of international relations. Philosopher Thomas Hobbes' concept of the "state of nature"—a war of "everyone against everyone"—frames this condition. Without a global sovereign, states remain locked in a cycle of conflict, rendering global peace unattainable under current paradigms.

Historically, Hobbes' ideas have profoundly shaped the discourse on sovereignty and global politics. The interview critiques this war-prone framework and challenges scholars to innovate beyond these limitations. By reimagining global relations, we can aim for a peaceful international system.

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Key references include:

Hedley Bull’s The Anarchical Society – foundational analysis of global order and sovereignty.
Thomas Hobbes – philosophical insights into the state of nature and anarchy.

This thought-provoking discussion urges a shift from conflict-driven paradigms to envisioning sustainable pathways toward global peace.

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