The question of whether state sovereignty is declining is a major debate in IB Global Politics. While sovereignty remains a core principle of the international system, many developments in the 21st century appear to challenge the idea that states have full control over their internal and external affairs. The IB encourages students to treat this as a contested issue, requiring balanced evaluation rather than a simple yes-or-no answer.
One major challenge to sovereignty comes from globalization. Economic interdependence, global supply chains, and international trade agreements limit the ability of states to act independently. Governments often adjust domestic policies to meet global market expectations or international regulations. While these decisions are usually voluntary, they reduce a state’s freedom of action and suggest a partial erosion of traditional sovereignty.
Another important factor is the growth of international law and global governance. States increasingly participate in international institutions that set rules and standards affecting domestic policy. Human rights treaties, environmental agreements, and trade regulations can constrain state behaviour. Although states consent to these arrangements, enforcement mechanisms and international pressure can limit their autonomy. This raises questions about how much sovereignty states truly retain.
Humanitarian intervention also challenges sovereignty. In some cases, external actors intervene in states to prevent human rights abuses or humanitarian crises. These actions weaken the principle of non-interference, especially when intervention occurs without full consent. Critics argue this undermines sovereignty, while supporters claim it reflects evolving global norms that prioritise human security over absolute state control.
However, sovereignty has not disappeared. States remain the primary decision-makers in global politics and still control borders, citizenship, and military force. Many governments actively resist external influence and reaffirm sovereignty through nationalist policies. In some cases, states have reasserted control in response to globalization, showing that sovereignty can be defended and adapted rather than lost.
The IB Global Politics course therefore presents sovereignty as changing rather than declining outright. Sovereignty is increasingly shared, limited, or redefined, but not eliminated. States may lose some autonomy in certain areas while gaining influence through cooperation in others.
Strong IB answers recognise this complexity. Rather than arguing that sovereignty has simply declined, high-level responses evaluate how sovereignty has evolved in response to global challenges and why it remains a central, though transformed, concept in the 21st century.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is sovereignty disappearing in global politics?
No, sovereignty is not disappearing, but it is changing. States still hold legal authority and recognition. However, external pressures limit absolute independence. IB answers should avoid extreme claims.
How does globalization affect sovereignty?
Globalization reduces state autonomy by increasing economic and political interdependence. States must cooperate and adapt to global systems. This limits unilateral decision-making. However, participation is often voluntary.
Do international institutions weaken sovereignty?
They can limit sovereignty by setting rules and expectations. At the same time, they increase cooperation and stability. States choose to join these institutions. This trade-off is central to IB evaluation.
Does humanitarian intervention undermine sovereignty?
Intervention challenges the principle of non-interference. Supporters argue it protects human rights, while critics see it as a violation of sovereignty. The IB expects balanced analysis of both views.
How should this question be answered in exams?
Students should define sovereignty, present arguments for decline, and then evaluate counterarguments. Linking theory and real-world examples strengthens answers. Clear judgement is important but should be nuanced.
