Describe and explain the term national independence in accordance to actual practice and the relevant clauses of the UN Chapter.

Assignment Brief

HEGEMONY – NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE

The strife for national freedom, internal and external sovereignty, the principle of national independence and the rejection of alien hegemony is a diachronic characteristic of the behavior of states.

1. Describe and explain the term national independence in accordance to actual practice and the relevant clauses of the UN Chapter. More broadly, describe and define the term “sovereignty” in political and legal terms.
2. Describe as to how you understand the term “hegemony” and explain as to how it influences the shape and functions of international relations.

INTERNATIONAL LAW – STABILITY – CAUSES OF WAR

The fundamental high-principles of contemporary international relations as described in Chapter I of the UN are interstate parity, non-intervention and internal self-determination in the conditions of internal and external sovereignty. Moreover, Chapter IV refers to action by the Security Council when there are threads to international peace and security.

1. In historical terms how were the borders drawn and what this means for contemporary international relations?
2. What is, in this connection, the dialectical relationship between international order and international justice?
3. What are the underlying causes of war which function as intervening variables and do not allow an extensive collective security role for the Security Council?
4. Could we possibly have international justice? If the answer is “not” explain the reasons and if the answer is “yes” explain how it could be constructed and function in the contemporary international system? Try to answer in logical and rational terms the difference between international (that is, interstate) justice and world / planetic justice

Describe and explain the term national independence in accordance to actual practice and the relevant clauses of the UN Chapter.

Sample Answer

National Independence, Sovereignty, and Hegemony in International Relations

Introduction

The concepts of national independence, sovereignty, and hegemony are fundamental to the functioning of modern international relations. These terms are closely tied to the legal and political framework established by the United Nations (UN), particularly as outlined in the UN Charter. Understanding how these ideas interact helps explain global conflicts, the formation of states, and the ongoing tension between stability and justice in the international system. This essay defines and explores these key terms, evaluates their relevance in current practice, and considers how they shape international relations, including the causes of war and the potential for achieving international justice.

National Independence and the UN Charter

National independence refers to a state`s right to self-govern without interference from external powers. In practical terms, it means the ability of a nation to make its own laws, conduct foreign relations, and exercise control over its territory and resources. National independence is a cornerstone of modern statehood and is protected under international law, particularly through the United Nations.

The UN Charter, especially in Article 1(2) and Article 2(1), emphasizes the importance of self-determination and sovereign equality. Article 1(2) states the UN’s purpose is "to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples." Article 2(1) affirms that the UN is "based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its Members." These clauses underpin the legal basis for national independence and aim to prevent domination by stronger states over weaker ones.

In actual practice, national independence is often challenged by foreign interventions, economic pressures, and political interference, despite the legal protections offered by the UN. Nevertheless, the principle remains vital for maintaining international peace and the legitimacy of the international order.

Sovereignty: Political and Legal Perspectives

Sovereignty refers to the full right and power of a governing body to govern itself without external interference. In political terms, sovereignty includes control over domestic affairs, decision-making authority, and autonomy in foreign policy. In legal terms, it denotes the recognition by other states and international institutions of a state’s legal independence.

Sovereignty has two main dimensions:

• Internal sovereignty is the authority within a state’s borders to rule and make laws.

• External sovereignty is the recognition by other states that a nation has the right to govern itself and enter into international agreements.

The Westphalian model, originating from the 1648 Peace of Westphalia, formalized the notion of state sovereignty and is foundational in international law today. However, globalization, humanitarian interventions, and international organizations have complicated this traditional view, sometimes creating tensions between respecting sovereignty and protecting human rights or global security.

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