A Relational Theory of State Sovereignty

• In Event: Rethinking Sovereignty

Abstract

Prevailing International Relations theories use a substantialist (Emirbayer 1997; Jackson and Nexon 1999) account of state sovereignty, conceptualizing states and their governments as basic units who enter into relationships with one another. In contrast to this, I argue that relational theory, which sees relationships as prior to units, offers a more accurate conception of state sovereignty for two reasons. First, statehood depends upon external recognition. Rather than existing outside the relationships they enter, states evolve from a relational milieu that grants territorial sovereignty to certain parties. Second, for any government to execute international action, it also must be recognized internationally as the legitimate government of a recognized state. Without recognition, even domestically popular governments may not be able to, for example, participate in international organizations, receive international aid, issue visas or join formal economic agreements. This relational redefinition raises an important challenge to the widely held view that world politics take place in a self-help system by drawing attention to the cooperative foundation of state sovereignty.

Author

• Matthew David Hamilton, Georgetown University