How did international relations change with the development of the neo-Westphalian international system?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

As with the Westphalian international system, states remained the major actors on the international stage in the neo-Westphalian international system. However, the relationship of non-state actors with state actors changed dramatically. In the neo-Westphalian system, some non-state actors possess a considerable amount of power and influence in world politics. Indeed, the enhanced roles of non-state actors are at the heart of the shift to the neo-Westphalian system. These powerful non-state actors include nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), multinational corporations (MNC), and international government organizations (IOs). Some of them have enough influence to sway government policies. Also, in the neo-Westphalian system, globalization has had a stronger impact than in the Westphalian system. Technology has made communication between states instantaneous. As a result, heads of state have started to conduct more diplomatic relations with each other, rather than relying on professional diplomats. The Westphalian emphasis on borders and preventing interventions into one’s own domestic affairs has been rendered far less relevant by these technological innovations. In the neo-Westphalian system, states are under more pressure from internal stresses. Since borders are less important, some people identify more with tribes and clans than states, causing civil unrest within states. Finally, the meaning of sovereignty has changed. Rulers and governments are no longer allowed to do whatever they want within their own borders. For example, if a leader embarks on a program of ethnic cleansing, he or she will be held responsible for these actions by the international community and punished.