Can state sovereignty be absolute in a globalised world?

No, state sovereignty cannot be absolute in a globalised world due to interdependence and international norms and regulations.

In a globalised world, the concept of absolute state sovereignty is increasingly challenged. Globalisation, defined as the process by which businesses or other organisations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale, has led to an interconnected world where states are not isolated entities but part of a complex web of relationships. This interdependence means that the actions of one state can have significant impacts on others, limiting the extent to which any state can exercise absolute sovereignty.

International norms and regulations also challenge the notion of absolute state sovereignty. These norms and regulations, which are often established by international organisations such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation, or the International Criminal Court, set standards of behaviour that states are expected to adhere to. While these organisations cannot force states to comply with these norms and regulations, states that fail to do so can face significant political and economic consequences. This further limits the extent to which states can exercise absolute sovereignty.

Moreover, the rise of non-state actors such as multinational corporations and non-governmental organisations also challenges the concept of absolute state sovereignty. These actors often operate across national borders and can exert significant influence on state policies and decisions. For example, multinational corporations can influence economic policy through investment decisions, while non-governmental organisations can influence social and environmental policy through advocacy and lobbying. This influence of non-state actors further limits the ability of states to exercise absolute sovereignty.

In conclusion, while states remain the primary actors in international relations, the concept of absolute state sovereignty is increasingly challenged in a globalised world. Interdependence, international norms and regulations, and the rise of non-state actors all limit the extent to which states can exercise absolute sovereignty.