Legality of International Intervention in State’s Sovereignty: A Critical Global Perspective

Abstract

Intervention is neither a new phenomenon, nor has the concept of sovereignty ever been absolute or unalterable. In the evolving landscape of global politics, the international system has entered an era marked by persistent conflict. This is often characterized by forcible military intervention in the internal affairs of sovereign states, frequently justified on the grounds of humanitarian crises and the need to ensure global security. Sovereignty, as a fundamental principle of statehood is increasingly threatened. This paper provides a comprehensive global perspective on the challenges, implications, and evolving dynamics of sovereignty in the context of international intervention. It examines the inherent tensions between state sovereignty and the responsibility to protect populations at risk. The concept of sovereignty and it’s sanctity have continually evolved in response to changing global political realities. Drawing upon theoretical frameworks, the paper explores the evolution of sovereignty norms and the legitimacy of external interventions. It analyzes the effectiveness of international mechanisms such as the United Nations Security Council, regional organizations, and humanitarian interventions in balancing sovereignty with the imperative to address global challenges. Additionally, the paper discusses legal and ethical challenges of interference in State sovereignty in the face of evolving norms of international law and human rights. It seeks to build upon existing literature on landmark instances of transformation in the global distribution of power, analyses the national attitude in traditional power transition paradigms and suggests theoretical strategies to preserve state’s identity in the international geo-politics. The authors assess this delicate balance of existing threat to self-determination of victim states coupled with global politics.