Sovereignty is a subject least debated in Pakistan. It is understood as prior and given in strategic/ political discourse. Sovereignty, on the one end,epitomizes national pride and, on the other end, invokes deepest feelings of insecurity. But, ultimately, sovereignty’s projection, if not conception, is an end-means problem; it must not be taken for granted.
What is sovereignty other than that it is a state’s right to run its affairs and pursue its goals without any foreign interference? Popular, and traditional, conception of sovereignty is that it is indivisible as well as inviolable. But such kind of sovereignty is afforded by only the super powers. The middle way is the one adopted by European Union by taking a shared view of it.
Sovereignty is exercised as a measure to enjoy freedom; it is the absence of undesired restraints on the decision-making process as well as the execution of the policies.
Sovereigntyindicates as to what resources the state will need to preserve it. Alternatively, the quest of state to accumulate power is measured by the sovereignty it projects. The nature and type of weaponry in the arsenal of a nation reflect the will of sovereignty.
Sovereignty we only know through the Constitution, which explains relationship between state and the people and the objectives it has to pursue as a member of international community.
Sovereignty, generally speaking, is absolute. Whether it is a kingdom or democracy, interference from without is considered and is responded with the predetermined policies and measures.
The raison d'être of the state serves as an indicator as to how sovereignty is perceived. The resources allocated for defense and foreign policy operations are the other important means to ascertain what type, and kind too, sovereignty a state is practicing.
Sovereignty marks freedom of people and their right to rule themselves. It is the absence of constraints on the decision-makers while running the affairs of the state. It is not merely defending the borders from invading armies but also making population feel safe and secure from hunger, violence and diseases.
What if a state dependent completely on agriculture as a means of sustenance for its over-sized population lacks the will to manage the watershed of its river system?
Finally, what are the consequences for the integrity of state if loses communication with its restive but the largest province?
European Union, however, has made innovation by declaring and virtually practicing the concept of ‘shared’ sovereignty.
Economy has almost been left on the dynamics of market forces while foreign policy and defense has made a joint responsibility of the member states.
Yes, but times have little bit changed after the fall of Soviet Union. Now, information, capital and goods flow freely across the borders. Few states have the ability to ward off stresses on their sovereignty due to the onset of globalization.
The post-Westphalian international order allows information, capital and goods flow freely across the world.