The Westphalian System

The Westphalian System is a concept in international relations that originated from the Peace of Westphalia treaties in 1648, marking the end of the Thirty Years' War. It established the idea that each nation-state has full sovereignty over its territory and internal affairs, free from external interference. This principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity became the foundation for the modern international order, emphasizing that states are equal, independent entities, and leading to the development of clear borders and recognized nation-states. It remains a key framework for understanding how nations interact and respect each other's sovereignty today.