Dear Educator,
Today, the world is home to nearly two hundred countries, and these countries can choose the rules that govern their society. This concept might seem like a given; of course, countries can decide what happens inside their borders, but it wasn't always this way. In fact, this concept called sovereignty is still widely debated.
Keep reading to discover more resources on sovereignty, how countries violate it, and three case studies that can help you explain this concept to your students. Happy learning,
Caroline Netchvolodoff Vice President, Education
Council on Foreign Relations |
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In the mid-17th century, during a peace agreement after the Thirty Years' War, an idea emerged that a world could exist in which countries respected one another's independence.
This idea was called sovereignty. It means that governments have the ultimate authority over what happens within their borders, and no country, regardless of size or wealth, has the right to infringe upon that.
These two short videos can be used to teach your students about this concept:
Violations of sovereignty and disputes over what constitutes a violation happens from time to time. Explore the different ways a government’s authority can be challenged before diving into three case studies of different violations. |
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Are there ever times when the principle of sovereignty doesn't apply? In 2005, UN members endorsed the responsibility to protect (R2P) doctrine, which makes an exception. Learn more about the R2P doctrine with this timeline. |
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Case Study 1: The Napoleonic Wars
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In the early 1800s, the newly formed United States found itself at odds with its former colonial power, as Britain took multiple actions that blatantly disregarded the United States’ hard-won independence.
This escalated when, in June of 1807, the British HMS Leopard fired upon and boarded the American warship USS Chesapeake. Three Americans were killed in the assault, eighteen were injured, and several others were impressed into British naval service: A direct threat to U.S. sovereignty.
Help your students understand this situation with a simulation set the day after the attack. |
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If the founding of the United States is considered an experiment in democracy, the creation of the European Union is an experiment in sovereignty. Use European integration and Brexit to teach about pooling sovereignty. |
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Case Study 2: Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
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The Russian government has long sought to undermine Ukrainian independence, arguing that Ukraine was historically Russian territory and should not be an independent country. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, it not only infringed on Ukraine's sovereignty but also began a full-scale war.
The invasion and clear disregard of Ukraine's borders have led to fear in other neighboring countries about their safety and sovereignty. |
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If you are a higher education student or faculty member, you can learn more about Ukraine, Russia, and the Future of European Security at a Global Affairs Expert Webinar on November 12. |
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Case Study 3: Brazil and Sanctions
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While the previous case studies involved armed forces, there are non-physical methods that governments can use to violate a country's sovereignty.
Economic sanctions, for example, can be used to compel governments to change their behavior by reducing—or, at their most draconian, shutting down—financial and trade relations.
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In July, the Trump Administration announced a 50% tariff on Brazilian imported goods in response to the conviction of Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro. Some say this action challenges the sovereignty of Brazil’s Supreme Court and central bank.
In this article, Economist James Wallar gives his perspective on this use of economic coercion. |
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Looking for a quick way to put the concept of sovereignty into context for your students? Try out this activity that teaches about the difference between a nation and a country. |
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Does the traditional understanding of sovereignty need to be reevaluated in a world where challenges within one country ripple across borders and affect the entire planet? Have your class watch this five-minute video, then ask them to answer the question themselves by role-playing the National Security Council as they grapple with the issue in the context of the Amazon rainforest.
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Council on Foreign Relations. All rights reserved. |
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