Identify six external limitations to the exercise of sovereignty of the State.

Answer Details

Six external limitations to the exercise of the sovereignty of the state

Although a sovereign state has supreme authority over its own territory, in practice its sovereignty is limited from outside by the following:

1. International law: A state is expected to conduct its affairs in conformity with the accepted rules and conventions of international law, which restrict what it may lawfully do in relation to other states.
2. Membership of international organisations: By joining bodies such as the United Nations, the African Union and ECOWAS, a state accepts their charters, obligations and decisions, which limit its freedom of action.
3. Treaties and international agreements: When a state signs treaties or pacts, it binds itself to honour the terms, thereby surrendering part of its freedom to act as it pleases.
4. Diplomacy and international public opinion: The need to maintain good relations and a good image before other states and the world community compels a state to moderate its conduct.
5. Economic interdependence: Dependence on other states for trade, aid, loans and investment, and the conditions attached to them by donors and bodies such as the IMF and World Bank, constrain a state's decisions.
6. Military alliances and the balance of power: Defence pacts, alliances and the fear of stronger nations or of collective sanction restrain a state from acting entirely as it wishes.

The activities of powerful multinational corporations and the influence of super-powers are further external constraints.