Political Science

Introduction
Nationalism and sovereignty remain closely related in that the push for an ethnic identity as a nation precedes the demand for self determination. Nationalism is a movement by like minded people seeking to organize themselves as a unitary entity based on common attributes. They agitate for recognition from those who rule over them and in most cases rebel against the authorities. Recent examples include ethnic nationalism in the former Yugoslavia which led to the breakup of the state into seven mini states.

Sovereignty is defined as the right of a nation state to be recognized as a legal entity. This right entails the acceptance of the nations government as the supreme authority in all matters affecting the state. International treaties establish the inviolability of the nations borders and its territorial integrity. A sovereign state has the right to exist, and acts of aggression by enemy forces aimed at altering existing borders are illegal under international law. Laws passed by the authorities are binding on any person residing in the land unless such laws contradict international law which supersedes local statues.

Nationalism has seen the birth of most nation states in the world. The French revolution overthrew the monarchical system and established the nation state which recognized the masses as the prime force in the land. Power was transferred from the monarchy to the people who then set up democratic structures to govern themselves. In colonial Africa, the nationalist movement gained momentum with the granting of independence to states like Ethiopia and Ghana (Gellner, 2003). Other African people began to demand their nation states based on the territorial boundaries drawn up by the colonialists. Early 60s saw the liberation and granting of independence to most states and the establishment of governments ran by the local black populations.

During the cold war, African governments supported either the USA or USSR depending on which power gave them the most assistance. At times superpower influence was so strong that local governments were literally controlled from Moscow or Washington. In a bid to reassert their sovereignty, African, Pacific and Asian states formed the non- aligned movement. This movement was an attempt to reaffirm the member states independence from either bloc and ensure the adoption of neutral policies with respect to international relations (Delanty, 2006). By speaking with one voice, the Non- Aligned Movement (NAM) achieved modest success in various matters such as the independence of Angola, Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) and in ensuring the imposition of sanctions in white South Africa. Arguably, the NAM was a form of nationalism by weak states with a common interest in their own survival and the preservation of their interests.

Ethnic cleansing is negative aspect of nationalism which has led to two major genocides in the last two decades. In the former Yugoslavia, Serb and Croatian communities attempted to eliminate each other from their spheres of influence. Thousands of people perished as Serb force purged Croatian civilians from Serb controlled land and vice versa. Their actions were informed by the desire to have a nation composed of one community.

Colonial boundaries in Rwanda and Burundi lumped together the Hutu and Tutsi communities despite traditional rivalries. Rwanda exploded into a frenzy of killing after the downing of the presidential jet killed the reigning and top government officials. Within a month of the plane crash, Hutu militias had murdered over 1 million Tutsi people in revenge attacks and attempts at ethnic cleansing.

Sovereignty issues led to the First Gulf War when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait claiming it as the 19th province of Iraq. International pressure and fear of setting a precedent of impunity with regard to territorial integrity galvanized the world to act against Iraq. Within a few months the US led coalition had liberated Kuwait and restored the ruling monarch to his throne. Israel has been on the defensive since its declaration of independence. Arab nations opposed to the establishment of an Israeli state have contributed to the tensions in the region. Palestinian people uprooted from their lands by the Israelis demand a state of their own in the occupied west bank. These issues have caused tremendous loss of life and property as both protagonists war over the disputed lands.

IMF and World Bank economic prescriptions for sustained growth during the 1990s, commonly known as structural adjustment polices (SAPs), led to the collapse of many developing countries economies.  Unpopular decisions like cutting down on public employment and disposing of state enterprises forced a number of governments to recapitulate on their agreements. Faced with a restless citizenry, and growing impatience with reforms that were not leading to higher growth rates, the ruling elite decided to abandon the SAPs in the name of sovereignty. This move won them local support and admiration in the eyes on the governed.

The invasion of Iraq and the deposing of Saddam by the US forces in conjunction with British forces raise questions of sovereignty. It set a bad precedent where a nation can ignore international concerns and invade another country to remove its sitting president. The US committed an international crime by removing from power an elected head of state and installing its own puppet regime. By failing to respect Iraqis choice of leader, US actions have rubbished the concept of sovereignty with regard to supreme local authority.

Nationalism and sovereignty provide the basis for world order and peaceful coexistence. Nation states are the precursor to sovereign entities and exist to further the interests of those living in particular regions. It is the responsibility of world bodies and regional groupings to ensure that negative nationalism is contained and crimes against humanity are prevented by channeling the energies of nationalist movements in the right direction (Held, 2003). Ethnic nationalism and diversity can coexist provided the leaders appreciate the valuable contribution each community has to offer. Political stability and peace are dependent on the respect for sovereignty. Without such respect, a situation of total anarchy would prevail with nation attacking nation in a bid to annex another countrys lands.

In conclusion, nationalism can contribute to the liberation of oppressed peoples or degenerate into a pogrom against weak minorities. Sovereignty is an important aspect of international relations because it defines the relationship between states and contains imperialist tendencies. Without respect for sovereignty, international relations would be characterized by endless wars and conflicts