Jamaica Jean R.

Hugo
2015
AB Political Science 3rd Year
International Relations

July 8,
Introduction to

Thomas J. Bierseker illustrated how the concept International Relations, which are the state,
sovereignty, and territory, changed its meaning across time and place.
State
a. There are different form of state stated in the book, namely
-liberal state
-post modern state
-post modern state
-absolutist state
-weak state
-captured state
*The above variation in form proves the authors statement that state is dynamic in its
meaning.

Definition
a. According to Karl Marx & Fried Engels State is characterized as little more than the
executive committee of the ruling class. As such, the state could have no autonomous
role, independent of the interest of ruling bourgeoisie. , meaning state is being
controlled by the ruling class and it doesnt have the right to govern itself instead they
use it as a tool to execute power and authority for their own interests.
b. As for Weberian & Marxist conception of state regard it as as set of institution &
relationships of governance closely connected to but analytically distinct from the
society

Modern State Traced

Before there were state, the natural form of state if empire. The modern state exist
through war, when the urbanization and industrialization started to arise in twentieth
century that gave way to state to have labor mobilization and their military forces grew.
Because of this, it gave way to have movement for reformation and started war. For
instance the war between Protestants led by Martin Luther and the religious authority of
Roman Catholic churched that was condemned by the revolutionist because of its
corruption. This shatters religious authority being superior to secular rulers.

Sovereignty
We know that sovereignty is the right of the country to govern itself. The author
mentioned that it is the practices of the state. Recognition is important as a sovereign
state, if it is being recognized it possesses these characteristics.
a. Effective control
b. Defined territory
c. Permanent population
d. Government
e. Capacity to enter relations with other states
f. Capability of fulfilling their international commitments and obligations
g. Democratic governance

Territory
Definition: the land within the boundaries of the state. Its the air space above the
land, inland water sources like rivers and lakes, mineral and natural resources and the 12
miles sea b space beyond the states coastline
For Angell, territorial conquest and acquisition were futile, since the conqueror acquire
liabilities as well as assets of the conquered populace. The territory posses the wealth of
the sates, and there are two classifications;
1. Soft borders (control of networks)- of finance, of information, raw materials, and
cyberspace

2. Hard borders- physical territorial