What was the significance of the Westphalian system in international relations?

The Westphalian system is significant in international relations because it established the foundational principles of territoriality and sovereignty. This framework emerged from the Peace of Westphalia treaties in 1648, which ended the Thirty Years' War in Europe. The treaties recognized the rights of states to govern their territories free from external interference, laying the groundwork for modern statehood and international law.

This emphasis on sovereignty means that states have the authority to manage their own affairs without external control, which has been a critical factor in how countries interact with one another in the international system. It set a precedent that territorial boundaries and centralized control within those borders are paramount in international relations today.

While other options mention significant developments in international relations, such as the end of World War I and the creation of the United Nations or the introduction of human rights law, these events and concepts were influenced by or evolved after the principles established by the Westphalian system. However, the system's direct contribution to sovereignty and territoriality remains foundational to the structure of international politics as we know it.