THE formation of modern nation-states and the evolution of the international system can be traced back to the Treaty of Westphalia, signed in 1648.
This landmark agreement, which concluded the Thirty Years' War - a brutal conflict between Protestant and Catholic factions within the Holy Roman Empire - was more than just a peace treaty; it was a pivotal moment in the creation of the contemporary world order.
By establishing the principles of state sovereignty and non-intervention, Westphalia laid the groundwork for the modern nation-state system where political entities are defined by clear territorial boundaries and centralized authority.
This treaty marked the beginning of a shift from religious to secular governance, as it allowed states to determine their own religious affiliations and prioritize national interests over religious conflicts.
As Europe moved away from divine right theories - where rulers were seen as appointed by God - the rise of secularism and democratic ideals emerged, emphasising that political leaders should be chosen by the people rather than divine decree.
This transition not only shaped the structure of modern nations but also set the stage for the democratic principles that underpin contemporary governance, where legitimacy is grounded in the consent of the governed rather than religious sanction.
Islamic View
Muhammad Iqbal, a leading philosopher and poet from early 20th-century South Asia, had a distinctive perspective on the modern nation-state and its relationship with Islam.
Iqbal viewed the nation-state not as an inherent contradiction to Islamic principles but as a potential framework for revitalising and applying Islamic values in a contemporary setting.
He imagined a dynamic and reformative role for the state, one that could advance spiritual and moral principles rather than merely serving secular or nationalist interests.
Although Iqbal was a Sunni Muslim, his ideas were informed by a broad spectrum of Islamic thought, including some influences from Shiite traditions. This blend of perspectives helped him craft a vision of governance that sought to harmonize modern political structures with the ethical imperatives of Islam.
For Iqbal, the modern nation-state represented an opportunity to achieve a just and morally oriented society, reflecting his belief that Islamic values could be effectively integrated into the fabric of modern political life.
End of History & Borderless World
The collapse of Communism and the end of the Cold War in 1991 fundamentally reshaped the global landscape, setting the stage for new debates about the future of the nation-state and international relations.
As the Berlin Wall fell and the Soviet Union disintegrated, the triumph of liberal democracy and market capitalism seemed complete.
Francis Fukuyama's provocative thesis, outlined in his 1992 book "The End of History," argued that this moment marked the endpoint of ideological evolution, with liberal democracy emerging as the final, superior form of government.
However, this notion was soon met with challenges. Jean-Marie Guéhenno highlighted how globalisation was eroding traditional state sovereignty, suggesting that the increasing interconnectedness of global issues was weakening the nation-state's central role.
Meanwhile, Kenichi Ohmae's "Borderless World" painted a picture of a future where national borders were becoming increasingly irrelevant in the face of economic and regional integration.
Ohmae predicted that the forces of globalization would redefine the global order, emphasising fluid, transnational connections over rigid national boundaries.
In essence, the end of Communism and the Cold War sparked a rethinking of global politics, with visions of a new world where the traditional nation-state was either redefined or eclipsed by
the forces of globalisation.
Pendulum Swings
In recent times, there's been a notable push to reassert the importance of the nation-state amid the perceived excesses of globalism and unregulated capitalism.
Advocates for this shift argue that national governments are crucial for addressing local needs, maintaining social cohesion, and ensuring effective governance. This perspective comes in response to the growing discontent with the effects of global economic integration, which many feel has led to instability and a loss of national control.
Critics like John Ralston Saul have highlighted the shortcomings of globalism, suggesting that the unbridled spread of global markets has not delivered on its promises of prosperity and equity.
Instead, it has often resulted in increased economic inequality and diminished national sovereignty. Adding to this, there's concern about the growing dominance of multinational corporations, which now wield such immense economic power that they often rival or surpass the GDP of entire countries.
This concentration of corporate power undermines the ability of nation-states to regulate effectively and shape policy. Susan Strange's critique of "casino capitalism" further illustrates the volatility and speculative nature of today's financial markets, emphasizing the need for stronger regulations to mitigate risks and ensure a more equitable distribution of economic benefits.
As these dynamics play out, the debate intensifies over how to balance the benefits of global integration with the need for robust national governance and regulatory frameworks.
Necessity of a Strong Democratic Malaysia in the Global Order
Malaysia's journey as a nation-state navigating the shifting tides of globalisation is an illustrative case of the Westphalian order in action.
Rooted in the principles of territorial sovereignty and political autonomy, Malaysia stands as a player in the global theater, but in today's hyper-connected world, where globalisation has melted boundaries and blurred the lines of national sovereignty, this power is constantly challenged.
Malaysia, like all nations, must find ways to adapt and thrive in a landscape where everything from trade to technology to culture knows no borders.
Globalisation, for Malaysia, is a double-edged sword. On one side, it opens the door to immense opportunities—access to global markets, cutting-edge technology, investment flows, and cultural cross-pollination that have helped Malaysia rise from an agrarian economy to an emerging player on the global stage.
But on the other side, globalisation is a formidable force to reckon with. It brings intense competition, economic vulnerabilities tied to global financial ebbs and flows, and cultural pressures that could erode national identity. For Malaysia to ride this wave and not get swallowed by it, it needs a strong, democratically elected government - one that commands legitimacy from its people, acts with stability, and embodies resilience.
A democratically elected government, is the foundation of Malaysia's political stability and economic success. In a world driven by fast-moving capital, rapid technological shifts, and interconnected economies, stability is everything.
Investors flock to stable regimes. Markets reward governments that can balance reform with steady leadership. And Malaysia, with a strong government that draws its authority from the will of its people, is better positioned to make decisions that steer it through the rocky waters of global competition and cross-border challenges.
That's where Kancil Diplomacy enters the picture. Named after the cunning mouse deer of Southeast Asian folklore, Malaysia's foreign policy strategy emphasises diplomacy through agility, resourcefulness, and pragmatism.
Malaysia may not be a global superpower, but it doesn't need to be. In the age of globalisation, being clever often trumps being big.
By leveraging soft power, building strategic alliances, and positioning itself as a mediator in regional conflicts, Malaysia has found its sweet spot in the global order.
It has learned to thrive not by throwing its weight around but by using its diplomatic savvy to punch above its weight.
This clever diplomatic dance reflects Malaysia's broader need for a united front at home. A strong, democratically elected government isn't just a political requirement - it's the glue that holds the nation together in a world where global forces constantly pull at its seams.
The ability to craft policies that keep Malaysia economically competitive while preserving its rich cultural identity and social cohesion hinges on a government that can speak with one voice - one backed by the people.
Globalisation may be an unstoppable force, but with the right leadership, Malaysia can continue to navigate its currents like the Kancil, dodging the pitfalls and finding opportunities in the chaos.
In the end, Malaysia's survival and success in the globalised Westphalian order depend on its ability to be both strong and nimble. It must maintain a government that can project stability and unity while embracing the resourcefulness that Kancil Diplomacy represents.
Only then can Malaysia not only keep pace with a rapidly changing world but help shape it.
*The writer is an international relations analyst and a senior consultant with Global Asia Consulting. He has a background as a senior researcher at the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research. The viewpoints articulated are solely those of the author