“Sovereignty is not given; it is taken.” This powerful saying by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk echoes the essence of autonomy that nations have long struggled to preserve. The recent protests in New Zealand are a testament to this struggle. But before we shed light on these modern events, it is quite indispensable to understand how deeply rooted the concept of sovereignty is in global history and why it remains so significant for a country.
The foundations of sovereignty as we understand it today can be traced back to the Peace of Westphalia (1648), which is commonly said to mark the beginning of modern international politics. This treaty, which is regarded as a milestone in the development of tolerance and secularisation, propounds that nation-states create distinct identities by non-interference of external forces, or, when said negatively, create mixed identities by virtue of interference.
Sovereignty, which is the principle of autonomy over one’s land and identity, has long been a principle vital for stability and healthy governance. But, history typifies a recurring paradox: the foreign interventions, often justified as necessary for peace and growth, end up disrupting these sovereign spaces, leading to instability and profound disruptions.
The “Treaty of Waitangi” in New Zealand is one such example, where conflicting interpretations of sovereignty led to the deterioration of the Maori land and culture. The treaty, which was signed between the British crown and the Maori chiefs in 1840, was aimed at formalising a partnership. But, the dual interpretation – one in Maori, focusing on Rangatiratanga meaning ‘self-determination’ and right to govern themselves, and another one in English, which highlights no mention of self-rule and sovereignty – planted the seeds of discord.
This struggle for sovereignty is not just a historical one. Recently, Maori MP Hana Rawhiti Maipi Clarke led a traditional haka in Parliament, protesting against the controversial bill that seeks to redefine the Treaty of Waitangi.
The haka, a powerful traditional dance, was not just a protest but a cry for recognition of the Maori people’s ongoing struggle for sovereignty. This act was followed by a larger hikoi (march) involving thousands of Maori demonstrators. Such events highlight the unrelenting efforts of the Maori people to preserve their culture, assert their sovereignty, and protect the spirit of the treaty.
The roots of this struggle, however, run deep into history. A major example of the most significant challenges to Maori sovereignty is the historical and ongoing dispossession of Maori land, which is rooted in the misinterpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi. The Maori people consider land more than just a resource – it is a cornerstone of cultural identity, spiritual connection, and economic stability.
The humongous loss of land diminished the Maori community’s ability to govern themselves and maintain their traditional way of life, fundamentally weakening their sovereignty. This dispossession remains a critical example of how foreign intervention disrupted Maori autonomy and continues to shape systemic inequities.
While the loss of land represents a historical breach of sovereignty, contemporary challenges such as systemic health disparities further undermine Maori autonomy. The Maori people are more affected by health problems than non-Maori populations in New Zealand. These disparities, rooted in colonisation, systemic discrimination, and poverty, manifest in higher rates of diseases, mental health challenges, and mortality among Maori communities.
Poor access to quality healthcare, education, and housing further exacerbates these inequities, making it difficult for Maori to achieve well-being and self-determination. Addressing these disparities is critical, as sovereignty is not only about political autonomy but also about ensuring the health and prosperity of a people.
However, these disruptions in New Zealand are not isolated incidents. Globally, external interventions have consistently eroded local systems and undermined native autonomy, as seen in India under the British Colonial rule, which stands as a stark reminder of how the foreign interventions can strip a nation of its sovereignty.
For nearly two centuries, the British colonial policies dictated India’s political and economic destiny, undermining its autonomy at every level. Even today, the scars of colonial interventions persist – be it the divisive borders drawn hastily during Partition or the systemic challenges rooted in colonial economic policies, which India continues to grapple with. Such interventions not only destabilise native sovereignty but also undermine cultural and political independence.
Hence, Sovereignty is not just a territorial concept; it is a ‘hard shell’ and a barrier delineating the regional from the international, native culture from the foreign influences, and autonomy from domination. It upholds the political independence of a nation and shields it from foreign encroachment. Therefore, the Westphalian treaty is as important today as it was in 1648. It is a reminder that sustainable peace is an outcome of mutual respect and recognition of autonomy.
Returning to New Zealand, the ongoing protests highlight resistance from the Maori community for their sovereignty – not only over land, but also over identity, language, and cultural practices. The efforts to keep the Maori language alive emphasise their determination to keep hold on their historical heritage despite centuries of oppression and marginalisation.
The relation between sovereignty and intervention is deeply historical. From the Treaty of Westphalia to the Treaty of Waitangi, external forces have repeatedly disrupted established systems. In this ongoing tug of war between sovereignty and intervention, history has proved that nations may bend, but they rarely break – especially when their people stand tall, armed with traditions, and, sometimes, a well-timed haka.
No doubt, the shell of sovereignty becomes permeable in a society marked by legal pluralism, where different legal systems coexist. Respecting and acknowledging the diverse local traditions can pave the way to resolve the conflicts while upholding sovereignty.
