What is Sovereignty
- Definition: The ability of a state to govern itself without external interference.
- Ensures that a nation can make decisions about its laws, policies, and governance structures independently.
- Protects against foreign influence or domination in domestic affairs.
How the Global North extracts wealth from the Global South
The militarily powerful states have many tools at their disposal to coerce weaker states into complying with their rapacious demands. The UN estimates that some $2 trillion are transferred annually from the “Third World” to the West through unfair trade practices and interest on loans. Whenever a leader in a “Third-World” country attempts to implement policies to benefit his people, he is overthrown in a military coup and often assassinated. Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Syria offer ready examples. Millions have been killed and tens of millions turned into refugees. After suffering decades of colonialism, most of these states do not have stable institutions and are easily manipulated.
All Muslim Nations lack sovereignty
- Sovereignty is a condition for Khilafah.
- You cannot become a moral power, without complete independence
- The foundational constitution has to be Western, with some parts of Shariah implemented upon it.
- The foundational constitution cannot be Islam.
- When Islam is implemented partially, it leaves the state deformed.
- The Shariah as a paradigm, rather than a source of legitimacy.
- Those states that have achieved independence, it is a formal independence lacking the Islamic paradigm.
- The state cannot promote Islamic values, except when convenient.
Challenges to Sovereignty
- Globalization: Interconnected economies and trade can limit a nation’s ability to act independently.
- Foreign Debt: Excessive borrowing from international institutions can lead to loss of control over economic policies.
- Geopolitical Pressure: Powerful nations or blocs may impose conditions on weaker states in exchange for aid or support.
- Internal Weaknesses: Corruption, weak institutions, and lack of unity can undermine sovereignty.
Steps to achieve total Political Sovereignty
1. Strengthen Governance and Institutions
- Reform Legal and Political Systems:
Ensure that laws and institutions are robust, transparent, and free from corruption. This builds public trust and ensures effective governance. - Decentralize Power:
Empower local governments and communities to reduce dependency on centralized authority and promote participatory governance. - Protect National Constitution:
Uphold the constitution as the supreme law, ensuring it safeguards national sovereignty and limits external interference.
2. Achieve Economic Sovereignty
- Promote Self-Sufficiency:
Invest in domestic industries, agriculture, and technology to reduce reliance on imports and foreign aid. - Control Natural Resources:
Nationalize or regulate key resources (e.g., oil, minerals, water) to ensure they benefit the nation rather than foreign entities. - Diversify the Economy:
Reduce dependency on a single industry or export by developing multiple sectors (e.g., manufacturing, services, technology). - Resist Exploitative Trade Agreements:
Negotiate fair trade deals that prioritize national interests and avoid conditions that undermine sovereignty.
3. Establish Monetary Sovereignty
- Control National Currency:
Issue and manage the national currency independently, avoiding dependency on foreign currencies (e.g., dollarization). - Regulate Financial Systems:
Strengthen domestic banks and financial institutions to prevent foreign control over the economy. - Avoid Excessive Foreign Debt:
Limit borrowing from international institutions like the IMF or World Bank, which often impose conditions that erode sovereignty. - Build Foreign Reserves:
Accumulate reserves of foreign currency and gold to stabilize the economy and resist external shocks.
4. Strengthen National Defense
- Build a Strong Military:
Develop a capable and independent military to defend national borders and deter foreign intervention. - Invest in Cybersecurity:
Protect critical infrastructure and government systems from cyberattacks and foreign espionage. - Avoid Foreign Military Bases:
Limit or eliminate the presence of foreign military forces on national soil to prevent external influence.
5. Pursue an Independent Foreign Policy
- Non-Alignment:
Avoid entanglement in alliances or blocs that could compromise national interests (e.g., Non-Aligned Movement). - Diplomatic Engagement:
Build strong diplomatic ties with a diverse range of countries to reduce dependency on any single nation or bloc. - Resist External Pressure:
Reject foreign interference in domestic affairs, including political, economic, or cultural influence.
6. Promote Cultural and Educational Sovereignty
- Protect National Identity:
Preserve and promote national culture, language, and traditions to resist cultural imperialism. - Reform Education Systems:
Ensure that education curricula emphasize national history, values, and priorities rather than foreign ideologies. - Support Local Media:
Encourage independent media that reflects national interests and counters foreign propaganda.
7. Reduce Dependency on Foreign Aid
- Develop Domestic Resources:
Use natural and human resources to fund development projects rather than relying on foreign aid. - Reject Conditional Aid:
Refuse aid that comes with strings attached, such as demands for policy changes or resource access. - Build Self-Reliance:
Focus on internal capacity-building to address challenges like poverty, healthcare, and infrastructure.
8. Strengthen Regional and Global Alliances
- Form Regional Partnerships:
Collaborate with neighboring countries to create regional blocs that enhance collective sovereignty (e.g., ASEAN, African Union). - Advocate for Global Reforms:
Push for changes in international institutions (e.g., UN, IMF, WTO) to make them more equitable and representative. - Promote South-South Cooperation:
Strengthen ties with other developing nations to reduce dependency on Western-dominated systems.
9. Address Internal Divisions
- Promote National Unity:
Address ethnic, religious, or regional divisions to prevent internal conflicts that could invite foreign interference. - Ensure Social Justice:
Reduce inequality and ensure fair distribution of resources to build a cohesive society. - Combat Corruption:
Implement strict anti-corruption measures to prevent external actors from exploiting weak governance.
10. Leverage Technology and Innovation
- Invest in Research and Development:
Develop domestic technological capabilities to reduce dependency on foreign technology. - Protect Data Sovereignty:
Ensure that data generated within the country is stored and managed domestically to prevent foreign surveillance or control. - Promote Digital Independence:
Develop local tech industries and platforms to reduce reliance on foreign companies (e.g., social media, software).
Case Studies of Sovereignty Efforts
- China:
- Achieved economic and political sovereignty through industrialization, technological advancement, and a strong centralized government.
- Switzerland:
- Maintains sovereignty through neutrality, strong institutions, and control over its financial systems.
- India:
- Pursued self-reliance after independence by promoting domestic industries and non-alignment in foreign policy.
- Cuba:
- Resisted external pressure (e.g., U.S. sanctions) by focusing on self-sufficiency and social programs.
