<P> Further criticism of Westphalian sovereignty arises regarding allegedly failed states, of which Afghanistan (before the 2001 US - led invasion) is often considered an example . In this case, it is argued that no sovereignty exists and that international intervention is justified on humanitarian grounds and by the threats posed by failed states to neighboring countries and the world as a whole . </P> <P> The Westphalian system that developed in early modern Europe has seen its staunchest defenders in the non-Western world . The presidents of China and Russia issued a joint statement in 2001 vowing to "counter attempts to undermine the fundamental norms of the international law with the help of concepts such as' humanitarian intervention' and' limited sovereignty ."' China and Russia have used their United Nations Security Council veto power to block American challenges to state sovereignty in Syria . Russia was left out of the original Westphalian system in 1648, but post-Soviet Russia has seen Westphalian sovereignty as a means to balance American power by encouraging a multipolar world order . </P> <P> Some in the West also speak favorably of the Westphalian state . American political scientist Stephen Walt urged U.S. President Donald Trump to return to Westphalian principles, calling it a "sensible course" for American foreign policy . American political commentator Pat Buchanan has also spoken in favor of the traditional nation - state . </P>

The peace of westphalia of 1648 and the origins of sovereignty