Abstract

FERNANDEZ LUZURIAGA, Wilson  and  OLMEDO GONZALEZ, Hernán. Conflict and World Orders: The Beginning of Systemic Balances and First Attempt at Universal Multilateralism. rev.relac.int.estrateg.segur. [online]. 2020, vol.15, n.1, pp.13-30.  Epub Aug 21, 2020. ISSN 1909-3063.  https://doi.org/10.18359/ries.4099.

This article is inserted in the framework of a much larger research project that advances in the study of potential relations among power structure, conflict, and construction of international orders, based on highly relevant multilateral summits: the Peace of Westphalia of 1648, the Congress of Vienna of 1815, the Paris Peace Conference of 1919, and the San Francisco Conference of 1945. It specifically analyzes the Paris Peace of 1919 and its derivative treaties. Firstly, it reiterates a systematic presentation of quantitative data referring to the structure of the international system according to number of great powers and level of conflict. The latter derives from three specific indicators: number of great powers in conflict, duration of conflicts among major powers, and severity of conflicts. In this regard, the paper presents four results for the 1500-2000 period: predominance of a highly multipolar power structure in the international system; absence of unipolarity; no significant differences in the levels of conflict per type of structure, and report of the highest levels of conflict identified prior to the summits addressed. Secondly, it discusses the Conference's consequences, considering the regulatory equation established in Westphalia: equality before the law-sovereignty-balance of power. The principle of equality before the law is revalued from the recognition of nationalities and self-determination of peoples, despite some contradictions that reposition powerful states. The principle of sovereignty will begin to be read from two tensions: the powers assigned to an international organization such as the League of Nations vs. the sovereign interests of states, and a systemic design based on liberal and democratic principles vs. the right to self-determination of peoples. Balance of power transcends the European and Western area, entails the definitive weakening of national aristocracies and, led by the United States of America, gives rise to a new idealistic and liberal paradigm of balance to support collective security.

Keywords : Conflict; balance of power; equality before the law; sovereignty.

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