Westphalia From Below

'Finally, International Relations is laying nonsensical ideas of a "Westphalian System", allegedly based on post-1648 principles of European state-sovereignty, to a peaceful rest. A satisfying book for historians, and a ground-breaking one for the rest of the bunch.' -- Martin Wrede, Professor of Early Modern History, Grenoble Alpes University, and author of The Thirty Years' War: The First European Conflict
'Challenging received wisdom that Westphalia's emphasis on internal sovereignty is incompatible with humanitarian intervention, Peak's argument is interesting, original and compelling. His analysis of "dignity" is insightful and, in turn, the argument that a state's failure to preserve dignity undermines its claim against intervention in its affairs is persuasive.' -- Cecile Fabre, Professor of Political Philosophy, University of Oxford
'In this beautifully written book, Thomas Peak shows that Westphalia sought to establish an order grounded not in absolute sovereignty, but the securing of human dignity. His argument for how this vision of dignity can reshape humanitarian intervention debates today is compelling.' -- Luke Glanville, author of Sharing Responsibility: The History and Future of Protection from Atrocities
'A compelling and enlightening read for anyone who has been reflecting on sovereignty and its effect on international responses to mass atrocities. With its learned approach to history, this book provides a refreshing perspective on humanitarian intervention, challenging conventional wisdom on the normative underpinnings of sovereignty.' -- Federica D'Alessandra, Executive Director, Programme on International Peace and Security, University of Oxford