As I have expressed in other blogs, again I do not feel the response to this question can be given its own answer- each situation is unique. Ideally, no, the territorial integrity should not be the primary, concern of a state leader. Rather than worry about the boundaries and borders of his or her state a state leader’s number one concern should be of the people of the state. If the welfare of the state’s people is to protect boundaries in an instance such as preventing invasion then concern about territory is necessary. On the other hand if the people in the state wanted to separate from the state or join with another state the most just action for a state leader would be allowing the people of the state to achieve what they are looking for.
As we look at instances such as the current situation in Georgia, we see this “just” leadership may not be realistic. A state is frequently judged by its success and stability- factors that can be judged by the territorial integrity (especially if it changes) of the state. A leader may become preoccupied by foreign opinion of his or her state and forget his or her responsibility to people of the state. This makes sense because often the status of a state is linked to the leader. However, a leader’s job is not to be well liked by individuals outside of his state and be concerned with the reputation of the state. A leader’s responsibility is to please the people of his or her state.
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1 comment:
While I agree with you that the point of a democratically elected oficial is to serve the people, I feel the example of Georgia does not illustrate a leader serving the best interest of the people.
While the Rose Revolution established Georgia as pro-west and loosely democratic, the Saakashvili government suppressed opposition demonstrations and press rights.
I personally think if Mr. Saakashvili was looking out for the interests of the Georgian people he would have negotiated with separatists instead of using military force and poking the bear that is Russia. He gambled that he could play chicken with Russia, or at least thought the west would save him. He lost, and the Georgian people suffered due to his poor judgment.
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