The state as a social phenomenon cannot exist apart from other countries. In this regard, it performs certain types of activities, which in legal science are usually differentiated by the concept of “external functions of the state”. Thus, a clear understanding of the composition of powers vested in the state in foreign relations allows us to understand how indirect sovereignty is exercised.
The external functions of the state are represented by a combination of the following three areas:
- conducting foreign economic activity ;
- providing protection against the invasion of other states and / or their unions;
- cooperation in maintaining the established world order.
It is worth noting that the presented species clearly reflect the fact that the external and internal functions of the state are intertwined. What is this expressed in? The answer is contained in a detailed examination of each of them.
The function of conducting economic activity for a given period is perceived as one of the main ones. This provision is connected with the fact that economic relations between countries actually determine the vector of development of the whole life of society as a whole and are an effective way to achieve certain goals.
It should be noted that the internal and external functions of the state in economic terms are closely intertwined with each other. This situation is due to the fact that in the world there is the so-called “division of labor”, which is based on not only cultural and geographical factors, but also the rule-making activities of countries at the international level. This is especially clearly seen in the foreign economic activity of the countries participating in the WTO.
The second important element in the structure of external functions is defense activity. It should be noted that earlier it also included the function of conducting aggressive wars. However, since the founding of the UN, the second component is formally considered illegitimate. In this case, it is also clearly seen that the external and internal functions of the state ensure the action of each other. The basis for the effective implementation of the type in question is the successful development of the economic, scientific and technical, as well as the function of law enforcement (the presence of effective management in the army).
The third function is cooperation in maintaining the established world order. It is implemented through the following activities:
- establishment of consular and diplomatic relations;
- maintaining a cultural world heritage;
- maintaining the status quo of existing states;
- development of scientific, social, migratory, cultural and other ties through the creation of intergovernmental organizations and international conventional legislation.
Most of the tasks presented demonstrate that the internal and external functions of the state, this time, are closely intertwined. The cultural world heritage, for example, cannot be preserved exclusively through the international community, first of all, such an act must come from the state, and, therefore, the country must effectively fulfill the internal function of protecting and maintaining culture.
The most independent in this case is the function of international relations. Moreover, it is on it that all external functions of the state are based. Through such activities, the country is able to effectively represent the international arena, achieve the most favorable living conditions for itself and dictate its own conditions.
Summing up, it should be emphasized that the external functions of the state are represented by three main lines of action, through which the country receives for itself a profit of a material or spiritual nature, and also creates conditions for the security of its territory from external threats.