Does Territorial Integrity Worry you?

The priorities of the state should reflect the values of the people. Security, health care, welfare, social security, numerous factors must be considered by politicians who represent the interests of the state. But the question is if security is that one most important issue that leaders of the world should consider their number one priority. Territorial integrity, the right of a state to exercise its sovereignty within its own borders without outside interference, is a major issue in some parts of the world. I am about to do something very un-Seamus McGregor, I will not pick a side, but will instead say it depends on which state we are talking about. The fact of the matter is, territorial integrity is of the highest concern in some countries, but I personally would say it is not the most important issue within America or most of the world.
Territorial integrity has been pushed into the spotlight due to the conflict between Russia and Georgia. Russia, by invading Georgia to seize breakaway Georgian provinces, has absolutely violated Georgia’s territorial integrity. The breakaway provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are a Georgian internal affair, and in a perfect world, outside players would not have interfered (like how no one complained about Russian atrocities in Chechnya and Dagestan, but I digress). Given recent events, I would say Mikheil Saakashvili should be concerned with the security situation in his country and give it the highest priority. I think another example of a country that should consider security the most pressing issue is Pakistan. President Zardari has radical fundamentalists in the tribal western provinces in his own country. He also has Pakistan’s historical adversary India in the east with the issue of Kashmir still unresolved. Considering President Zardari is the widower of Benezir Bhutto, who lost her life in a terrorist bombing, I am certain he will give his highest attention to security, both regarding internal matters as well as territorial integrity between nation-states.
However, this concept of security-before-all-else is not on the first thing on the mind of numerous international leaders. The United States has a massive defense budget and the Department of Homeland Security, but the territorial borders of this nation are far from threatened. If territorial integrity is what we are considering security, then it is fairly obvious that the United States is not in risk of invasion by any stretch of the imagination. Yes, Russia and China are emerging powers with impressive militaries, but only someone crazy (like Lou Dobbs) would suggest that at the present time, either state poses a serious military threat to the sovereignty of the United States.
But you don’t have to be the leader of a rich and powerful nation to not consider ensuring territorial integrity the top priority of the state. Take Ghana for example, it’s a nation known for hospitable people… and not much else. However, it’s in close proximity to Liberia and borders the Ivory Coast, two nations with histories of violence, and Togo, an authoritarian regime. Why does Ghana not sweat security? Because the neighboring nations have internal problems, and Ghana, as a poor and peaceful country, simply decides not to meddle in the affairs of other states. Political and relative economic stability within Ghana have made Ghana a model state in western Africa.
So you see, whether or not security is of the highest importance to you depends on geography to a certain extent. Also a leader should concern themselves with internal issues that could destabilize their nation-state. While security is the top concern in many parts of the world, I would argue that in most countries, territorial integrity is not the single most important issue concerning the head of state.