Maria Joy Abrenica: It is widely accepted that in a coalition of independent nation-states, the sovereignty of individual members should be sacrosanct to sustain cooperation. That deference is expressed in the latitude given to each member to define and defend what it deems essential to its own security. More importantly, the coalition's interest is allowed to play second fiddle to individual security interests under certain conditions. However, those circumstances must be exceptional unless the agreement is hollow.
Since post–World War II, the contracting parties of the United Nations wrestled with the question of how the space for national security can be safeguarded but not abused. It is conceivable that a party can reckon just about any circumstance as a national security matter to justify actions contrary to its obligation. Consider for example, how the United States envisages the sphere of its national security to encompass “general security and welfare of...