Sovereignty
Sovereignty is a political concept referring to the supreme authority of a state over its own territory and population, developing significantly following the Peace of Westphalia.
Establishing the fundamental principle that states hold supreme authority within their own borders, this concept became foundational to the entire modern international political system.
Supreme Authority Over Territory
Sovereignty refers to the supreme authority of a state over its own territory and population, without external interference in domestic affairs.
Formalized Following the Peace of Westphalia
Sovereignty developed significantly as a formal concept following the Peace of Westphalia, establishing foundational principles of the modern state system.
Foundational to International Relations
Sovereignty remains foundational to modern international relations, underlying significant principles of international law and diplomatic interaction between states.
Continuing Contemporary Challenges
Sovereignty faces significant contemporary challenges, including questions about its application amid globalization and international humanitarian intervention debates.
