Sovereignty is the authority of a state to govern matters within its own borders free from external interference. Sovereignty is the complete right and power of a governing body itself, without interference from outside bodies or sources, meanwhile, in political theory, sovereignty is a term of substantivity which designates the supreme authority over several polities.
EXPLANATION: Â
The sovereignty concepts have been examined throughout history, and are still argued actively. Its definition, idea, and implementation has changed throughout, specifically during the Age of Enlightenment. The notion of state sovereignty currently contains four aspects comprising population, territory, authority, and recognition. Based on Stephen D. Krasner, this term can also be understandable in four different ways:
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•Interdependence sovereignty: the actual motion control across the state’s borders, supposing borders exist,
•Domestic sovereignty: the actual control of a state used by an authority managed in this state,
•Sovereignty of international law: the formal acknowledgment by other sovereign states,
•Westphalian sovereignty: lack of other authority of the state apart from the domestic authority (for example, other such authorities could be non-domestic political organizations, non-domestic churches, or other external agents).
Usually, these four aspects come together, but this is not always the case—they are not influenced by one another. Also, there are historical cases of states that were non-sovereign in a part while at the same moment, being sovereign in other parts. Based on Immanuel Wallerstein, another fundamental characteristic of sovereignty is that it is a right that must be acknowledged by others if it wants to have any meaning.
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If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, we recommend you to also take a look at the following questions:
•A sovereign state is one that is?
•The policy of popular sovereignty brought about fierce competition between the anti- and pro-slavery forces in the Kansas Territory.
KEYWORDS: Sovereignty, The authority of a state
Subject  : History
Class  : 10-12
Sub-Chapter: Sovereignty