Sovereign states

Sovereign states are political entities that possess sovereignty, which is the full right and power of a governing body to govern itself without any interference from outside sources or bodies. In international law, sovereignty means that a state has the complete authority over its territory, to decide its own foreign and domestic policies, including laws, taxation, and defense. Sovereign states are recognized as such by other states and by international organizations like the United Nations.

Definition and Criteria

The Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States, signed in 1933, lays down the most widely recognized criteria for statehood and thus sovereignty. According to the convention, a state must possess the following qualifications:

• a permanent population;
• a defined territory;
• government; and
• the capacity to enter into relations with other states.

It is also important to note that the recognition by other states, while not a criterion under the Montevideo Convention, plays a significant role in the practical exercise of sovereignty and the ability of a state to engage on the international stage.

Recognition of Sovereignty

Recognition of sovereignty can be either de facto or de jure. De facto recognition implies a level of acceptance of the reality of power or control, without formally endorsing a state's sovereign status. De jure recognition acknowledges the legal right of a state to sovereignty. Recognition by other states and international bodies can significantly affect a state's ability to engage in diplomatic relations and participate in international organizations.

Types of Sovereignty

Sovereignty can be categorized into several types, including:

• External Sovereignty - The right of a state to conduct its own affairs without interference from other states.
• Internal Sovereignty - The exclusive right of a state to control its domestic affairs.
• National Sovereignty - Refers to the sovereignty of a nation-state over its territory and domestic affairs.
• Popular Sovereignty - The principle that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives.

Challenges to Sovereignty

Sovereignty can be challenged by internal and external factors. Internally, secessionist movements or civil unrest can threaten the integrity and unity of a state. Externally, invasion, foreign intervention, or international sanctions can undermine a state's sovereignty. In the contemporary world, globalization and the interconnectedness of economies, environmental issues, and international terrorism pose complex challenges to the traditional concept of sovereignty.

Sovereign States and International Law

Sovereign states are the primary subjects of international law, which governs the relations between states. Treaties, conventions, and international agreements are typically entered into by sovereign states with the expectation that they will be honored and upheld. The principle of non-intervention is a key aspect of international law, emphasizing that no state has the right to intervene in the internal affairs of another state.

See Also

• Nation-state
• Failed state
• City-state
• Microstate