Deminor Wiki - Sovereigns

Key Characteristics of Sovereignty

Territorial Integrity

Sovereign states have defined geographic boundaries within which they exercise exclusive control and authority. Territorial integrity is respected under international law, meaning other states should not violate these boundaries.

Political Independence

Sovereign entities operate independently of external control, making their own laws, policies, and decisions without interference from other states or international bodies.

Recognition

Recognition by other sovereign states and international organisations is crucial for a state's sovereignty. Recognition can be formal, through diplomatic relations, or informal, through participation in international institutions and agreements.

Supreme Authority Within their territories, sovereign states have the ultimate authority to govern, legislate, and enforce laws. This includes maintaining order, administering justice, and conducting foreign affairs.

Permanent Population A sovereign state typically has a permanent population residing within its territory, distinguishing it from non-sovereign entities like territories or colonies.

Types of Sovereignty

Internal Sovereignty

Internal sovereignty refers to the authority of a state to govern itself without external interference. This includes the power to create and enforce laws, collect taxes, maintain order, and provide public services.

External Sovereignty

External sovereignty, or international sovereignty, pertains to a state's independence and recognition in the international community. It involves the ability to sign treaties, form alliances, and participate in international organisations.

Legal Sovereignty

Legal sovereignty concerns the legal rights and powers vested in the governing institutions of a state. It defines the formal authority to make binding decisions and laws.

Political Sovereignty

Political sovereignty involves the practical ability of a state to exercise its authority and implement policies. It considers the influence of political institutions, public opinion, and governance effectiveness.

Examples of Sovereign Entities

Nation-States

Nation-states are the most common form of sovereign entities, characterised by a defined territory, permanent population, government, and recognition by other states. Examples include:

• United States of America
• France
• Japan

Microstates

Microstates are small sovereign states with limited geographic areas and populations but full sovereignty. Examples include:

• Monaco
• San Marino
• Liechtenstein

Dependent Territories

Dependent territories are regions that do not possess full sovereignty and are under the jurisdiction or administration of another state. While not fully sovereign, some have a degree of self-governance. Examples include:

• Puerto Rico (U.S.)
• Gibraltar (U.K.)
• Greenland (Denmark)

International Organisations

While not sovereign states, international organisations like the United Nations exercise a form of functional sovereignty over specific areas of international law and policy. They are recognised entities that can enter into agreements and influence global governance.

Sovereignty in International Law

Principle of Non-Interference

International law upholds the principle of non-interference, meaning states should not intervene in the internal affairs of other sovereign states. This principle is enshrined in the United Nations Charter and is fundamental to maintaining international order.

Recognition of States

Recognition of state sovereignty is essential for diplomatic relations and participation in international organisations. Recognition can be bilateral (between two states) or multilateral (through international bodies like the UN).

Self-Determination

The right to self-determination is a principle under international law that allows peoples to determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development. This principle has been pivotal in decolonisation and the formation of new sovereign states.

Sovereign Immunity

Sovereign immunity is a legal doctrine that protects states from being sued in the courts of other states without their consent. It is based on the equality of sovereign states and helps maintain diplomatic relations and international stability. Sovereign immunity is not always guaranteed, however, particularly in cases where it can be demonstrated that state and parastatal entities are engaged in commercial rather than sovereign (e.g. diplomatic) activities.

Challenges to Sovereignty

Globalisation

Globalisation has increased interdependence among states, challenging traditional notions of sovereignty. Economic integration, transnational corporations, and global communication networks can limit a state's ability to control its own affairs.

Human Rights Interventions

International interventions on human rights grounds can challenge state sovereignty. The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine asserts that the international community has an obligation to intervene in cases of mass atrocities, potentially overriding state sovereignty.

Non-State Actors

Non-state actors, such as multinational corporations, international NGOs, and terrorist groups, can influence or undermine state sovereignty. Their activities often transcend national borders and can impact state control and authority.

Environmental Issues

Global environmental challenges, like climate change and biodiversity loss, require international cooperation and agreements that can constrain national sovereignty. States must balance their sovereign rights with global environmental responsibilities.

Conclusion 

Sovereignty is a foundational concept in international relations, denoting the supreme authority of states to govern their territories and populations. It encompasses various forms, including internal and external sovereignty, and is recognised and protected by international law. However, sovereignty faces challenges from Globalisation, human rights interventions, non-state actors, and environmental issues, requiring states to navigate complex international dynamics while maintaining their sovereign rights. Understanding the nuances of sovereignty is essential for comprehending global politics, international law, and the interactions between states and other global actors.

Reviewed by: Oliver Radway, Senior Enforcement Associate