Sovereignty
Modern legal and state theory
It designates a form of supreme authority within a territory, with internal and external dimensions.
Historical context
The modern concept developed in discussions of the state, territorial authority, and relations between governments.
Overview
An authority can be final in one territory and lack power to act in another. Internal distribution of powers raises the further question of who can settle jurisdictional disputes.
Main claims
Sovereignty designates a claim to supreme authority whose scope must be delimited.
Debates and nuances
Discussions of sovereignty address its possible division, holders, and limits.
This entry provides educational context.