STATE SOVEREIGNTY Meaning and
Definition
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State sovereignty refers to the independent authority and power of a state to govern itself and make decisions within its own territory without external interference. It is the principle that each state is sovereign and has the ultimate right to exercise control over its own affairs, both internally and externally.
Internally, state sovereignty grants a state the ability to establish its own political, economic, and legal systems, as well as set and enforce laws and regulations within its borders. It includes the ability to maintain law and order, levy taxes, provide public services, and engage in domestic affairs without interference from outside entities.
Externally, state sovereignty means that a state possesses the political independence to interact with other states on the global stage as a distinct and equal entity. This includes the right to enter into international agreements, engage in diplomacy, establish and maintain diplomatic relations, and conduct foreign policy in accordance with its own interests and objectives. State sovereignty ensures that the decisions made by a state are not subject to the authority or control of any other state or supranational entity.
However, it is important to note that state sovereignty is not absolute and can be limited through international agreements, treaties, and organizations that states voluntarily join. In certain cases, states may pool some of their sovereign powers to address common challenges or achieve shared goals, while still maintaining their overall independence and sovereignty.
Etymology of STATE SOVEREIGNTY
The word "state" originated from the Latin word "status", which referred to the political condition or position of a person or community. Over time, it evolved to denote a specific political unit or jurisdiction. The word "sovereignty" has its roots in the Latin word "superanus", meaning supreme or highest. It later transitioned into "superanus", which indicated supreme power or authority. The combination of these two words, "state" and "sovereignty", forms the phrase "state sovereignty". It signifies the supreme political authority or power vested in a state or government to govern its own affairs and be independent from external control or interference.
