Sovereignty

Definition

Sovereignty refers to the ultimate authority of a state to govern itself and make decisions without external interference. It is a fundamental principle in international law that underscores the independence of states and their rights to self-determination. In relation to human rights, sovereignty raises important questions about how states balance their authority with the need to protect and promote individual rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sovereignty can be both internal, referring to a state's control over its territory and population, and external, which emphasizes a state's recognition by other states in the international community.
2. The concept of sovereignty is central to debates about humanitarian intervention, as it raises the question of when it is acceptable for one state or organization to intervene in the affairs of another state to protect human rights.
3. Sovereignty is often challenged by globalization, where transnational issues such as climate change and terrorism require cooperative approaches that can undermine traditional notions of state sovereignty.
4. International organizations like the United Nations promote respect for state sovereignty while also emphasizing the importance of human rights, creating a tension between these two principles.
5. The evolution of sovereignty has led to discussions about 'responsibility to protect' (R2P), which argues that states have a responsibility not only to protect their own citizens but also to intervene when other states fail to do so.

Review Questions

• How does sovereignty influence a state's ability to protect human rights within its borders?
  • Sovereignty influences a state's ability to protect human rights by granting it the authority to set laws and policies that affect its citizens. However, this authority can sometimes lead to violations of human rights if a government prioritizes state control over individual freedoms. The challenge lies in ensuring that while states maintain their sovereignty, they also adhere to international human rights standards and protect their citizens from abuses.
• Discuss the tension between state sovereignty and international intervention in cases of human rights abuses.
  • The tension between state sovereignty and international intervention arises when a government commits severe human rights abuses against its population. While sovereignty protects a state's right to govern without outside interference, this principle can conflict with the international community's obligation to prevent atrocities. Debates often center around whether intervention is justified under humanitarian grounds or if it undermines the essential concept of sovereignty.
• Evaluate how globalization has impacted traditional notions of sovereignty in relation to human rights.
  • Globalization has significantly impacted traditional notions of sovereignty by fostering interdependence among states through economic ties, migration, and communication. This interconnectedness can lead to greater scrutiny of states' human rights records by international organizations and civil society, challenging the absolute nature of sovereignty. As issues like climate change and terrorism require global cooperation, states may find their sovereignty limited by the need for collaborative solutions, forcing them to balance national interests with international human rights obligations.

Related terms

Self-determination: The right of peoples to determine their own political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development.

Non-intervention: A principle in international relations that prohibits external powers from intervening in the internal affairs of sovereign states.

International law: A body of rules and principles that govern the relations between sovereign states and other international actors, including treaties and customary law.