Sovereignty
The concept of sovereignty was closely related to the growth of the modern nation-state, and today the term is used almost exclusively to describe the attributes of a state rather than a person. A sovereign state is often described as one that is free and independent. In its internal affairs it has undivided jurisdiction over all persons and property within its territory. It claims the right to regulate its economic life without regard for its neighbors and to increase armaments without limit. No other nation may rightfully interfere in its domestic affairs. In its external relations it claims the right to enforce its own conception of rights and to declare war. Fathom Knowledge Network Incorporated Reproduced with permission from the Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia. Copyright - 2000 Columbia University Press. All Rights Reserved. |