Sovereignty

Sovereignty is a political concept that refers to the supreme authority and control exercised by a state within its own territory. It encompasses the power of a state to govern itself and make its own laws without interference from other states or external entities. Sovereignty is often seen as the cornerstone of the modern state system and is considered essential for the effective functioning of a state and its ability to participate in international relations. The concept of sovereignty has evolved over time, and today it is often understood as involving not only the ability of a state to exercise authority internally, but also the recognition and respect of that authority by other states in the international community.

Source: Wendt, A. (1992). Anarchy is what states make of it: the social construction of power politics. International Organization, 46(2), 391-425