4. Sovereignty
Sovereignty encapsulates the supreme authority of a state to govern itself, characterized by features such as indivisibility and inalienability. The chapter outlines different types and theories of sovereignty, illustrating its relationship with state power, nationalism, and democracy amidst contemporary challenges such as globalization and regional integration. It also highlights the evolving nature of sovereignty due to technological advancements and global governance structures.
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What we have learnt
- Sovereignty is defined as the supreme authority of a state to govern itself without interference.
- There are various theories of sovereignty, including Hobbesian, Lockean, Kantian, Pluralist, and Marxist perspectives.
- Challenges such as globalization, human rights obligations, and regional integration affect the exercise of sovereignty in contemporary states.
Key Concepts
- -- Sovereignty
- The supreme authority of the state to govern itself without external interference.
- -- Internal Sovereignty
- The state's power to govern its people and territory without external interference.
- -- External Sovereignty
- The recognition of a state as a sovereign entity by other states and international organizations.
- -- Hobbesian Theory
- The view of sovereignty as an absolute, indivisible power vested in a sovereign ruler.
- -- Globalization
- The process that affects state sovereignty by promoting international norms and limits on state authority.
- -- Human Rights
- International obligations that can challenge state sovereignty.
- -- Cyber Sovereignty
- The regulation of digital spaces that reflects a state's control over its information.
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