Sovereign state
Definition and Overview
A sovereign state is a political entity that is represented by one centralized government that has sovereignty over a geographic area. International law defines sovereign states as having a permanent population, defined territory, one government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other sovereign states. It is also normally understood that a sovereign state is neither dependent on nor subjected to any other power or state.
Characteristics of Sovereignty
The concept of sovereignty has been discussed throughout history, and is still actively debated. Its definition, concept, and application has changed throughout, especially during the Age of Enlightenment. The current notion of state sovereignty contains four aspects consisting of territory, population, authority and recognition.
Territory
Sovereign states are territorial entities. Some states, such as the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Denmark, incorporate various distinct territories, each of which has its own set of laws.
Population
The population of a state is the group of people who are citizens or subjects of the state. The population is an essential part of statehood, and state sovereignty is arguably meaningless without a population.
Authority
A sovereign state has authority over its territory and population. This authority is embodied in the government of the state. In a democratic state, the authority is vested in the elected representatives of the people.
Recognition
Recognition is an essential factor of statehood. Without recognition by other states, a would-be state remains merely a de facto state, lacking the legal personality that comes with full diplomatic recognition.
Legal Status and Sovereignty
The legal status of a sovereign state is determined by international law. The Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States, signed in 1933, is the most widely recognized legal definition of a state. According to the convention, a state must possess a permanent population, a defined territory, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states.
Sovereign State and Non-sovereign State
There are a number of entities which, while fitting the declarative criteria for statehood, are not recognized as sovereign states by any other state, and are therefore considered non-sovereign entities. Examples include Somaliland and Transnistria.
Sovereign State and Self-governance
Self-governance is closely related to the concept of sovereignty. A sovereign state is self-governing, in that it has the power to govern itself without interference from outside sources or bodies.
Sovereign Immunity
Sovereign immunity is a legal doctrine by which the sovereign or state cannot commit a legal wrong and is immune from civil suit or criminal prosecution. It is a principle of international law which exempts a sovereign state from the jurisdiction of foreign national courts.