Final answer:
Sovereignty refers to the full legal authority a state has over its internal affairs and decisions without external interference. It involves legal recognition by other nations and is central to the autonomy and equality of states in an international system. Sovereignty is crucial in maintaining a state's independence and ability to formulate its domestic and foreign policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sovereignty is a concept that entails the legal power over internal affairs, freedom from external intervention, and legal recognition by other nations. It signifies the ultimate authority a state holds within its borders, including the capacity to enact laws and regulations without foreign interference. This legal authority is crucial for a state to function independently and make decisions regarding its governance, such as entering into treaties or addressing threats.
In a unipolar system, one state exhibits dominant power that can influence or dictate other states' actions. Nevertheless, in an anarchical international system, which lacks a central governing authority, states operate under a doctrine of sovereignty where no single entity has power over another. This creates a situation where states must protect their sovereignty and interests, often resulting in a zero-sum game scenario where gaining power comes at the expense of others.
In the modern conception, sovereignty also encompasses the idea that all states are considered equal in status within the global community, reflected in social practices such as having national borders, issuing passports, and other administrative arrangements. Despite differences in size, wealth, and power, the norm of respecting each state's sovereignty is predominantly upheld among nations.