Final answer:
A sovereign state is an independent entity that governs itself, has full authority over its territory, and can engage in diplomacy and warfare without external interference. Sovereignty is a key principle in international law, allowing states to enter treaties and shape international relations while maintaining their own interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of international law, a sovereign state is independent and free from all external control. A sovereign state is one that governs itself, without interference from foreign powers, and possesses the absolute right to govern its territory, to make war or peace, and to form treaties or alliances with foreign nations. The concept of state sovereignty is at the core of international relations and serves as the foundation for international law.
The institutions, rules, and norms of the international system see the state as the basic unit, emphasizing the sovereignty of states as they were thought from the seventeenth century onward. Sovereignty refers to the ability of a state to run its own institutions without fear of interference and to respond to threats autonomously. This notion stands in contrast to a vassal state, which is nominally independent but must submit to the demands of a dominating empire.
In a unipolar system, one country may have significant influence over others, but this does not imply the subordinate states lose their sovereignty. International organizations and intergovernmental organizations function around these sovereign states, sometimes being influenced by those with more hard power, such as larger economies or militaries. However, ultimately, the principle of state sovereignty remains a guiding force, ensuring that states retain ultimate authority over their internal affairs.
How sovereignty is recognized and protected in international law is crucial; it enables states to enter into treaties, like those housed by the United Nations, which help to ensure that states are treated fairly and receive the benefits they are due, while also being held accountable for fulfilling their treaty obligations. While stateless nations, such as the Kurds or Catalans, find themselves at a disadvantage, sovereign states leverage their position to structure the international environment and protect their interests.