Final answer:
The term for when states and institutions establish their knowledge to govern an issue is B) Epistemic authority. This concept is integral to the state's power to manage its own affairs and reflects its sovereignty and influence in international affairs.
Step-by-step explanation:
When states and institutions manage to establish themselves as having the knowledge to govern a particular issue, this is called B) Epistemic authority. This concept refers to the ability of a state to run its institutions and make decisions about specific areas of governance based on recognized knowledge and expertise, without fear of interference from other states or entities. It is related to sovereignty, which is the ability of a state to manage its own affairs internally and externally. In the international community, powerful states can leverage their position to influence other states and the international system, often seen in how hegemonic states influence others through their political, economic, or military strength. Aspiring towards such influence can sometimes lead to actions that expand a state's powers beyond the commonly accepted limits, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as executive dominance.