Define sovereignty

 Sovereignty and territoriality are two foundational concepts in international relations and political science, inextricably linked in shaping the modern state system. While distinct, they are mutually reinforcing, defining a state's internal authority and external independence.

Sovereignty refers to the supreme authority within a territory. It is the ultimate, legitimate power to govern, make laws, and enforce them without external interference. Historically, the concept of sovereignty evolved from the absolute power of monarchs to the idea of popular sovereignty where power resides with the people, exercised through representative bodies.

Key aspects of sovereignty include:

 * Internal Sovereignty: This denotes the state's supreme authority over its own citizens and institutions within its borders. It means the state has the power to enact and enforce laws, maintain order, and manage its internal affairs without challenge from sub-state entities or individuals.

 * External Sovereignty: This signifies the state's independence from external control or interference. It means that other states or international organizations cannot dictate a sovereign state's domestic policies or infringe upon its territorial integrity. The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 is often cited as a pivotal moment in the development of modern state sovereignty, establishing the principle that states have exclusive authority within their defined territories.

However, the notion of absolute sovereignty has been challenged in the modern era by globalization, international law, human rights norms, and the rise of non-state actors. While states retain significant autonomy, they are increasingly bound by international treaties and customary law, and in some cases, humanitarian interventions may challenge the traditional view of absolute non-interference.

Territoriality, on the other hand, describes the relationship between a group of people and the geographic area they occupy. It is the demarcation and control of a specific, identifiable portion of the Earth's surface by a state or other entity. In the context of states, territoriality provides the physical space over which sovereignty is exercised.

Crucial elements of territoriality include:

 * Defined Borders: States have clear, recognized boundaries that delineate the extent of their authority. These borders are crucial for preventing conflict over territorial claims and establishing where one state's jurisdiction ends and another's begins.

 * Exclusive Control: Territoriality implies that a state has exclusive control over all persons, resources, and activities within its defined territory. This includes the right to control access to and from its territory (e.g., immigration and customs).

 * Identity and Belonging: Territoriality often plays a significant role in shaping national identity and a sense of belonging among a populace. People frequently associate their culture, history, and collective identity with specific geographic areas.

The interplay between sovereignty and territoriality is fundamental. A state's sovereignty is largely meaningless without a defined territory over which to exercise that authority. Conversely, a territory without a sovereign power to govern it would be a vacuum, susceptible to external claims and internal disorder. Thus, territorial sovereignty is a core principle of international law, granting a state the exclusive right to govern its territory and control its borders without external interference. This principle underpins the stability of the international system, promoting mutual respect for territorial integrity and political independence among nations.