Suvereneja

Suvereneja is a term used in political science to denote sovereignty—the supreme, autonomous authority of a political unit over its territory and population, and its capacity to enter into relations with other states.

Core elements include territorial control, legal jurisdiction, and the ability to make binding decisions without subordination to a higher power; external recognition by other states or international organizations is often regarded as an important component of full suvereneja.

Internal sovereignty refers to the monopoly on legitimate use of force and the functioning of government within a territory, while external sovereignty concerns independence in foreign affairs and international negotiations. Some theories also emphasize popular sovereignty, the idea that ultimate authority rests with the people.

Historically, the modern concept of suvereneja crystallized with early modern state formation and the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, and it has evolved through decolonization, state-building, and the rise of international law and global governance.

In contemporary debates, globalization and regional integration (for example, supranational unions) can constrain traditional sovereignty, while secession, self-determination movements, and humanitarian interventions continue to test the boundaries between state autonomy and international norms.

Practically, states seek to safeguard suvereneja by maintaining borders, enforcing laws, and conducting diplomacy, whereas other political actors—non-governmental organizations, multinational corporations, or subnational authorities—may influence sovereign choices within recognized frameworks.

See also: Sovereignty, International law, Federalism, Self-determination.