Täysivaltain

Täysivaltain is a Finnish term that translates to "full power" or "sovereignty" in English. It refers to the supreme, independent authority of a state. A state possessing täysivaltain is not subject to the control or jurisdiction of any other state or external power. This concept is fundamental to international law and the Westphalian system of states, which posits that each state has exclusive sovereignty over its territory and domestic affairs.

The exercise of täysivaltain encompasses various aspects, including the state's right to make its own laws, maintain its own government, conduct foreign policy, and defend its territory. It implies the absence of any hierarchical relationship between states. While states can enter into agreements and alliances, these are considered voluntary and do not diminish their fundamental sovereignty.

Historically, the concept of täysivaltain emerged from the decline of feudalism and the rise of centralized monarchies, culminating in the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, which is often cited as the formal beginning of the modern state system based on sovereign equality. In contemporary international relations, the principle of täysivaltain remains a cornerstone, although its practical application can be complex due to globalization, international organizations, and the interdependence of nations. However, the theoretical right to self-determination and non-interference in internal affairs, derived from täysivaltain, continues to be a guiding principle in diplomatic and legal discourse.