soberania

Soberania, or sovereignty, is the supreme authority of a state to govern its territory and people without external interference. In international law, sovereignty typically comprises two dimensions: internal sovereignty—the monopoly on the legitimate use of force, the establishment of laws, and the administration of public order within defined borders; and external sovereignty—the capacity to enter into relations with other states and to be recognized as a member of the international community.

Historically, sovereignty evolved from early monarchic or feudal authority toward centralized states. The Peace of Westphalia (1648) is often cited as establishing the modern system of state sovereignty, emphasizing territorial integrity and non-interference. The Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States (1933) outlines criteria for statehood: a permanent population, a defined territory, a government, and the capacity to engage in foreign relations. Recognition by other states remains a political aspect of sovereignty rather than a purely legal one.

Contemporary debates address the limits and transformations of sovereignty. Globalization, regional integration, and international law can constrain national autonomy, while debates on self-determination, secession, and indigenous rights pose challenges to traditional concepts. New issues, such as cyber sovereignty and control over digital infrastructure, reflect evolving notions of authority over information and critical assets. Despite changes, sovereignty remains a central concept for explaining state behavior, territorial legitimacy, and the legal order of the international system.