souveraineté

Souveraineté is the supreme authority of a state to govern itself and its territory, free from external interference, and is a central concept in international law and political theory. In practice, sovereignty comprises internal and external dimensions. Internal sovereignty refers to the state's monopoly on the legitimate use of force, its capacity to legislate, administer, and adjudicate within a defined territory. External sovereignty concerns the state's independence in foreign affairs and its equal status in relations with other states, often accompanied by international recognition.

Historically, sovereignty emerged in early modern political thought. Thinkers such as Bodin and Hobbes emphasized the centralization of power; later, Grotius and Vattel linked sovereignty to the order and obligations of states under international law. The idea of popular sovereignty adds that ultimate authority resides in the people.

In international practice, sovereignty is not absolute. States are subject to international obligations, treaties, and norms; recognition by other states affects external sovereignty. Supranational organizations and regional blocs can constrain sovereignty, as can human rights obligations, and mechanisms such as mutual defense or economic agreements.

Contemporary debates address digital, economic, and energy sovereignty, as well as issues of self-determination, secession, and territorial integrity. While sovereignty remains a foundational principle of the modern international system, its meaning and practical boundaries continue to adapt to globalization, technology, and evolving norms.