1. Supreme authority: Sovereignty refers to the highest and ultimate authority within a specific territory. The sovereign entity has the power to make and enforce laws, govern its people, and control its resources.
2. Independence: Sovereignty implies independence from external control or influence. A sovereign state is free from the dominance or interference of other states or international organizations in its internal affairs.
3. Territorial integrity: Sovereignty is closely linked to the concept of territorial integrity. A sovereign state has the right to control and govern its territory, including land, water, and airspace, without external interference.
4. Legal equality: Sovereign states are considered equal under international law. Regardless of their size, population, or economic strength, all sovereign states have the same legal status and are entitled to the same rights and obligations.
5. Non-interference: Sovereignty entails the principle of non-interference, which means that other states should respect the internal affairs of a sovereign state. This includes refraining from intervention in domestic politics, territorial disputes, or the use of force without consent.
6. External recognition: Sovereignty is often recognized by other states through diplomatic relations and membership in international organizations. Recognition by other sovereign states is crucial for a state to be considered fully sovereign in the international community.
7. Permanence: Sovereignty is generally considered a permanent feature of a state. While borders may change or governments may be overthrown, the concept of sovereignty remains intact unless voluntarily relinquished or altered through legal means.
8. Responsibility: Sovereign states have the responsibility to protect the rights and welfare of their citizens, maintain law and order, and fulfill their international obligations. They are accountable for their actions and decisions within their territory.