What does sovereignty mean?
Sovereignty means the supreme authority of a state or political community and, in modern international usage, the right of a state to govern its own affairs without interference by other states. The word is especially important in political science, law, and diplomacy, where it distinguishes independent political authority from subordination to another government. Sovereignty may also describe broader control over a realm, institution, or sphere of activity, although these less technical uses should be understood in context. In contemporary international relations, sovereignty does not necessarily mean absolute or unlimited power: governments retain authority over domestic affairs while also operating within international law and agreements. The term is consequently both descriptive and politically charged. It can describe recognized independence, defend a state's autonomy, or support arguments about legitimacy and external influence.
nounThe supreme authority of a state or political community, especially its power to govern without being subject to external control. It may also refer more broadly to supreme power, authority, or independence.
- The supreme authority of a state or other political community, especially its power to govern independently of external control.
- Independence or freedom from external control, especially the political independence of a state.
"The treaty reaffirmed the sovereignty of each state within its own borders."
"The government defended its sovereignty and refused outside interference in the dispute."
"The principle of popular sovereignty holds that political authority derives from the people."
The standard plural adds -ties and is pronounced with a final /tiː/ sound.
"The declaration reaffirmed the sovereignties of the member states."
Sovereignty is the power to govern without being governed by another state.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sovereignty come from?
The word entered Middle English from Middle French souverainete, meaning supreme power or pre-eminence, and later became closely associated with political independence and self-government. Its roots lie in Old French sovereign and ultimately in Latin superbus, meaning proud or domineering and derived from super, meaning above or over. Related English words include sovereign, supremacy, and superior.
Related word forms
How sovereignty is actually used
The word is primarily formal and is common in political science, law, and diplomacy. Its implications vary with context: it can describe a state's formal independence, the scope of governmental authority, or a broader claim to supreme power, but it does not necessarily imply unlimited power.
Easily confused with sovereignty
Sovereignty is the quality or power of supreme authority, whereas a sovereign is a ruler or state that possesses that authority.