The concept of sovereignty: has evolved throughout history.
Since
Greek times, Aristotle has defined it as "the supreme authority within
the State" and Plato as "the power attached to the ruler". Bodan then
came to define it as a "superior authority over the Territory and the
population unrestricted by any law." The contemporary concept of
sovereignty is seen by a single supreme authority dealing with internal
political organization, law-making, policing and guaranteeing rights and
freedoms. In 1949, the International Court of Justice emphasized the
importance of respect for States' territorial sovereignty as a basis for
A sovereign State could not be conceived in .international relations
isolation from the international ocean; sovereignty included a State's
relationship with other States. The traditional concept of absolute
sovereignty (prevailing in Europe in the late 16th century) based on
absolute state freedom, which justified the use of war, force and
colonialism, was criticized. The concept of the State's absolute authority
was illogical in the light of international variables such as secularization,
economic development and international organization. A new concept
of sovereignty has emerged that limits its absolute authority and makes
it compatible with international law, performing functions for the
international community. Sovereignty has an internal manifestation (the
State's freedom within its territory) and an external one (equality of
States, non-submission to another authority and respect for the
international community). One characteristic of national sovereignty is
its unity, indivisibility, durability and sustainability.
her legal consequences:absolute (no higher authority), inclusiveness
(inclusive of all within the territory with exceptions), non-waivability
(loss means loss of State self), permanence (lasting on State time), and
Sovereignty has two dimensions: .indivisibility (only one sovereignty
legal (equal rights and duties of States under international law), and
political (effective sovereignty and a State's ability to extend its influence
and reject external interventions). Legal sovereignty was acquired by
joining the United Nations, while politics depended on the balance of
international power and the State's ability to influence globally.
Therefore, some third-world States enjoy legal sovereignty but lack
effective sovereignty.
