What does the term “sovereignty” refer to in international relations?

In international relations, the term "sovereignty" specifically refers to the authority of a state to govern itself without external interference. This concept is fundamental to the structure of international law and relations, as it establishes the legal and political independence of states. Sovereignty implies that a state has full control over its territory, its population, and its domestic and foreign policy, allowing it to make decisions that serve its own interests.

This understanding of sovereignty is crucial because it underpins the interactions between states, including issues of diplomacy, conflict resolution, and the formulation of treaties. When states assert their sovereignty, they emphasize their right to act independently within the international system, which is a vital aspect of their identity and status.

In contrast, the other options—forming alliances, international legal agreements, and economic independence—are related factors but do not capture the core essence of sovereignty. Forming alliances involves cooperation and partnerships but does not inherently relate to self-governance. International legal agreements often depend on the existence of sovereign states to negotiate and create binding commitments. Economic independence may reflect a state's capabilities but does not fundamentally define its sovereign status. Therefore, the essence of sovereignty lies specifically in a state's intrinsic authority to govern itself.