The concept of “sovereignty” refers to the complete right and absolute power of any governing body over itself, without any interference from other external sources or bodies. A fully sovereign state has supreme authority over its own territory and is not subject to any other superior power. Sovereignty in the context of territorial integrity means control over a certain geographical area. Every sovereign state has recognized borders within which it exercises its supreme authority. Under the United Nations Charter, external actors cannot interfere in the internal affairs of a sovereign state. Sovereign states are also legally independent entities that can enter into agreements, treaties and alliances with other states.

• United Nations. (1945). Charter of the United Nations and Statute of the International Court of Justice. United Nations.