Diplomacy & Politics Glossary

Complete and unrestricted authority of a state over its territory and population without external interference.

A principle preventing courts of one country from questioning the validity of public acts performed by a recognized foreign sovereign within its own territory.

A concept in international relations describing a system where sovereign states operate in an international system without a central governing authority, leading to self-help behavior among states.

A condition in the international system where no central authority exists above sovereign states, leading to self-help behavior and power competition.

The political annexation of one state by another, historically referring to Nazi Germany's annexation of Austria in 1938. It exemplifies aggressive expansionism and challenges to sovereignty.

A maritime zone extending up to 24 nautical miles from the baseline where a state may enforce laws related to customs, immigration, and sanitation.

The principle that states have the right to govern and control cyberspace within their territorial borders.

Charles de Gaulle's doctrine asserting France's sovereignty and autonomy in foreign and defense policies.

Charles de Gaulle's emphasis on strong national independence and political authority free from foreign influence.

Charles de Gaulle’s emphasis on the absolute authority of the nation-state in determining its own policies free from external influence.

The concept that a state has the right to govern and regulate digital infrastructure and data within its territory.

The actual, continuous, and peaceful display of state authority over a territory to establish sovereignty.

Maritime zone extending 200 nautical miles from a state's coast where it has exclusive rights over natural resource exploration and use.

A metaphor for a powerful sovereign created through social contract to impose order and prevent the chaos of the state of nature.

The principle that prohibits states from intervening in the internal affairs of other states through coercive measures.

A key international law principle forbidding states from interfering in the internal affairs of other states.

A principle recognizing states' rights to control and exploit natural resources within their territory without external interference.

An entity with some attributes of statehood but lacking full sovereignty or international recognition.

The collective will of the citizens aimed at the common good, which legitimizes political authority when it reflects the general will.

Self-determination of peoples is the principle that communities have the right to freely determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development.

Tension between state sovereignty and international intervention for human rights or security.

The principle that a sovereign state and its property are immune from the jurisdiction of foreign national courts without consent.

A doctrine that protects a sovereign state from enforcement measures like seizure of assets in foreign courts without its consent.

State sovereignty is the principle that states have supreme authority over their territory and domestic affairs without external interference.

The principle that international borders of a state should not be violated or altered without consent, protecting state sovereignty.

International norm that states have a duty to protect populations from mass atrocities and the global community must intervene if they fail.

The principle that states have exclusive authority over their territory and domestic affairs without external interference.