Which of the following best describes 'sovereignty' in international contexts?

Sovereignty in international contexts fundamentally refers to the absolute authority that a state has over its own territory and the governance of its internal affairs without external interference. This concept is central to the understanding of statehood and international relations, establishing the principle that a state is independent and can make its own decisions regarding policies, laws, and governance structures.

The idea of sovereignty is rooted in the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, which marked the end of the Thirty Years' War in Europe and laid the groundwork for the modern international order by recognizing the rights of states to govern themselves. This indicates that no other entity, whether another state or an international organization, can impose governance on a sovereign state without its consent.

In contrast, dependence on international organizations for governance reflects a collaborative or integrative approach, where states may relinquish some of their sovereign powers to achieve collective goals, which does not encapsulate the traditional concept of sovereignty. Shared governance among multiple states implies collaborative decision-making, which stands at odds with the notion of absolute control inherent to sovereignty. Lastly, while the authority to follow international laws suggests a respect for global norms, it doesn't capture the essence of sovereignty, which emphasizes a state's right to enforce its own laws and policies independently.