Which of the following concepts emphasizes self-governance in the absence of a central authority?

The concept that emphasizes self-governance in the absence of a central authority is anarchy. In international relations, anarchy refers to the system in which states operate without a higher authority governing their interactions. This doesn’t imply chaos, but rather the absence of a central governing body that enforces rules or norms. States are considered sovereign entities that are primarily responsible for their own security and governance, leading them to interact based on their interests and self-determination.

In an anarchical system, states have the freedom to act independently, but they also face the challenges of ensuring their security and managing relationships with other states. This dynamic encourages self-governance, as each state must navigate its own diplomatic, economic, and military strategies to achieve its objectives.

The other concepts do not align with self-governance in the absence of a central authority in the same way. Globalization refers to increased interconnectedness, regionalism often involves cooperation within specific areas, and interdependence denotes the reliance between states, usually implying some level of interaction or authority that counters the idea of complete self-governance. Therefore, anarchy is the key concept that accurately captures the absence of a central governing authority and the emphasis on self-governance among states.