The term arises from the unattested Vulgar Latin's *superanus, (itself derived form of Latin super – "over") meaning "chief", "ruler". Its spelling, which varied from the word's first appearance in English in the fourteenth century, … See more

The concept of sovereignty has multiple conflicting components, varying definitions, and diverse and inconsistent applications throughout history. The current notion of state sovereignty contains … See more

Absoluteness
An important factor of sovereignty is its degree of absoluteness. A sovereign power has absolute … See more

There exist vastly differing views on the moral basis of sovereignty. A fundamental polarity is between theories which assert that sovereignty is vested directly in the sovereigns by divine or natural right, and theories which assert it originates from the people. In the latter … See more

Classical
The Roman jurist Ulpian observed that:
• The people transferred all their imperium and power to the Emperor. Cum lege regia, quae de imperio eius lata est, populus ei et in eum omne suum imperium et potestatem conferat … See more

A number of modes for acquisition of sovereignty are presently or have historically been recognized in international law as … See more

• Classical liberals such as John Stuart Mill consider every individual as sovereign.
• Realists view sovereignty as being untouchable and as guaranteed to legitimate nation-states.
• Rationalists see sovereignty similarly to realists. However, rationalism states … See more