In international relations, "sovereignty" refers to the authority of a state to govern itself without external interference. It encompasses political independence, territorial integrity, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. Sovereignty is a fundamental principle of international law, as it establishes the legal framework within which states operate. However, global challenges, such as humanitarian crises and environmental issues, often prompt debates on the limits of sovereignty in favor of international cooperation and intervention when national actions violate human rights or threaten global stability.