sovereignty and self-determination

Sovereignty is the authority of a state or nation to govern itself without outside interference, making its own laws and decisions. Self-determination is the right of people or communities to choose their political status and freely pursue their economic, social, and cultural development. While sovereignty relates to the independence of recognized states, self-determination emphasizes the collective rights of peoples to determine their own future, which can sometimes lead to independence or greater autonomy within existing states. Both concepts are fundamental in understanding international relations and the rights of nations and peoples.