Define sovereignty and territorial integrity and explain their relationship.

• A. Sovereignty is the supreme authority of a state within its borders; territorial integrity is the right to defend and preserve borders from external aggression; together they anchor the modern state system.
• B. Territorial integrity is the right to defend external borders; sovereignty is the ability to conduct trade.
• C. Sovereignty and territorial integrity are the same concept.
• D. Territorial integrity refers to cultural autonomy.

Answer: (A)

Sovereignty is the state's ultimate authority to govern itself and its territory, standing free from external control in making and enforcing its laws. Territorial integrity is the principle that a state’s borders should be preserved and protected from external aggression or unilateral change. The relationship between them is that sovereignty gives a state the power to rule and make decisions within its borders, while territorial integrity safeguards that rule by ensuring its borders aren’t violated or altered by others. Together, they underpin the modern state system by establishing recognized, independent polities with stable boundaries.

For example, attempting to invade or annex territory challenges both the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of a state. The other options misdescribe either concept or blur the distinction between them.