Philosophy
The Concept of Sovereignty in Modern Political Thought
Quick fact
The Peace of Westphalia (1648) is often credited with laying the groundwork for the modern system of sovereign states, though 'Westphalian sovereignty' was only named much later.
Why this is interesting
Every day you hear about 'sovereignty'—but who actually holds it? The answer has changed dramatically over history, and it still shapes the world's borders and battles.