Where did the theory of sovereignty originate and what does it say about the rights of states?
• Every state has the sovereign right to dispose of its natural wealth and this right is to be respected. It is the inalienable right of each state to do so in accordance with national interests. • The creation and strengthening of state sovereignty over natural resources reinforces their economic independence. • Profits gained from natural resources must be shared in a manner freely agreed upon by sovereign states without any infringement on the states natural sovereignty. • Each state may exercise sovereignty over their natural resources whether found in the sea or on land. • No state may use coercion of any sort in order to control any other states natural resources. • It is the inalienable right of states to claim sovereignty within international boundaries as well as in the seabed and subsoil. • States may determine the amount of compensation for any disputes that may arise.
The theory of sovereignty finds its roots in 3400 B.C. in Ancient Mesopotamia. After years of fighting between their respective city-states, Kings Akkad and Sumer resolved to unite. It was not until 1750 B.C. that the theory was put into writing in the Code of Hammurabi. With this Code, Hammurabi believed he had a right to invade territories; in fact, while each state relished its own “sovereignty,” there were continued attempts to invade other nearby states.
