What principle was central to the debate over sovereignty in the 17th century?

In the 17th century, the debate over sovereignty heavily revolved around the struggle between state and church authority. This period was marked by significant religious conflicts, particularly during and after the Reformation, which challenged the traditional power held by the Catholic Church. As nation-states began to form and strengthen their political power, the question of who held ultimate authority—civil rulers or religious leaders—became a central issue.

Monarchs and states sought to assert their independence from church influence, advocating for the principle of state sovereignty. This idea posited that the state should have the supreme authority over its territory and governance, independent of ecclesiastical control. The outcomes of various conflicts, such as the Thirty Years' War, further exemplified this tension, as they not only involved military struggles but also profound philosophical debates about the role of religion in public life and governance.

While the balance of power, government accountability, and religious tolerance did play roles in the broader political landscape, they were often secondary to the more immediate and pressing concerns surrounding the conflict between state and church authority during this era.