What does the concept of sovereign immunity protect?

Sovereign immunity is a fundamental principle in international law that protects states and their instrumentalities from being sued in the courts of other countries without their consent. This legal doctrine is based on the notion that a sovereign state should not be subject to the jurisdiction of another sovereign, thus maintaining respect for the sovereignty of nations and allowing them to operate without the fear of constant litigation in foreign jurisdictions.

By protecting countries from being sued in foreign courts without their consent, sovereign immunity ensures that states can engage in diplomatic and commercial relations without the disruption that could arise from lawsuits initiated against them by other nations or individuals. This principle not only fosters international cooperation but also reinforces the idea of mutual respect among nations.

The other options do not accurately reflect the scope of sovereign immunity. For instance, while diplomatic agents benefit from certain protections, such as diplomatic immunity, this is a distinct concept related to individual protections rather than the broader sovereignty of states. Similarly, the protection of foreign nationals from prosecution and the prevention of citizens from international extradition are governed by different legal principles that do not fall under the umbrella of sovereign immunity.