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State-building

Definition

State-building refers to the process of creating or strengthening institutions and structures within a state to establish political power and control over a defined territory.

Analogy

Imagine state-building as constructing a sturdy house from scratch. It involves laying down solid foundations (establishing institutions), building walls (creating structures), and adding necessary components (defining territory) to establish political power over an organized entity.

Related terms

Absolutism: A system of government where rulers hold absolute power with no significant checks on their authority.

Centralization: The concentration of power and decision-making authority at the national level rather than being dispersed across regional or local entities.

Nation-state: A political entity where a nation (a group sharing common culture, language, or history) corresponds with a specific territorial state.