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Nation-states

Definition

Nation-states are political entities consisting of a specific group of people (a nation) who share common cultural, linguistic, ethnic, or historical characteristics and have their own recognized government and sovereignty within defined borders.

Analogy

Imagine a tightly-knit group of friends at school who all share the same language, customs, and traditions. They establish their own club with its rules and elected leaders.

Related terms

Nationalism: Nationalism is an ideology that emphasizes loyalty and devotion to one's nation-state above other loyalties or identities.

Self-determination: Self-determination is the right of people to freely choose their political status and decide their economic, social, and cultural development without interference.

Multinational states: Multinational states are countries that include multiple distinct nations or ethnic groups within their borders.