Nation-states

Definition

A nation-state is a political entity that derives its political legitimacy from serving as a sovereign state for a nation, a large social grouping of people who share a common language, culture, ethnicity, descent, and/or history. Nation-states are the primary political organizational units in the modern world, and their rise and development are closely tied to the concepts of nationalism, communism, fascism, and authoritarianism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nation-states emerged as the dominant political organization in the modern world during the 19th and 20th centuries, replacing previous forms of political organization such as empires and city-states.
2. The concept of the nation-state is closely tied to the rise of nationalism, which emphasizes the importance of a shared national identity and the right of a nation to self-determination.
3. Authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, such as fascist and communist states, have often sought to create a strong, centralized nation-state that exercises complete control over its citizens.
4. The establishment of nation-states has been a key factor in the development of modern economic and political systems, including the global capitalist system and the international system of states.
5. The principle of national self-determination, which holds that each nation has the right to form its own sovereign state, has been a driving force behind many nationalist movements and the creation of new nation-states.

Review Questions

• Explain how the concept of the nation-state is connected to the rise of nationalism.
  • The nation-state is closely tied to the rise of nationalism, which emphasizes the importance of a shared national identity and the right of a nation to self-determination. Nationalism promotes the idea that a nation should have its own sovereign state, with the nation-state serving as the primary political and organizational unit. The establishment of nation-states has been a key factor in the development of modern economic and political systems, as well as the international system of states.
• Describe the role of nation-states in the development of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, such as fascist and communist states.
  • Authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, such as fascist and communist states, have often sought to create a strong, centralized nation-state that exercises complete control over its citizens. These regimes have used the concept of the nation-state to consolidate power, promote a particular national identity, and suppress dissent. The establishment of nation-states has been a key factor in the development of these types of political systems, which aim to exercise total control over the population and the economy.
• Analyze the impact of the principle of national self-determination on the creation of new nation-states and the international system of states.
  • The principle of national self-determination, which holds that each nation has the right to form its own sovereign state, has been a driving force behind many nationalist movements and the creation of new nation-states. This has had a significant impact on the international system of states, as the establishment of new nation-states has led to the reorganization of political boundaries and the emergence of new actors on the global stage. The quest for national self-determination has been a key factor in the development of the modern international system, which is largely based on the concept of the nation-state as the primary political and organizational unit.

Related terms

Nationalism:

An ideology and movement characterized by the promotion of the interests of a particular nation, especially with the aim of gaining and maintaining the nation's sovereignty (self-governance) over its homeland.

Sovereignty:

The full right and power of a governing body over itself, without any interference from outside sources or bodies.

Ethnicity: The identity of a group of people having common racial, national, religious, linguistic, or cultural heritage.