Nation States Are Highly Varied Flashcards
What is a state?
An independent sovereign government exercising control over a certain spatially defined and bounded area whose borders are usually clearly defined and internationally recognised by other states
What is sovereignty?
The ability or right for a state to make/ impose their own laws
What is a nation?
A group of people who see themselves as a cohesive and coherent unit based on shared cultural or historical criteria
What are the six key factors that make a state a nation state?
History
Language
Territory
Nationality
Religion
Culture
How does history create a nation state?
If the people share a common past
How do language create a nation state?
All people in the border speak the same language but maybe different dialects
Why is territory required for a nation state?
It must be a certain area/ territory for an ethnic group
Why is nationality a factor for a nation becoming a nation state?
The belief in a common ethnic ancestors
What must religion be in a nation state?
Must be shared by all or a majority
What is the culture like in a nation state?
Distinct and diverse with its own way of life (food, dress, behaviour and ideals)
What is a nation state?
The idea of a homogenous nation governed by its own sovereign state- where each state contains one nation
What must the people in a nation state believe/want?
Desire sovereignty
Have attachment to territory
Have a unified people
What are 2 good examples of nation states?
Iceland
Japan
What is the cultural past of Iceland?
It is a Nordic country meaning it has strong ties to ancient vikings
What is one part of their heritage that Icelanders are very proud of?
Their language which is still very closely tied to the old Norse language spoken by early vikings
