November 27, Slides 7-8 Flashcards
Were states created by free individuals in a “state of nature”?
No, states were not created by free, independent individuals in a “state of nature.” This idea is a hypothetical construct and does not reflect how states actually emerged in the historical world. States arose through complex social, political, and economic processes.
How long ago did the first states appear?
The first states appeared about 5,000–6,000 years ago. They emerged in regions such as Mesopotamia and the Nile Valley as centralized institutions to manage resources, labor, and power.
Are states a permanent fixture of human existence?
No, states are not a permanent fixture of human existence. Human societies existed for thousands of years without centralized states, relying instead on smaller, less hierarchical forms of governance
In which century were states “universalized”?
States were universalized in the 17th century. The global adoption of the state system began after the Treaty of Westphalia, which formalized principles of state sovereignty and territorial boundaries.
What principle was established by the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648?
The Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 established the principle of state sovereignty. It marked the beginning of the modern international system, where states were recognized as having authority over defined territories.
How do borders relate to states?
Borders both create states and are created by states. They define the territorial limits of a state’s authority and are essential for the exercise of sovereignty.
What flows through borders according to Olúfémi Táíwò?
According to Olúfémi Táíwò, borders are conduits for the flow of goods, rights, violence, and duties. They shape global political and economic interactions while controlling access and mobility.
What are borders a feature of, according to Olúfémi Táíwò?
Borders are features of the global political system, as noted by Olúfémi Táíwò. They are mechanisms through which states manage sovereignty, regulate interactions, and impose their authority in a connected world.
