November 29, Slides 1-4 Flashcards
What does Max Weber mean by the state having a “monopoly on the legitimate use of violence”?
Weber argues that the state is the only entity within a territory that can legally use force to maintain order and enforce laws. This monopoly on violence is central to its authority and sovereignty.
How do states sustain themselves through a mix of coercion and consent?
States use coercion, such as law enforcement and military power, to maintain control, while relying on consent by earning the trust and compliance of their citizens. This balance ensures stability and minimizes resistance.
What is the significance of sovereignty being “outside of the law”?
Sovereignty refers to the authority to create and enforce laws, but this authority itself is not derived from existing laws. Instead, it is established through historical practices and power struggles.
Why is state formation described as a real historical process rather than an imagined “state of nature”?
State formation involves tangible historical events, such as wars, treaties, and power struggles, rather than hypothetical philosophical constructs. It reflects the practical challenges of establishing authority and governance in specific contexts.
How do states balance providing protection and extracting resources?
States offer protection, such as security and rule of law, to legitimize their authority while extracting resources like taxes to fund state functions. This exchange forms the basis of the social contract between states and their citizens.
What does it mean for violence during state formation to be retroactively legitimated?
Violence used to establish a state may initially be contested, but over time it becomes accepted as necessary or justified. This retroactive legitimation transforms acts of coercion into the foundation of lawful governance.
How does the rule of law ensure rights and freedoms are respected?
The rule of law establishes predictable and consistent legal frameworks that protect individual rights and freedoms. It prevents arbitrary use of power by holding everyone, including state actors, accountable to the same laws.
Why is state formation described as a contested process?
State formation often involves conflicts between competing groups over territory, resources, and authority. These struggles can lead to violence, negotiation, and compromise before a stable state emerges.
What role does the state play in establishing order and security?
The state creates laws, enforces them, and maintains institutions to ensure societal stability. By providing protection, the state justifies its authority and strengthens its citizens’ trust.
How does the state extract resources to perform its functions?
States collect taxes, control natural resources, and sometimes rely on external aid or loans to fund governance, infrastructure, and public services. Resource extraction is essential for maintaining state institutions and fulfilling their obligations.
