The state: nation-state Flashcards
Key features of the state
The ability to enter into relations with other states, which requires recognition by other states
A stable population
A legally defined territory
An effective government
What established the legal basis for the modern state and when?
Treaty of Westphalia in 1648
What is a nation?
A community of people who are united together by shared values and traditions (e.g. language, history or customs) and generally occupy the same territory
The Treaty of Westphalia (1648) case study
Brought conclusion to Thirty Years War in Europe
Seen as starting point to modern international law and international politics
Established three key principles:
1. The principle of sovereignty of states
2. The principle of legal equality between states
3. The principle of non-intervention by one state in the internal affairs of another state
“Westphalian system” used to describe state-centric view of the world, which sees states as central to IR. Closely alligned with realism
Evaluation of the nation-state
+ States are seen as nation-states, with the right to rule themselves, and nations are the building blocks of global politics
+ Nations have the right to independence and democratic rule
- The idea of a world of nation-states, where states represent a nation, is perhaps more fiction than fact
- Many nations are struggling to gain recognition as a nation-state
- Most states are culturally and ethnically diverse, so do not represent a nation
Evaluation of the nation-state
+ States are seen as nation-states, with the right to rule themselves, and nations are the building blocks of global politics
+ Nations have the right to independence and democratic rule
- The idea of a world of nation-states, where states represent a nation, is perhaps more fiction than fact
- Many nations are struggling to gain recognition as a nation-state
- Most states are culturally and ethnically diverse, so do not represent a nation
