Week 2 (States)

Question 1

What characterises states (ideally)?

Answer 1

Centralised control of use of force, bureaucracy, provision of public goods

These characteristics ensure the effective functioning of a state.

Question 2

Define ‘nation’.

Answer 2

A group of people sharing a common identity based on language, religion, ethnicity, and/or history

This identity is crucial for the formation of nation-states.

Question 3

What is a nation-state?

Answer 3

A state in which a single nation predominates and the boundaries of the state are connected to that nation

Question 4

What are the primary functions of states?

Answer 4

Deal with other states, protect sovereignty, taxation of citizens, administration

These functions are essential for maintaining order and governance.

Question 5

What is state capacity?

Answer 5

The ability of a state to achieve its objectives

High state capacity relates to effective governance and delivery of public services.

Question 6

What characterises failed states?

Answer 6

Lack of state capacity and threats from other groups attempting to use violence

Failed states often struggle to provide basic services and maintain order.

Question 7

List three characteristics required in modern states.

Answer 7

• Bureaucracy
• Impersonality
• Sovereignty

These characteristics help in establishing stable and effective governance structures.

Question 8

What does ‘stateness’ refer to?

Answer 8

The variation in levels of state capacity between countries

‘Stateness’ can be understood as a continuum from strong to weak states.

Question 9

What is necessary for a state’s existence?

Answer 9

International recognition

Without recognition, a state may struggle to assert its sovereignty.

Question 10

Why do states emerge?

Answer 10

• Political/conflict factors - war strengthens the state (strong states first emerged in Western Europe where conflict was frequent over the centuries)
• Economic factors - state created by elite coalitions (Douglass North) / Marxism says bourgeoisie wanted states because strong states -> max. economic profit
• Cultural factors - power of ideas (eg nationalism -> acceptance of states; perhaps Protestantism??)
• Diffusion theories - state emergence from external influences, not internal ones. The state became a high-status model and was therefore adopted globally.

Question 11

What are two examples of fragile and failed states?

Answer 11

• South Sudan: instability and lack of state legitimacy; ongoing civil war between government and RSF (lack of monopoly on violence)
• Haiti: economic weakness and natural disasters -> very low state capacity -> widespread use of violence by gangs. Also lack of elections since 2016 -> lack of regime legitimacy.

Question 12

How could the emergence of the UK as a state be the result of economic factors?

Answer 12

• Union of England and Scotland partly due to desire for economic strength
• Industrial Revolution strengthened state and accelerated formation of British national identity
• Need to maintain colonial empire -> centralisation/strengthening of state