States and Sovereignty

State and Government

What is a state?

A state is a political community in a specific territory operating independently of other governments.
Our fifty states are not this type of state.
Same as a country.

What is a nation?

A nation is a group of people united by bonds of race, language, custom, tradition, or religion.
Does not need to be a country.

Examples of a nation:
  • Kurds, who reside mostly in Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey
  • Basque, who inhabit parts of northern Spain and southern France

What is a nation-state?

A nation-state is when the territories of the nation and state are the same.
Countries:
  • France
  • Japan
  • Egypt
  • Hungary

What makes a state a state?

Four primary categories:
  • A permanent population
    • Population fluctuations are acceptable
    • Migratory people would not be considered a state
  • An established territory
    • The existence of pre-defined borders
    • Examples: Spain, Canada, Chile, etc.
    • Non-examples: ISIS
  • Government
    • Maintains functionality of a state
    • Creates a system of order
    • Enforces laws/decisions
  • Ability to enter into relations with other states
    • Trade
    • Member of international organizations
    • Adequate diplomats to conduct "political business"

What is sovereignty?

Sovereignty is a state's supreme and absolute authority within its territorial boundaries. They can determine their own course of action without influence from other states.

They have the power to:
  • Make laws
  • Shape foreign policy
  • Provide national security
  • Engage citizens

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