POLS 2950 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Failed State, Ethnic Nationalism, Nationstates
1 Dec 2016
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Document Summary
Session 2 - what is a nation-state?, relationship between wars and the development of nation-states. A nation-state has central authority/government exercised over a contiguous territory - common language, religion, culture, symbolic identity - often varying definitions of nation between nation-states. Western europe - first to establish nation-states - bloody process with high degree of violence. Wars played huge role across western europe - struggle for power - nation-states constantly seeking arrangements to maximize power in comparison to others - strategic reasons to conquer territories with natural resources, land for producing, etc. Attempts to conquer territories and control larger area. Different views and definitions of the concept of state. Initially, state defined as a political institution that has sovereignty over a territory - absolute sovereignty - only one source of power. Control over territory and protection against external enemies - international and domestic level. International dimension - ensuring it is not attacked or invaded, establishing relationships with other states.
