23.1.1 Characteristics of a Nation State

A Nation-State

A nation-state is a political entity that represents a distinct, sovereign community with a defined territory, a permanent population, an effective government, a national identity, and the capacity to engage in international relations. The Montevideo Convention of 1933 outlines the fundamental criteria that define a nation-state, which are as follows:

Defined Territory

Explanation

A nation-state must have clearly established borders that delineate its territory. This territory is recognized both domestically and internationally as the sovereign area under the state's control.

Challenges

• Border Disputes: The existence of border disputes can complicate the definition of a state's territory. For instance, the conflict between Tanzania's mainland (Tanganyika) and Zanzibar over their territorial waters illustrates how internal divisions can lead to disputes.
• De Jure vs. De Facto Borders: Some regions may have de jure borders (recognized in law) that differ from de facto borders (the actual control on the ground). The South China Sea is an example where several nations claim overlapping territories, leading to disputes over what constitutes the legitimate borders.

Effective Authority/Government

Explanation

An effective government is essential for a nation-state as it exercises control over the state's territory and population. It enforces laws, maintains order, and conducts foreign relations.

Challenges

• Definition of Effectiveness: What qualifies as an effective government can be subjective. Governments vary widely in their stability, control, and ability to provide public services. For instance, Libya in 2011 had two rival governments, making it difficult to determine which, if any, was truly "effective."
• Governmental Changes: Governments are not static; they change over time, sometimes rapidly, as seen in Afghanistan with the fall of the government to the Taliban, or in Myanmar with the military coup. These changes make long-term effectiveness hard to measure.
• External Perceptions: Outsiders may find it difficult to assess a government's effectiveness, as the true impact of governance is felt most directly by the citizens.

National Identity

Explanation

A nation-state is characterized by a shared sense of identity among its people, often manifested through symbols like flags, national anthems, a common language, and shared cultural practices.

Importance

National identity fosters unity and a sense of belonging, helping to legitimize the state and its government. It distinguishes the nation-state from others and reinforces its sovereignty.

Permanent Population

Explanation

A nation-state must have a permanent population that resides within its defined territory. This population forms the citizenry of the state.

Challenges

• Citizenship Issues: Citizenship can be complex, especially when states have the power to revoke it. For example, the United States has laws that can revoke citizenship if a person resides outside the country for an extended period.
• Refugee Crises: Large-scale movements of refugees can disrupt the idea of a permanent population, as seen in conflicts where populations are displaced, creating vulnerabilities and challenges to maintaining a stable citizenry.

Capacity to Enter Into Relations with Other States

Explanation

A nation-state must have the ability to engage in diplomatic and trade relations with other states. This capacity is crucial for participation in the international community and global governance.

Challenges

• IGO Membership: While membership in intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) like the European Union can enhance a state's global standing, it can also limit a nation's autonomy in certain areas, such as trade relations, where EU regulations might supersede national preferences.
• Influence of Superpowers: Some nation-states are heavily influenced by more powerful nations, which can undermine their capacity to independently engage in international relations. For instance, many African states are under significant influence from China due to the Belt and Road Initiative, affecting their foreign policy choices.

Sovereignty

Explanation

Sovereignty is the ultimate authority a nation-state holds over its territory and population. It means that the state is free from external control and can govern itself without interference.

Threats to Sovereignty

• Violent Conflict: Internal conflicts, especially in states with weak internal sovereignty, pose serious threats to the authority of the nation-state. For instance, in countries like Syria, violent non-state actors have challenged the state's control, leading to prolonged internal conflict.
• International Organizations (IGOs): While IGOs can enhance cooperation among states, they can also erode sovereignty by influencing national decision-making processes. However, this argument is nuanced, as states are also involved in the decision-making within these organizations.
• Economic Globalization: Globalization has made states more interdependent, which can diminish their control over economic policies. For example, the UK's fuel trading relations with Saudi Arabia are influenced by global economic factors, despite differing political values, such as human rights considerations.

Problems with Judging Nation States Against These Criteria

While the Montevideo Convention provides a clear framework, judging whether a state meets these criteria can be problematic due to the following reasons:

1. Ambiguity and Changeability: The effectiveness of a government, the permanence of a population, and even the clarity of borders can be fluid and subject to interpretation. Changes in government, population displacement, or evolving territorial disputes can complicate assessments.
2. External Influence: The capacity to engage in international relations can be compromised by external powers, making it difficult to determine if a state is truly sovereign or independent in its foreign policy.
3. Internal Divisions: Some states face significant internal divisions, whether in the form of competing governments, as seen in Libya, or ethnic and cultural divides, which challenge the idea of a unified national identity.

Challenges and Competitors to Nation States in Global Politics

1. Other Nation States: Competition between states for regional and global influence remains a central aspect of international relations. For example, the rivalry between India and Pakistan over Kashmir is a classic case of competing nation-states.
2. Non-State Actors: Transnational corporations (TNCs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) increasingly play roles that traditionally belonged to states. TNCs can influence international law and economic policies, while NGOs can sometimes bypass state sovereignty, as seen with the UN's humanitarian interventions.
3. Pressure Groups: Domestic and international pressure groups, such as Extinction Rebellion, can influence national and international policies, often pushing states to adopt certain standards or laws, such as those related to climate change.
4. International/Regional Organizations: Entities like the European Union have the power to implement policies that apply to all member states, thereby influencing national laws and sovereignty.

Opportunities/Advantages for Nation States Today

1. Cultural Identity Without Government Control: Some regions or communities have a strong sense of identity without having an independent government. This can allow cultures and languages to flourish without the constraints of a state-imposed identity.
2. Flexible Territory Requirements: In some cases, nation-states can benefit from not having rigidly defined borders, which can ease tensions and facilitate trade. The European Union, for instance, has enabled relatively open borders between member states, promoting trade and cooperation.
3. Sovereignty Reassertion During Crises: Events like the COVID-19 pandemic allowed nation-states to reassert their sovereignty by implementing border controls and public health measures. The effectiveness of these responses has varied, and the long-term impact on sovereignty is still being evaluated.

Are Nation-States Still the Most Important Actors in Global Politics?

Yes	No
International law is made by states allowing them to decide the level of involvement of non-state actors. Therefore, they have the ability to restrict NGOs and IGOs from interfering in internal politics.	However, this is not common due to the growing powers of NGOs, IGOs, and MNCs.
States have a greater ability to protect their sovereignty, meaning they have greater power and influence and are legitimate. Legitimacy = ability to make law, have territory, make allies, trade, and have resources.	Non-state actors can make immediate decisions meaning they can often act faster than government bodies, e.g., Humanitarian interventions. However, this is counteracted with the UNSC gridlock that prevents the UN from making fast decisions without the cooperation of its P5 members.
Having defined territory and resources means there is an ability to make their own money and achieve economic prosperity rather than relying on funding like NGOs. Without economic power also means a lack of military power, e.g., UN relies on its members to provide a military.