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Define a Nation State – Social Studies

In this article, we will learn about nation-state definition, relationship between nation and state, difference between nation and nation-state and more.

A geographical region with a common governance is called a state. It is identified by its boundaries and the rules governing those who reside within. States can be territories or regions with unique governmental structures that work together as a whole, as well as countries. On the other hand, a nation is a group of people who are related by geography, ethnicity, cultural identity, and history. Connections to a common heritage bind a nation’s citizens together. A nation of people should not have to reside in a single state, nor does a state necessarily include a nation of people. The country versus. state contradiction is transformed into the nation state when these two ideas converge.

State

The state is the political structure of the governing class, which was established to stifle the resistance of its adversaries. In order to control the exploited plurality in the interest of the exploited minority, the state was created as a result of division of society into integrated classes. It will continue to exist as long as there is a demand for class dominance.

Nation

A group of people living in a nation that is unified under a single, independent government. And in this sense, a nation can be any collection of people who share institutions, customs, a sense of social homogeneity, and common interests. However, the world is essentially equivalent with a state in this context. As a result, we might assert that various nations may exist within a single state or that a nation may transcend the boundaries of a single state.

Nation State

A nation state is a geographical area with definite borders and a single political structure. It is mostly or fully populated by individuals who identify as a nation. Unlike a colony or a region under the control of another power, a Nation State is politically independent of other states. For instance, the United States is a nation state because it is run by the single independent government and because most of its citizens identify as legally and culturally American.

Nation-State Definition

A nation-state is described as a sizable population that self-identifies as a nation and resides in a geographically defined area with the required infrastructure, social structures, and political institutions.

Relationship Between Nation and State

The relationship between Nation and State is one of the most significant and misunderstood partnerships in contemporary geopolitics. A nation is an ethnic group with political claims for national self-determination and shared traits like language and culture. A state is a human-made organisation that serves to advance and defend the interests of the country.

As a result, a nation and a state are interdependent, with the nation giving the state’s identity and justification for existing and the state giving the institutions necessary to oversee and protect the nation’s interests.

State and Nation are frequently used interchangeably. They are quite close with one another. The population, the territory, the administration, and the sovereignty make up the State. A state cannot truly exist in the absence of any one of its constituent parts. A nation, on the other hand, is a collection of having a strong sense of togetherness and common consciousness. Common territory, common religion, common race, common language, common culture, common history, and common political goals could all be factors in the establishment of a nation. Therefore, there is a very deep bond between this State and Nation.

Difference Between Nation and Nation-State

A nation is a significant group of people who are connected by a shared origin, culture, history, ethnicity, or language. A nation state is a place where people with a shared identity live within a country with clear borders and a single government.

Nation

Nation-State

Those who belong to the same nation share a same culture, history, ethnicity, or language heritage.

A Nation State is a form of government in which a group of people have a similar identity and reside within a state with clearly defined borders.

Every nation does not has a state.

Each state has at least one nation.

Conclusion

Nation states are systems of organisation wherein people with the common identity live within a country with clear borders and a single government body. A nation is a large group of people who have a common origin, culture, history, ethnicity, or language. This is the primary distinction between a nation and a nation state. A nation is a collection of people who share traits like a language, race, or religion. They could have a designated territory or not. A state is a geographical area that has a permanent population, well-defined borders, and a functioning government.

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the UPSC Examination Preparation.

Why is having a nation-state important?

Answer. In the realms of economics, society, and culture, nation-states use the state like a tool to promote nation...Read full

What are the basic elements of a nation-state?

Answer. State and nation are the fundamental components of a nation state. The body of government known as the state...Read full

What do you mean by the term Nation?

Answer. A group of people or a large population who share a common ancestry, language, traditions, and ethnicity ar...Read full

Why is France a Nation-State?

Answer. France establishes an absolute monarchy under Louis XIV, who also makes France the leading nation in Europe....Read full

Discuss the characteristics of a Nation-State.

Answer. A nation state should have a single government, a common national identity and physical borders. This distin...Read full