Sovereignty, the Nation State, and Nation-Building

Flashcards covering the foundational concepts of sovereignty, the development of nation-states, Soviet nationalities policies, and constructionist approaches to nation-building.

Sovereignty

The supreme authority of a state to govern itself without external interference, established as a principle of international law.

Peace of Westphalia ($1648$)

A historical milestone in the $17\text{th}$ century that established the principles of state sovereignty and non-interference in domestic affairs.

Nation State

A political entity characterized by a defined territory, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states, where political boundaries align with cultural identity.

Inviolability of Borders

The principle asserting that the borders of a sovereign state must be respected by other states to ensure territorial integrity and protection from external aggression.

Non-Interference in Domestic Affairs

The principle that no state should interfere in the internal affairs of another, reinforcing a state's exclusive authority over its domestic policies and governance.

Internal Sovereignty

The power a government exercises within its own territory, encompassing the ability to control the population, enforce laws, and maintain order.

External Sovereignty

The capacity of a state to conduct its own foreign affairs, including entering into treaties and participating in international organizations, based on recognition by the international community.

Ethnic Concept of the Nation

A view aligning with primordialism that defines a nation as a community linked by ethnicity, culture, customs, and traditions, often based on descent.

Civic Concept of the Nation

A view aligning with constructionism that defines a nation as a political community united by common values, citizenship, and voluntary adherence to principles and laws.

Traditional View of Nations Under Soviet Rule

The perspective that the Soviet regime suppressed the national expression of non-Russian nationalities to create a homogeneous Soviet identity.

Revisionist View of Nations Under Soviet Rule

The perspective suggesting that Soviet policies fostered national self-awareness and played a significant role in constructing national identities.

Korenizatsiya (Indigenization)

A Soviet policy implemented in the $1920\text{s}$ aimed at promoting local languages, cultures, and elites within non-Russian republics to integrate them into the socialist system.

Russification

A Soviet policy aimed at promoting the Russian language and culture across the union as a common framework for administration, education, and interethnic communication.

Roland Grigor Suny

A prominent historian who provides a constructivist approach, arguing in works like "The Revenge of the Past" ($1993$) that Soviet policies actively constructed ethnic nations.

Supraethnic National Identity

A strategy adopted by Kazakhstan to transcend ethnic divisions by emphasizing a shared national identity based on civic values and common interests.

Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan

A consultative body established to represent various ethnic groups and promote interethnic harmony and dialogue within the nation.

State-Building

The process of constructing or reconstructing the institutions and infrastructure of a state, including establishing effective governance and political stability.