Geo Auto Generated

State (UN Definition)

A political and legal entity that possesses a permanent population, defined territory, government, and capacity to enter into relations with other states.

Montevideo Convention (1933)

An international treaty that outlines the criteria for statehood and the rights and duties of states, established after WWI.

Permanent Population

A core/settled population that signals a state's ongoing and structured political and human community.

Defined Territory

A state must have geographically defined areas where it exercises authority and governance.

Government

An organized system that has authority to exercise effective control over a state's territory and population.

Capacity to Enter Relations

The ability of a state to conduct foreign policy and establish diplomatic relations with other states.

De jure Government

An internationally recognized government that is considered legitimate by other states and institutions.

De facto Government

A government that exercises effective control over a territory and its population without full legal or international recognition.

Sovereignty

The power of a state to have supreme authority and independence in governing its own affairs without external interference.

Internal Sovereignty

A state's authority to make decisions about its own territory and population, including the creation of laws and policies.

External Sovereignty

Recognition of a state by the international community, ensuring its independence from external intervention.

Recognition (Leuterpacht 1944)

The formal acknowledgment by one state or group of states that another state meets the criteria of statehood.

Declarative Theory of Statehood

A theory stating that a state exists as soon as it meets the minimum criteria for statehood regardless of external recognition.

Constitutive Theory of Statehood

A theory stating that a state only becomes recognized when other states acknowledge it, conferring legal status.

Monopoly of the Use of Force

The assertion that only the state has the legitimate right to use physical force within its territory.

Social Contract (Locke)

The idea that individuals consent to surrender some freedoms to the government in exchange for protection and order.

Effectiveness Doctrine

A principle asserting that a government is recognized based on its capacity to govern rather than its legitimacy or origin.

Recognition Withdrawal

The act of formally ceasing to acknowledge a state's status or legitimacy, often leading to diplomatic isolation.

Arbitrary Borders

Borders drawn without regard for existing political, cultural, or ethnic divisions, often a result of colonialism.

Military Power

The capacity of a state to utilize its military forces effectively, including strategic capabilities and defense budget.

Economic Power

A state's overall economic strength, measured by GDP, trade volume, and financial stability.

Geopolitical Power

The ability of a state to influence international relations and diplomacy through strategic alliances and actions.

Informational Power

The capacity to control information and narratives to influence public perception and policy.

Soft Power

The ability to shape preferences and attract others through appeal and persuasion rather than coercion.

Virtual Borders

Border management systems that operate digitally and remotely, influencing movement beyond physical locations.