The Emergence of the Modern State

This set of flashcards covers key concepts discussed in the lecture on the emergence of modern states, their characteristics, and historical context.

What are the key characteristics of a modern state?

Institutionalization, coercive control of the population, territorial sovereignty, functional specialization, hierarchy, and international recognition.

What factors contributed to the emergence of states at specific times and places?

Historical circumstances, decentralized politics of medieval Europe, new sources of wealth, and expensive military technologies.

Why might it be said that states are not an inevitable result of human nature?

States emerged through specific historical circumstances rather than being a natural human inclination.

What military advancements caused changes in the political landscape during the emergence of modern states?

New highly effective but expensive military technologies that allowed monarchs to exercise greater control.

What was the paradox regarding the emergence of modern territorial states?

Almost no one wanted the centralized state frameworks that emerged, despite their prevalence.

What was the role of monarchs in the development of modern states?

Monarchs were able to harness new sources of wealth and military technology to enhance their power and control.

What was the Hanseatic League and how does it relate to the state?

The Hanseatic League was a commercial alliance among cities that represented an alternative form of organization before the modern state developed.

What is the significance of the Peace of Westphalia in relation to the modern state?

The Peace of Westphalia (1648) is often cited as marking the beginning of the state system in international law and the principle of sovereign equality of states.

What does 'sovereignty' refer to in the context of a modern state?

Sovereignty refers to the supreme legal authority within a specified geographic area.

How did warfare influence the specialization of state functions?

Warfare created pressure for more specialization within state functions, accelerating the need for specialized roles and organizations.