Decolonization and Political Concepts

Decolonization

• Opposite of colonization; involves dismantling empires and removing colonies.

• Nationalism is the strongest, but not the only, factor in decolonization.

Key Terms

Polity

• Definition: A political entity with land and its own government.

• Examples include countries, states, and districts.

• Characteristics: Needs to meet two conditions (land and its own government).

State

• Definition: A polity with sovereignty, meaning no higher power can intervene in its affairs.

• A state requires land, government, and sovereignty.

Nation

• Definition: A group of people bonded by a common culture, not necessarily linked to land or government.

• Can include ethnic, linguistic, and religious elements.

• Different from "nationality" (which is more about state-citizenship).

Nationalism

• Definition: The political idea that every nation should have its own state.

• Emerged notably in the 19th century; related to nationalist and separatist movements.

• Examples: Creation of nation-states like Italy and Germany; Kurds as a stateless nation.

Nation-State

• Hyphenated term: Refers to a state for a specific nation.

• Most countries today are nation-states, except certain examples like the United States.