Study Notes on The State

Political science is primarily defined as the study of the state.
The discipline's evolution has significantly focused on the modern state.
Importance of dissecting the term "state":
- Definition
- Essential features
- Functions
- Relationship with related terms (nation, nation-state, stateless-nation, nationless-state)
Overview of global demarcation: All land except oceans (Antarctica and certain newly found lands) has been divided into states.

Common definition: A political unit characterized by the following:
- well-defined territory
- population or people
- organized government
- independence from external control
Harold Laski's definition (1951):
- The state as a territorial society divided into government and subjects, with supremacy over all institutions in its designated area.
Nnoli's definition (1986):
- The state is characterized by population, government, territory, and the monopoly of force within its territory, exercised by the government.

Essential elements for the existence and maintenance of the state:
1. Population or People: A community of individuals residing in the state.
2. Territory: A defined geographical area.
3. Government: Organized administration that maintains order and provides services.
The principles adopted from the Treaty of Westphalia (1648):
- Sovereignty of states
- Legal equality among states
- Non-interference in internal affairs

The state as a relatively new concept in world affairs.
Historical context:
- Prior to the seventeenth century, political entities were defined by the power of ruling elites and religion. Entities were city-states, principalities, kingdoms, or empires.
Leaders derived authority from military prowess and divine sanction—a belief rooted in religious legitimacy.
The modern understanding of the state emerged post the Treaty of Westphalia (1648)—marking the end of the Thirty Years’ War.

Causes of the war:
- Protestant Reformation led by figures like Martin Luther (1517) challenging the Church's authority.
- The war comprised four main phases:
1. (1618-1621): Initial conflict in Bohemia, characterized by religious and political challenges.
2. (1621-1630): Continued battles in Germany and Netherlands, involving Denmark, France, and Sweden.
3. (1630-1632): Further extensive combats.
4. (1632-1648): Final confrontations between French, Swedes, and Germans.
Negotiations began in 1641, culminating in the 1648 Treaty of Westphalia:
- Involved various nations like Bavaria, Denmark, France, and the Holy Roman Empire.
- Established the principle of sovereignty among states and dictated non-interference in internal affairs.

Origin of the term state:
- Romans used "civitas" (polis-city state) and "res publica" (public welfare) to denote governance.
- The term derives from the Teutonic tribes' use of "status."
- Machiavelli's "stato" referenced the collective power over citizens.
Distinction between common usage and political science:
- Ordinary usage equates state and nation; however, political science emphasizes differentiating characteristics.

Gamer's definition (1932):
- A community, occupying a defined area, nearly independent of external control, with an organized government to which inhabitants obey.
Maclver's view (1932):
- An association governed by law and coercive power to maintain order.
Donovan et al.'s summary (1981):
- A formal entity with jurisdiction over a defined territory and population, empowered to create and enforce binding rules.
Implication of the Treaty of Westphalia in establishing modern state characteristics:
- Legal equality and territorial sovereignty solidified the structure of the modern state system that persists today.

Ancient Greek polis as a primitive concept of state:
- Featured city-state characteristics, autonomous governance, and geographical size between 50-500 square miles.
Estimated 600 to 1500 poleis existed, including Sparta, Athens, Mycenae, and Delphi, functioning as self-governing political units.

Cultural commonality: A nation typically shares common culture, language, history, and traditions among its members, fostering a sense of identity.
Sense of belonging: Individuals within a nation often feel a strong emotional connection to each other, shaped by shared experiences and values.
Geographic boundaries: While nations may not have well-defined political boundaries, they often occupy specific territories that they identify with, which may or may not align with state borders.

Defined territory: A state has a clearly delineated geographical area on which it exercises governance.
Population: Comprising individuals who reside within the state's boundaries, a state's legitimacy often hinges on its recognition by its inhabitants.
Organized government: A state has a structured system of authority that enforces laws, maintains order, and provides public services.
Sovereignty: States possess the autonomy to govern themselves without external interference, maintaining control over their internal affairs.

Merger of nation and state: A nation-state is a political entity where the boundaries of the state coincide with those of the nation. Members share a common identity, culture, and governance.
National self-determination: In a nation-state, the right to self-governance is often emphasized, with citizens sharing a sense of loyalty and commitment to the state based on their common identity.
Legal recognition: A nation-state is recognized legally in international law, meaning it has defined rights and responsibilities on the world stage.
Stability and order: Nation-states often aim for political stability by fostering national unity and promoting common interests among diverse groups within their populations.