nation-state
UK: ˈneɪʃən steɪt | US: ˈneɪʃən steɪt
n. a sovereign state whose citizens or subjects are relatively homogeneous in factors such as language or common descent
n. a political entity where the state and nation are congruent, governed as a single unit
The term combines "nation" (from Latin natio, meaning "birth, tribe, people") and "state" (from Latin status, meaning "condition, political order"). It emerged in the 19th century to describe sovereign territories where a unified cultural or ethnic identity ("nation") aligns with political governance ("state"). This concept reflects the rise of modern nationalism, where shared identity legitimizes centralized authority.
The nation-state became the dominant political model after the Treaty of Westphalia.
Japan is often cited as an example of a homogeneous nation-state.
Critics argue that globalization challenges the traditional nation-state framework.
The formation of a nation-state requires both territorial sovereignty and cultural cohesion.
Not all countries qualify as nation-states due to ethnic or linguistic diversity.