1Define the state
The state is a human community that (successfully claims the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory.
2Core components of the state
• A given territory / sovereignity
• Legitimate
• Monopoly on the use of physical force
• People and the nation
3Components of the Nation
shared identity, history and culture.
4What is a Nation-State
The overlap of the State and the Nation.
5Define Failed states
States that cannot coerce and are unable to use force to successfully control the inhabitants of a given territory.
In other words they are unable to provide the functions that define them as states.
6Give an example of a failed state
The case of Somalia:
• Collapse in 1991
• Since 1991, >15 failed attempts to establish a national government
• Today, the Somali Federal Government (SFG) is recognized by the UN as the legitimate government
• The acceptance of the SFG is not universal throughout the country
7Why do some nations fail? Give the 2 key points
Geography and Institutions shape destiny.
8What are inclusive institutions and what are their effects?
Inclusive institutions distribute power and opportunities broadly.
→ encourage participation, innovation, and investment
→ lead to long-term economic growth
9What are extractive institutions and what are their effects?
Extractive institutions concentrate power in the hands of a small elite.
→ limit participation and innovation
→ lead to stagnation and long-term decline
10How did the modern state emerge?
Through long and complex historical processes involving ideas, conflict, institutions, and expansion of rule
11What is the state of nature in political philosophy?
A situation without government where life is insecure and conflictual
12What question does the state of nature try to answer?
What life would be like without political authority
13What was Hobbes’ solution to the state of nature?
Civil society based on a social contract
14Why is coercive power necessary according to Hobbes?
To compel individuals equally to follow rules and maintain order
15What do individuals give up in the social contract?
Some natural rights in exchange for protection and civil rights
16What is the predatory view of the state?
The idea that the state can be both protector and threat to citizens
17Why are conflicts of interest between state and citizens important?
Because the state may use its power to suppress rather than protect
18What does “War makes states” mean?
War drives the consolidation of power, institutions, and territorial control
19What is war making in state formation?
Eliminating or neutralizing external rivals
20What is state making in state formation?
Eliminating or neutralizing internal rivals
21What is protection in Tilly’s framework?
Defending clients or citizens against their enemies
22What is extraction in state formation?
Raising resources such as taxes to finance war and administration
23What is standardization in 19th-century state expansion?
Promoting shared identity through language, culture, symbols, and education
24What is equalization in state development?
Expansion of political rights and greater citizen participation
25What is redistribution in modern states?
Reducing inequality through welfare policies, taxation, and public goods