Since the end of the 19th century, almost the entire globe has been divided into sections (countries) with more or less defined borders assigned to different states. Previously, quite large plots of land were either … See more

State recognition signifies the decision of a sovereign state to treat another entity as also being a sovereign state. Recognition can be either expressed or implied and is usually retroactive … See more

Generally speaking, states are durable entities, though they can become extinguished, either through voluntary means or outside forces, such as military conquest. Violent … See more

Since the end of World War II, the number of sovereign states in the international system has surged. Some research suggests that the existence of international and regional … See more

Westphalian sovereignty is the concept of nation-state sovereignty based on territoriality and the absence of a role for external agents in domestic structures. It is an international … See more

Although the terms "state" and "government" are often used interchangeably, international law distinguishes … See more

The ontological status of the state has been the subject of debate, especially, whether or not the state, being an object that no one can see, taste, … See more