The nation-state



Example: The nation-state emerged as a dominant political entity in Europe.

Definition


"The nation-state" is a political entity characterized by a defined territory and a population sharing a common culture, language, and identity, governed by a centralized government. It emerged as a dominant form of political organization, especially in Europe, emphasizing national sovereignty and unity.

Etymology


The term "the nation-state" combines 'nation,' derived from the Latin 'natio,' meaning 'birth' or 'people,' and 'state,' from the Latin 'status,' meaning 'condition' or 'position.' The concept gained prominence in the 17th and 18th centuries during the rise of modern sovereignty. Did you know? The nation-state idea contrasts with earlier forms like empires, focusing more on cultural unity within political borders.

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"The nation-state" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - History - (C1) - set 1", containing 198 commonly used words.
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