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State

 In political science, the term "state" refers to a central actor in the international system and a key unit of analysis in the study of politics. The state is a political organization that possesses a defined territory, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states.

Key components of the state include:

  1. Territory: The state is defined by a specific geographical area with clearly delineated borders. This territory is typically controlled and administered by the state's government and is considered the sovereign domain of the state.

  2. Population: The state consists of a permanent population of individuals who reside within its territory. This population may include citizens, residents, and other individuals subject to the authority of the state.

  3. Government: The state exercises political authority and governance over its territory and population through a government. The government is responsible for making and enforcing laws, providing public services, managing public resources, and representing the state in relations with other states.

  4. Sovereignty: Sovereignty refers to the state's supreme authority and independence within its territory. States are considered sovereign entities with the right to govern themselves without external interference. Sovereignty entails the exclusive control over domestic affairs, including lawmaking, taxation, and law enforcement.

  5. Recognition: States are recognized as legitimate actors in the international system by other states. Recognition typically involves the acknowledgment of a state's sovereignty and the establishment of diplomatic relations. Recognition is crucial for a state to participate in international affairs and engage in diplomatic, economic, and military relations with other states.

  6. Functions: States perform various functions, including maintaining internal order and security, providing public goods and services, representing the interests of their citizens, conducting foreign policy, and promoting national interests on the international stage.

The state is a central concept in political science, serving as a fundamental unit of analysis for understanding political systems, institutions, behavior, and relations among states. The study of states encompasses various subfields, including comparative politics, international relations, public policy, and political theory, and provides insights into the dynamics of power, governance, and conflict in the modern world.


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