Nations and States
In this section, you will explore the nature of the state system and right to self-determination, as well as different methods of accommodating nations or other groups within a state structure through regional governments, federalism, and other arrangements. Also, you will find links to information about several states around the world.NATIONALISM
At one time, nations and states were synonymous, and
one referred to the "nation-state." However, in the contemporary political world
"nations" and "states" may mean very different things. Nations are essentially
cohesive cultural communities with a strong self-identity. Many states contain
several nations and, consequently, many nations do not have their own state.
Nationalism is the pride that members of cultural nations have in their group;
it may also include the desire for political control over some or all of their
affairs. This political control may involve having a distinct voice in the policy
process, a separate regional government, or even complete independence and separation
from the existing state.
Sociological Research Online provides a comprehensive set of material in its
Nationalism
Links.
Read the full text of a useful article, "Structures
of Nationalism" by Paul Traenor, and consult a Web site he runs with many
links
related to nationalism, globalism, and related issues.
Many groups around the world, claiming to act on behalf of their nations, are
striving to establish new governments or independent states. This movement is
based on the right to self-determination, which is found in several international
conventions and treaties.
Article 1(2) of the United
Nations Charter states that one of the purposes of the UN is: "To develop
friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal
rights and self-determination of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures
to strengthen universal peace."
Article 1.1 of the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights declares: "All peoples have the right
of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political
status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development."
To find out more about particular groups pursuing self-determination, connect
to Jay's
National Liberation Movements and Third World Solidarity Links or Movements
for National, Ethnic Liberation or Regional Autonomy.
Many revolutionary movements have been inspired by nationalism. For a theoretical
justification of violent revolution in the nationalist cause, see V.I. Lenin's
"The
Socialist Revolution and the Right of Nations to Self-determination"
from 1916.
Canada
In Canada, two major nationalist movements are challenging the existing political order. The Quebecois and the First Nations are expressing their nationalism in various forms, but a common thread is a demand for greater political control over affairs relating to these communities. Note that the Quebec National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on October 30, 2003 which stated: " That the National Assembly reaffirm that the people of Québec form a nation."
The Supreme Court of Canada ruled in August 1998 that the province of Quebec does not have the right to separate either in Canadian constitutional law or international law. However, the Court also said that the rest of Canada would have a political obligation to negotiate separation if a clear majority voted in favour. The Quebec Secession Reference provides the full text of the decision.
For further information on nationalism
issues in Canada, connect to the Aboriginal Issues
and Quebec & National Unity sections of this site.
United States
Secessionist groups also exist in the U.S. For example, one group aims to establish an independent Republic
of Texas. Another group is dedicated to restoring the
independence of Hawaii.
United Kingdom
In the U.K., steps have been taken to accommodate Scottish and Welsh nationalism through a process called devolution,
which essentially involves the creation of regional legislatures
for Wales and Scotland with limited powers of legislation and
taxation over regional matters within the existing British state;
the central Parliament in London still holds ultimate authority.
The move to devolution was approved in separate referendums in Scotland and Wales. You can look at the question asked
and the results of both the Scottish
Referendum and the Welsh
Referendum. In May 1999
general
elections were held in Scotland for the new Scottish
Parliament, which is now in operation. Similarly, elections were also held for the new
National
Assembly for Wales.
Much of the impetus toward devolution has come, from over the years, the Scottish
National Party, which actually favours the creation of an independent state
for Scotland. You can read the SNP
Manifesto for the 2005 UK general election.
In Wales, the nationalist cause has been championed by one political
party in particular, Plaid Cymru (Party of Wales).
FEDERALISM
Many states are organized as federations in order to accommodate regional cultures, or even distinct nations, within the same country. Just what 'federalism' means is a subject of some debate and federal systems have taken different forms in different times and places. For a flavour of the idea and history of federalism, read Stephen Woodward's The Simple Guide to the Federal Idea.
Both politicians and academics have
paid much attention to the debates among those who drew up the American Constitution.
Find out more about the evolution of U.S.
Federalism. In particular, The
Federalist Papers are considered essential reading by many. Some interesting
background
papers on federalism in a global context are found at the Forum
on Federations.
The European
Union is an example of a different type of confederation that is in the
process of being created. Although the central executive (called the
European Commission) and Parliament
of the EU have gained increased powers, the member states still retain sovereignty
and can ultimately withdraw should they wish to do so. The power of the state
is reflected in the position played by the Council
of the European Union, where cabinet ministers from each of the 15 member
states act collectively to set much of the EU's policy.
Further information about federalism can be found at:
For much more about federalism issues in Canada, connect to the following other pages in Nelson's PoliSci.Nelson.Com:
INFORMATION ON STATES OF THE WORLD
There are almost 200 countries and autonomous states in the world. For brief
summaries about the political systems, economies, and populations of many countries,
you can consult the
2002 World Fact Book provided by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency.
Not every country belongs to the United Nations. Currently there are 191
members of the UN.
Yahoo! provides a wealth of links you can explore on countries
of the world.
Connect to the Atlas
of the World, with a collection of maps and other information available
on-line, to see where countries are located.