"State formation is the process of the development of a centralized government structure in a situation in which one did not exist."
The study of the origins and development of the modern state, its institutions, and its relationship with civil society, including the role of law, bureaucracy, and political culture.
Power: Understanding power relations between individuals and groups within society and how power is exercised can help one understand how states emerged.
Conflict: Conflict between different groups and communities can influence the formation of states by creating a need for centralised regulation and control.
Economic development: Economic systems can shape the formation of states, as they influence the distribution of resources and create necessary conditions for centralised government.
Social stratification: The existence of social hierarchies and stratification can contribute to the emergence of a central authority, as people seek protection and stability.
Religion: Religion can be a powerful force in the formation of states, as religious leaders often hold significant power and influence over their followers.
Cultural identity: Cultural identity and its expression through religion, language and customs can influence the way states form and are governed.
Tribalism: Tribalism is the practice of identifying with a specific social or cultural group, and can be a contributing factor to the formation of states.
Political ideology: Political ideologies, such as democracy and authoritarianism, can shape the formation of states by regulating government and individual rights.
War and conquest: War and conquest have been instrumental in the formation of many states, as they often result in the emergence of a dominant group or individual.
Urbanisation: Urbanisation can contribute to the formation and development of states, as cities often emerge as centres of commerce and governance within societies.
Empire formation: This occurs when a state or kingdom expands its territories by conquering neighboring regions or countries, creating a larger state or empire. Empires are often characterized by a central imperial government, a hierarchical social structure, and an emphasis on military conquest and control.
Feudalism: This is a social and economic system that emerged in medieval Europe, where lords or landowners granted land to vassals in exchange for loyalty and military service. It usually involved a pyramid-like social hierarchy with the monarch at the top and peasants at the bottom.
City-state formation: This is a political system where a city and its surrounding territories function as an independent state. The city-state is often characterized by a strong political system, well-organized infrastructure, and a sense of identity and culture unique to the city.
Nation-state formation: This is a political system where a unified and cohesive nation is governed by a central government. The nation-state is often characterized by a shared language, history, culture, and values.
Tribal-state formation: This is a political system where tribes form a loose confederation or a centralized government to govern themselves. Tribal-states are often characterized by strong social and cultural traditions, shared ancestry or lineage, and a sense of belonging to a specific cultural group.
Constitutional monarchy: This is a political system where a monarch serves as the head of state, but the real power lies with the constitution or a parliamentary system. Constitutional monarchies usually feature a separation of powers between the monarch and the government, and a system of checks and balances to prevent abuse of power.
Totalitarianism: This is a political system where a single party or individual holds complete control over all aspects of society, including the economy, media, and culture. Totalitarianism often involves the suppression of individual freedoms and the use of propaganda and state control to maintain power.
Communism: This is a political and economic system where the means of production are owned and controlled by the state, with the goal of achieving economic and social equality. Communism usually emphasizes collective ownership and distribution of resources, and the abolition of private property and social classes.
"One of the favorite pastimes of social scientists over the course of the past century has been to theorize about the evolution of the world's great civilizations."
"The study of state formation is divided generally into the study of ancient state formation, medieval or early modern state formation, and the study of modern state formation."
"State formation can include state-building and nation-building."
"Academic debate about various theories is a prominent feature in fields like anthropology, sociology, economics, and political science."
"Dominant frameworks emphasize the superiority of the state as an organization for waging war and extracting resources."
"Prominent theories for medieval state formation emphasize the roles of warfare, commerce, contracts, and cultural diffusion."
"Prominent theories for early modern state formation emphasize the roles of warfare, commerce, contracts, and cultural diffusion."
"Prominent theories for modern state formation emphasize the roles of warfare, commerce, contracts, and cultural diffusion."
"Particularly of the form that developed in Europe in the 17th century and spread around the world."
"Fields like anthropology, sociology, economics, and political science."
"Dominant frameworks emphasize the superiority of the state as an organization for waging war and extracting resources."
"Prominent theories for medieval, early modern, and modern state formation emphasize the roles of warfare."
"Prominent theories for medieval, early modern, and modern state formation emphasize the roles of commerce."
"Prominent theories for medieval, early modern, and modern state formation emphasize the roles of contracts."
"Prominent theories for medieval, early modern, and modern state formation emphasize the roles of cultural diffusion."
"State formation can include state-building and nation-building."
"State formation can include state-building and nation-building."
"State formation is the process of the development of a centralized government structure."
"One of the favorite pastimes of social scientists over the course of the past century has been to theorize about the evolution of the world's great civilizations."