Learning Objectives

After finishing this chapter, you should be able to:

  • Define a state and be able to explain the definition’s components.
  • Distinguish between states, nations, governments, and regimes.
  • Situate today’s states in terms of the historical emergence of states.
  • Identify the role of states in contemporary domestic and international issues.
  • Articulate differences between states in terms of states’ strengths or weaknesses.