Republic of the Philippines

SORSOGON STATE UNIVERSITY

College of Business and Management Education
Bulan Campus
Bulan, Sorsogon
Tel. No: (056) 311-98-00; E-mail Add.: sorsubulan@sorsu.edu.ph

Group 2
The Contemporary World

(Gustuir, John Kenneth G.)

(Guela, Ralph Jayson M.)

(Panelo, Aliza)

(Gamos, Ren)
 Introduction
We delve into the complex realm of nation-states, exploring their historical significance, the
evolving dynamics of rights and dominance within them, the challenges they face in modern
times, including signs of decline, and the rise of regionalism as a potential alternative or
complement to traditional nation-state structures.
Body
What is Nation State?
The terms “nation” and “state” are often used synonymously, but deeper analysis reveals
distinct meanings. Andrew Heywood defines a nation as a cultural entity united by language,
religion, and shared history, while a state is a political association with sovereign jurisdiction
within defined borders. The nation-state combines both cultural identity and political sovereignty,
embodying an ideal political community. Walter Opello and Stephen Rostow identify seven
characteristics of the nation-state, including marked territorial administration, governmental
structure, and monopoly on physical force. Historical events, such as geopolitical upheavals and
wars, have shaped the development of the nation-state concept. Despite challenges from
globalization, the nation-state remains a stable and cohesive political structure, rooted in cultural
cohesion and historical continuity. However, the rise of international institutions, like the
European Union, poses constraints on the autonomy of nation-states.

Rights and dominance of Nation State

The modern state system, rooted in the Treaty of Westphalia, reshaped the political
landscape by promoting principles of territoriality, sovereignty, and autonomy. This evolution
supplanted the fragmented governance of small polities and fostered the development of the
right to self-determination. Woodrow Wilson’s advocacy for self-determination post-World War I
further solidified the prominence of nation-states in global affairs. The Treaty of Versailles,
influenced by Wilson’s principles, continued to uphold the right to self-determination, reinforcing
the sovereignty of individual states. The establishment of the United Nations after World War II
further cemented the role of nation-states as key actors in international relations. However, the
emergence of global terrorism, exemplified by the 9/11 attacks, introduced new challenges to
state sovereignty and security. The United States’ response to terrorism underscored the
continued importance of nation-states in combating transnational threats. The Philippines’
experience with groups like the “Maute Brothers” exemplifies the ongoing struggle of nation-
states to maintain sovereignty and confront extremist threats. In essence, the actions of
individual states, such as the Philippines, reaffirm their status as dominant political actors
capable of responding to both local and international challenges.

Nation State in decline

The idea that nation-states are losing power is explored by various scholars. They mention
factors like globalization, environmental issues, and the rise of international organizations.
Some argue that economic and technological forces are becoming more important than politics.
The European Union is seen as an example of how nations are coming together to form
transnational bodies. This shift is changing how countries make decisions and how power is
distributed.

Regionalism
The idea of regionalism provides another interesting story about the changing landscape of
global politics. While it appears that regionalism runs contrary to the objectives of globalization,
the concept has actually enlivened the dynamics of global politics in recent history. Regionalism
in the world of Anthony Payne and Andrew Gamble (1996) pertains the ‘‘state-led or state led
project design to reorganize the particular regional space along defined economics and political
lines’’. The concept describes the idea of several states forming an alliance or a group to
establish a regional bloc in order to strengthen their position in the international community.
Some of the examples of these regional blocks include the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations, North Atlantic Free Trade Association, and the European Union. These regional blocs
exist in different continents that uphold the political and economic interest in the member
countries. The concept of regionalism should not be seen as an anti-thesis to globalization. It
should be construed instead as a complementary development to the process of globalization
that usually originates from the national to the regional level and eventually to the global level.
Any development in the regional level is often a reflection of what is happening at the national
level. In addition to this, recent developments have deepened and expanded the concept of
regionalism. The creation of BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – as a
regional bloc, for example, deviates from the standard concept of regionalism that traditionally
mirrors the geographic location of the member countries. As the latest addition to the existing
regional bloc, BRICS echoes the description of “new regionalism”.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the evolving landscape of nation-states presents a complex tapestry of cultural
identity, political sovereignty, and global interdependence. As globalization, environmental
challenges, and technological advancements reshape the world, traditional power dynamics are
being redefined. From the historic roots of the Treaty of Westphalia to the contemporary
dynamics exemplified by the European Union, the journey of nation-states underscores the
importance of adaptability and collaboration in navigating the complexities of global politics. We
learned that while nation-states remain foundational, their ability to address contemporary
challenges hinges on their capacity to embrace change and engage in meaningful cooperation
at both regional and international levels. As we chart the course of the future, it becomes
increasingly evident that the strength of nation-states lies not only in their sovereignty but also in
their ability to forge alliances, transcend borders, and address shared concerns. In this era of
interconnectedness, the resilience and relevance of nation-states will be measured by their
capacity to adapt, innovate, and collaborate in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable world
order.

Deo Geocada
(CBME instructor)