Do you think the U.S.A. is an actual nation-state, or is it too young, culturally heterogenous, and localized to qualify?

By: vivian on domingo, fevereiro 08, 2015

So I think nation-states are difficult to quantify, but as someone who got a decent grade on AP Human Geography, I will endeavor to answer.

Nation-states must have two parts. First, a “nation” or unified group made up of people who consider themselves bound together and share common aspirations and worldview. Second, a “state” or political entity with definitive borders and sovreignty within them. Now, the USA is definitely a state. But is its population sufficiently homogeneous to be a nation? I would say no. A shared commitment to democracy and peace is insufficient. Take the example of Belgium, a state that contains two nations. Both nation is committed to democracy, but not necessarily together.

Related post