Understanding Political Geography: States, Functions, and International Relations
1. The State
Definition
The state is the top political and administrative unit that governs a territory. Its authority applies to all its inhabitants.
Key Aspects
Territory
Every state has a territory over which it exercises its power. This territory is defined by borders that separate it from other states.
Population
The population living within a state’s territory comprises its citizens. Citizens have rights that the state must respect, but also obligations such as paying taxes.
State Power
To regulate the land and people, the state establishes laws that must be obeyed by all individuals and organizations within its jurisdiction. It also creates institutions to enforce these laws and implement state decisions.
Boundaries
- Water: Coastal states have authority over their territorial waters, extending up to 200 nautical miles (370 km) from the coast.
- Embassies and Consulates: Diplomatic missions are considered part of the territory of the country they represent and are inviolable. They are not subject to the police and justice system of the host country.
2. Government Functions
- Maintaining public order
- Defending the territory
- Establishing international relations
- Developing laws
- Providing services
- Governing the economy
3. The Welfare State
A welfare state (or social state) exists when the government intervenes in the economy and society to ensure a decent standard of living for all citizens and reduce social inequalities. This involves providing free healthcare and education, unemployment benefits, pensions, and establishing a minimum wage. Currently, welfare states primarily exist in developed countries.
4. Democratic States
Citizen Participation
Citizen participation is exercised through electing representatives. For truly democratic elections:
- All adult citizens, regardless of gender or economic status, should have the right to vote.
- All individuals and parties who adhere to democratic principles should be eligible to run for office.
- All participants should be able to express their views freely, without censorship.
- Elections must be held regularly.
- The integrity of the results must be ensured.
Separation of Powers
In democratic states, power is distributed to prevent any single person or group from controlling the state.
- Parliament: Holds legislative power, responsible for passing laws and overseeing the government.
- Government: Holds executive power, responsible for implementing laws and administering the country.
- Judiciary: Holds judicial power, responsible for ensuring compliance with the laws and the constitution.
Rule of Law
In a state governed by the rule of law, everyone, including those in power, must respect the law. A supreme law, the Constitution, defines citizens’ rights and duties and limits the power of institutions.
5. Dictatorships
In dictatorships, a person or group holds all political power, often acquired violently through a coup or revolution.
6. Secular, Religious, and Theocratic States
- Secular States: Maintain total separation between state and religion.
- Religious States: Have an official religion with significant privileges.
- Theocracies: Have an official religion where religious texts become law, and religious leaders hold governmental authority.
7. Monarchies and Republics
In monarchies, the head of state is a king or queen, whose position is hereditary. In republics, the head of state is a president.
8. Territorial Organization of the State
States typically have two types of governing institutions:
- State Institutions: Hold power over the entire state (e.g., national parliament, government, high courts).
- Regional and Local Institutions: Hold power only within their specific territories.
Centralized vs. Decentralized States
Centralized States: Local and regional institutions are subordinate to state institutions.
Decentralized States: Regions have their own institutions, citizens elect local and regional governments and parliaments, and these bodies have significant powers within their territories, although the state retains ultimate authority.
9. Relations Between States
States sign treaties, pacts, and agreements to promote good relations. However, conflicts can arise, often due to economic interests or, in more severe cases, military disputes leading to wars.
10. International Organizations
International organizations are voluntary associations of states created to address common interests. They vary in geographical scope and objectives. The United Nations (UN) is the leading international organization for mediating between states.
The United Nations (UN)
The UN is the largest international organization, facilitating cooperation on international law, peace, security, economic and social development, humanitarian affairs, and human rights. Specialized UN agencies provide recommendations on specific issues:
- FAO: Agriculture and nutrition
- UNESCO: Education, science, and culture
- WHO: Health
- ILO: Work-related issues