Understanding Statehood: Elements, Functions, and Global Context

Currently there are about 200 states in the world.

Inhabitants of the Planet

All the inhabitants of the planet live, work, and conduct daily activities in countries. Information about a country includes its location, area, natural characteristics, history, government, symbols, culture, economic activities, and international links.

What is a State?

A state results from a society organized to establish political, legal, and administrative rules governing coexistence. Once established, society is under the state's authority.

The Constitution: A Cornerstone

A central element for state development is the Constitution, the most important legal rule. The constitution organizes the state, establishes the bases and institutions of government, specifies fundamental rights, and outlines citizens' basic obligations.

State Functions

The state must:

• Organize and regulate social life
• Integrate the population
• Ensure conditions for development

Specialized bodies and institutions enable these functions. State power is legal only within its territory and requires international recognition.

Territory: A Fundamental Element

Territory is essential for state existence, defining the area of decision-making power and action rights. Through planning, the state manages natural resources within its territory. The state's population is subject to its laws, government, and institutions. Internationally, state territory extends to airspace and subsoil, with coastal states exercising control over adjacent waters.

Sovereignty: The Power to Rule

Sovereignty is the ability to exert dominance within a defined territory and the right to be recognized by other states.

Nation vs. State

The term nation refers to people identifying as a group based on cultural, ethnic, religious, linguistic, historical, or territorial similarities. States foster a sense of belonging through symbols like anthems, flags, and coats of arms. Nationality is a crucial right, obliging the state to protect its citizens' civil, political, and economic rights globally. The scope of nationality varies by country, and some individuals are stateless, often due to interstate conflicts.

Multinational and Multi-ethnic States

It's challenging to find states conforming to a single national identity; the traditional idea of a nation-state is becoming less sustainable. Attempts to impose a single identity can infringe upon minority rights. Some states recognize differences and respect minority rights, while others face discrimination issues, as seen with the Roma people in various parts of the world. Some nations aspire to statehood, like Kurdistan, Palestine, and Western Sahara.

Global Commons and Shared Spaces

Certain areas don't belong to any single country, such as Antarctica, the oceans, and outer space. Shared spaces like river basins extend over multiple countries, often leading to conflicts over resource use. International drainage basins are shared by multiple countries, with 263 such basins globally. Water resources are frequently used to define international boundaries.

Utilization of Seas and Oceans

As a Source of Food and Raw Materials

Seas and oceans possess significant biological wealth, especially in shallow waters and convergence zones. Key species include tuna, hake, anchovy, shellfish, and various plant organisms.

As a Source of Energy Resources

Since the 1970s, offshore oil and gas exploitation has increased through platform construction.

As a Means of Transport and Communication

Seas and oceans are vital for cargo transport between continents. Passenger transport is mainly limited to cruise ships and ferries.

As Containers or Deposit of Waste

The discharge of waste and toxic substances into the seas and oceans is increasing, causing serious pollution problems in some areas.

The Atmosphere: A Shared Resource

The atmosphere supports life and climate on Earth but is also polluted by gases causing environmental changes. International agreements like the Climate Change conventions (1988 and 1997) aim to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Efforts are also underway to address the thinning of the ozone layer by phasing out chlorofluorocarbons.

International Air Transport

Commercial air transport follows established routes and agreements like the Convention on International Civil Aviation. This convention upholds the principle of state sovereignty, grants rights for aircraft to fly and land in signatory states, and defines procedures for air traffic control, communications, and ground facilities.