Scholars’ Perspectives of the State (Ints 207)

Introduction

The concept of the state occupies a central position in political science and international relations. Scholars have examined the state from different perspectives in order to understand its nature, purpose, and continued relevance in an increasingly complex international system. This discussion focuses on three major areas: the constitutive aspect of the state, the purpose of the state, and its continued relevance, with reference to classical and contemporary scholarly debates.

1. Constitutive Aspect of the State

The state is regarded as a major actor in the international system and is recognized as a subject (person) of international law. The most widely accepted legal definition of a state is contained in the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States (1933).

Montevideo Convention, 1933

According to Article 1 of the Convention, a state must possess the following four essential attributes:

1. Permanent population – a stable group of people living within the state.

2. Defined territory – a clearly demarcated geographical area, even if borders are disputed.

3. Government – an authority capable of exercising effective control over the population and territory.

4. Capacity to enter into relations with other states – the ability to conduct foreign relations independently.

Montevideo declaration, 1933

These criteria form the legal foundation for statehood in international law and continue to guide recognition of states in global politics.

2. Purpose of the State

According to Frost (1991), scholarly views on the purpose of the state can be consolidated into four major strands, reflecting ideological and historical differences.

i) Liberal Perspective

The liberal view presents the state as a disinterested, impartial and limited institution. Its primary responsibility is to provide an enabling environment in which:

• Businesses can flourish,
• Individuals can freely express themselves,
• Wealth can be generated through free market mechanisms.

From this perspective, the state should minimize interference in economic and social life. However, this view has been challenged by the failure of free market regulation to adequately redistribute wealth and to effectively combat extreme poverty, inequality, and hunger, especially in developing societies.

ii) Marxist Perspective

The Marxist view sees the state as an instrument for the defence of dominant class interests. According to this perspective:

• The state exists to regulate and preserve the dominant economic system, capitalism.
• It functions as an artificial control mechanism used by the bourgeoisie to perpetuate the oppression and exploitation of the proletariat.

The collapse of the Soviet Union and the transition of many socialist states back to capitalism have posed serious challenges to the continued relevance and practical validity of Marxist interpretations of the state.

iii) Security and Survival Perspective (Failed State Syndrome)

The emergence of the failed state syndrome introduced a new line of thinking about the purpose of the state. In this context, the state is viewed primarily as an instrument for:

• Guaranteeing security,
• Protecting lives and property,
• Ensuring the welfare of its citizens.

Here, the survival of the state and the provision of basic security become more important than ideological commitments or economic efficiency.

iv) Ideological Protection Perspective

Historically, the state has also served as a mechanism for protecting and promoting a particular ideological or political system, whether democratic or authoritarian. The state is therefore seen as an ideological institution, guided by specific values and preferences.

• Examples include:

• The United States, which emphasizes democracy and free-market capitalism.
• Russia, which promotes its own model of political order and social democracy.
• China, which advances socialism/communism under strong state control.

3. Continued Relevance of the State and Statehood

Despite the expansion of non-state actors in international relations—such as multinational corporations, international organizations, and NGOs—the state remains the only sovereign entity in international affairs.

Statehood in International Relations

Statehood refers to the process of acquiring and maintaining the status of a state. It is not a fixed legal condition, but a continuous and evolving process. Beyond meeting the Montevideo criteria, a political entity must also achieve:

1. Internal legitimacy – acceptance of authority by the population.

2. External recognition – acknowledgment by other states and international organizations.

3. National cohesion and identity – shared sense of belonging among citizens.

4. Political stability and reasonable socio-economic welfare – necessary for survival and effective participation in the international system.

4. Creation of States and Decolonization

New states can emerge through decolonization, federal disintegration, or secessionist movements.

Decolonization

Decolonization refers to the process by which former colonies gained independence from colonial powers, leading to the establishment of new sovereign states. This process occurred mainly in the mid-twentieth century and significantly reshaped global politics.

Factors that Propelled Decolonization

1. Second World War

   World War II weakened colonial powers economically and politically, making it increasingly difficult for them to sustain overseas empires.

2. Nationalist Movements

   Indigenous nationalist movements, inspired by ideas of self-determination and national identity, mobilized political parties, trade unions, and the media to demand independence.

3. United Nations Charter

   The UN Charter emphasized the principle of self-determination. The General Assembly established the Special Committee on Decolonization (Committee of Twenty-Four) to supervise the process.

4. Economic Exhaustion of Colonial Powers

   Post-war economic decline made colonial administration costly and unsustainable, while colonial economies were largely exploitative.

5. Cold War Geopolitical Context

   The rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union encouraged decolonization, as both powers sought influence in newly independent states.

Conclusion

The state remains a fundamental unit of analysis in political science and international relations. While its roles and functions have evolved, scholarly perspectives continue to emphasize its importance in providing legal identity, security, ideological direction, and governance. Despite challenges from globalization and non-state actors, the state’s constitutive features, purposes, and relevance—especially in the context of statehood and decolonization—underscore its enduring significance in the international system.