As already mentioned, some states are called “failed states,” those that lack the
basic appearance of what a state should be.
An example would be Somalia in its current situation.Recognition One possible criterion for statehood is whether a potential state is
recognized by the “international community” of states. This would mean that most
or all other states engage in diplomatic relations and that the potential state is
accepted as a member of an international organization, such as the United Nations.
However, we have to be careful here. Sometimes a state can function as a state and
exhibit many, if not most, of a state’s features but still not be recognized as part of
the international community.
An example would be the island of Taiwan, which is not recognized as a separate state
because of pressure from China, which claims that Taiwan is part of that country. Kosovo
also lacks recognition by quite a few other states.8.1.3 Nation States
NationsSome states have a very long history; others are of a more recent inven-
tion. When it is said that some states have existed for many centuries, this does not
mean that their government structures have existed that long. But when people
share some common characteristics, such as skin color, language, physical built,
etc. and have a (long) common history, it gives them a feeling of a shared past and
an identity. Such a group of people is called anation, and a state that is inhabited by
such a nation is called anation-state.
Where such unifying factors do not exist spontaneously, states can make an
effort to create more unity. A national flag, a national anthem, or a national currency
can play a role in this connection. Sometimes states find unity in a hereditary
monarchy. In the international sports arena, states are represented by national
teams.
Here we can spot differences. The United Kingdom, for instance, has a national anthem and
flag, and had a combined Great Britain team for the recent Olympic Games. However, in
other sports competitions, teams represent each of the four participating state entities:
Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England.The European Union Many (18) European countries have surrendered their
former national currency in favor of the euro. Yet the European Union (EU) is
not a state, and neither is the European Monetary Union. They are international
organizations, established on the basis of international treaties between the Member
States. The EU displays many features of a state, such as the exercise of internal and
external powers. The EU has a diplomatic service and the High Representative for
Foreign Affairs, and the EU can conclude treaties with other (non-EU) states and
international organizations. Internally, the EU has many powers, which have been
transferred to it by the Member States. Most significantly, what the EU is lacking
162 A.W. Heringa