A state is a set of institutions that possess the power to make the rules that govern the people in one or more societies, having internal and external sovereignty over a definite territory. Following Max Weber's influential definition, a state has a 'monopoly on legitimate violence'. Hence the state includes such institutions as the armed forces, civil service or state bureaucracy, courts, and police. For theorists of international relations, recognition of the state's claim to independence by other states, enabling it to enter into international engagements, is key to the establishment of its sovereignty.

Although the term often refers broadly to all institutions of government or rule—ancient and modern—the modern state system bears a number of characteristics that were first consolidated in western Europe, beginning in earnest in the 15th century.

In the late 20th century, the globalization of the world economy, the mobility of people and capital, and the rise of many international institutions all combined to circumscribe the freedom of action of states. However, the state remains the basic political unit of the world, as it has been since the 16th century. The state is therefore considered the most central concept in the study of politics, and its definition is the subject of intense scholarly debate. Political sociologists in the tradition of both Karl Marx and Max Weber usually favor a broad definition that draws attention to the role of coercive apparatus.

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Blogger Yoany Sanchez was apparently roughed up today by state security in #Havana, according to @ClaudiaCadelo, who was briefly detained
IleanaOroza (Ileana Oroza) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:43:12 -0000
Blogger Yoany Sanchez was apparently roughed up today by state security in #Havana, according to @ClaudiaCadelo, who was briefly detained
Kicking off the BDay weekend by opening @runquistwines 2007 R Zinfandel. 94 points and Gold medal winner at this year's CA State Fair.
spargo (Ric Spargo) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:42:39 -0000
Kicking off the BDay weekend by opening @runquistwines 2007 R Zinfandel. 94 points and Gold medal winner at this year's CA State Fair.
State tomorrow, leaving at 7:30. Have to be home by 4 so i can go to work at 5-9:45. Ew. Cindy gets off at 9. Jealousy.
josettte (Josette de Graphe) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:41:48 -0000
State tomorrow, leaving at 7:30. Have to be home by 4 so i can go to work at 5-9:45. Ew. Cindy gets off at 9. Jealousy.
Listening to 'Empire State of Mind (feat. Alicia Keys)' by Jay-Z @imeem http://x.imeem.com/5mYEcO1m53
gixrider (juma coates) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:41:26 -0000
Listening to 'Empire State of Mind (feat. Alicia Keys)' by Jay-Z @imeem http://x.imeem.com/5mYEcO1m53
by 2012 state of #Yucatan will have 10 percent in protected area announced @ #wild9
ottermarie (Sarah Otterstrom) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:41:11 -0000
by 2012 state of #Yucatan will have 10 percent in protected area announced @ #wild9
I love Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys
Joeanneuhh (Joanna Santos) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:41:09 -0000
I love Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys

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