The formation of nation-states

Although discussion of how modern (nation) states emerged is beyond the scope of this analysis, the fact remains that a centuries-long procedure seems to have culminated, today, in the formation of nation states (on their centralisation see §11.00.05). Why is that? It is possible to provide an explanation from an informational viewpoint: individuals need to augment their information processing and their states also need them to do exactly that. The long process of state succession is explainable through exactly this lens: each time individuals felt their need would be better served through (the formation of) a different state, they pursued that path. Today (and for the past 200 years) an understanding has been reached by humanity that nation states better serve individuals in augmenting their information processing, at least better than any known alternative so far—the digital world and, most importantly, archipelagos notwithstanding. In spite of the above, regardless of the theory, state-making seems to be an unfinished business. If one suggests that nation states are the culmination of a development that has been happening since the existence of the ancient states, then there is no reason to suggest that this development will not also continue (in whatever new direction) in the future. Similarly, if one considers that modern states emerged because certain factors were in place, it cannot be imagined that new factors will not appear (or may have already appeared) that will lead to the next step.

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