Nations and nation-states in history

The article begins by considering the debate about the existence and significance of nations and nationalism before the rise of the nation-state in the modern period. It then considers the role of nations and nationalismin the formation of nation-states. This begins with Europe, looking at the distinct processes of state reform, national unification, and separatist nationalism in producing different kinds of nation-states. The role of international relations and war is also considered. The following section turns to nation-state formation beyond Europe, especially the waves of new states following the two World Wars and the collapse of the Soviet Union. The article concludes with some reflections on the future of nations and nation-states.