nemzetállam

Nemzetállam, or nation-state, is a political entity that is both a nation and a state. It is characterized by a shared sense of national identity and a centralized government that exercises sovereignty over a defined territory. The concept of a nemzetállam emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in Europe, as a response to the fragmentation of empires and the rise of nationalism.

A nemzetállam is typically defined by its citizens' shared cultural, historical, and linguistic heritage. This sense of national identity is often reinforced through education, media, and other cultural institutions. The state in a nemzetállam is typically a unitary state, with a centralized government that exercises authority over all aspects of life within its borders.

Nemzetállam is distinct from other forms of political organization, such as confederations or federations, in that it is a single, unified political entity. It is also distinct from ethnic states, which are based on shared ethnicity rather than a broader sense of national identity.

The concept of a nemzetállam has been both praised and criticized. Its proponents argue that it provides a sense of national identity and cohesion, while its critics contend that it can lead to nationalism, ethnic tensions, and other forms of political conflict. Despite these debates, the nemzetállam remains a dominant form of political organization in the modern world.