Political Science

The definition of a nation and a state are not very far apart.  In terms of characteristics, they are the same though the only difference is in the case of the nation, it is made up of a homogenous group of people who share a common culture or heritage.  It is through this heritage, formed and developed throughout its history that created a need for a national identity.  There are additional factors that define a nation affinity, language and culture (Rasmussen, 2001).

In my opinion, I do believe that nation-states exist today though not in the purest sense where such a state is made up exclusively of a purely homogenous group of people.  The closest to this kind of state is where this homogenous group is the majority in society.  Of the many examples of existing nation-states, Korea is what comes into mind.  In terms of population, majority of the people belong to the same ethnic stock.  It is said that Korean society is somewhat tribal, possessing a postulated interrelationship. It is not uncommon to encounter Koreans having nearly the same family name even though they are not closely related.  Their society and culture was formed and has flourished for many centuries.  The Korean people have defined their boundaries which stretch all the way up to the Yalu River, stopping at Chinas doorstep.  They have exercised considerable sovereignty over their land, never being colonized until the 20th century.  This seclusion enabled them to preserve their heritage and patrimony which included the development of their own system of writing during the Yi Dynasty as the Koreans tried to distance themselves from their Chinese cousins by showing some semblance of cultural independence despite being a vassal state of China  (Rasmussen, 2001).  And despite the separation, on account of differing political ideologies, the ties among the Koreans remain strong which is why they have never given up hope for reunification.

Korea is one example of such a nation-state that still exists.  Despite the separation, the Korean people still see themselves as one despite the differing views of their political leaders.