Most people imagine that nation-states have existed forever. In fact, the nation-state as we understand it has been around for only about 200 years, a product of industrialisation, urbanisation and mass literacy.
There is no reason why it should survive indefinitely, and other identities are already replacing it. In a compelling article in yesterday’s FT Magazine, Simon Kuper argues: “The nation-state is shrinking to just a flag, some sports teams and a pile of debts.”
Discuss.
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