État-nation

An état-nation, or nation-state, is a political entity where a specific nation—the people sharing common culture, language, history, and identity—governs itself within defined territorial borders. It combines the concepts of a nation (the cultural and social community) and the state (the political organization with sovereignty). In an état-nation, the government represents the nation’s interests, and its borders correspond closely with the nation’s sense of shared identity, fostering national unity and stability. This structure helps to promote a collective identity and sovereignty, serving as the foundation for political and social cohesion within the country.