States, Territory and Sovereignty

The global political map displays a world composed of apparently discretely divided territorial units or states. This paints a deceptively static and solid picture that masks considerable fluidity and contestation. Drawing on a range of examples, this article explores the key geographical features of states through a discussion of territory, borders, sovereignty and identity, themes that have particular salience in light of the results of the 2016 UK referendum to leave the European Union. The idea of territory is bound up with the evolution of the state. Alongside this, borders have emerged as states have endeavoured to demarcate their territory rigidly from that of others. Sovereignty, or the right of a state to rule over its territory, has always been a contested and contingent idea. States also seek to create and reproduce senses of national identity among their citizens.