Question bank: State Building

The construction of the modern State began mainly in Western Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries, reshaping political and social structures and establishing new foundations for the exercise of power in society. Considering the context of the emergence of the modern State and the sociological theories about it, discuss: (1) what were the historical and social conditions that contributed to the formation of modern States, (2) explain the role of sovereignty and political centralism in the consolidation of these States, and (3) point out the main sociological theories that address the formation of modern States and their fundamental characteristics.

Throughout history, the construction of the State has involved various political, economic, social, and cultural processes to establish its authority and legitimacy. Drawing from the main sociological theories and concepts, (1) explain how the foundations of ethics influence the formation of individuals within a State. Additionally, (2) analyze the role of cooperation, autonomy, and democratic coexistence in the process of building the modern State and, finally, (3) discuss the main characteristics and ideas that permeate this process, highlighting the ambiguities present in the dichotomies used to study society.

The conception of the modern State, as formulated by thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, implies a profound reflection on power relations, sovereignty, and the legitimacy of political authority. The theory of social contract, a central point in the work of these philosophers, presents a vision that goes beyond the mere imposition of centralized power, suggesting mechanisms through which society consents and participates in the construction of state authority. In 'Leviathan', Hobbes postulates that in the absence of a sovereign power, human life would be 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short', highlighting the role of the State in maintaining social order. Considering the complexity of this historical and theoretical process, answer: (1) How do the concepts of power, democracy, and sovereignty articulate in the construction of the modern State, according to the perspectives of at least two of the mentioned philosophers? (2) Analyze how the theory of social contract relates to contemporary demands for political legitimacy and representativeness, providing a practical example that illustrates this relationship in the current context.

Currently, the discussion on the construction of the modern State takes on new contours, considering that the role of the State is no longer limited to the monopoly of coercive power, but also extends to a series of social and economic functions. The German sociologist Max Weber, in his work 'Economy and Society,' discusses the foundations of the modern State, emphasizing the concept of legitimate domination and the ideal types of authority: traditional, charismatic, and legal-rational. Considering Weber's perspective and the evolution of the State, analyze the following scenario: In a country recently emerged from a dictatorial regime, a transition to democracy is observed, where institutions seek legitimacy through elections, while the state apparatus faces challenges in implementing effective public policies. In this context, which ideal type of authority, according to Weber's theory, would best characterize the ongoing political transition and what would be the main challenges for the State in building legitimate authority in society?

During the 17th century, political philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes and John Locke presented their theories on the formation and purposes of the State, relating them to the historical and social context of their time. Based on your knowledge of these thinkers and their respective contexts, how do you believe the construction of the modern State occurred? Discuss the processes involved in this construction, highlighting the differences in approaches regarding the role of the State in individuals' lives and in society, and relate them to the ethical foundations present in these views.