---
title: "State Definition in Politics and Law | Model Diplomat"
description: "A state is a political community with defined territory and government. Understand its role in international law and political theory for Model UN and UPSC."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/state"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- A state is a political community possessing a defined territory, a permanent population, an effective government, and the capacity to enter relations with other states.
- What are the four Montevideo criteria of statehood?
- How does the declaratory theory differ from the constitutive theory of recognition?
- What is the meaning of 'the State' under Article 12 of the Indian Constitution?
- How does Weber define the state?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

A state is a political community possessing a defined territory, a permanent population, an effective government, and the capacity to enter relations with other states.

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In 2008 Kosovo declared independence and was recognised by over 100 states, yet because Serbia, Russia and China withheld recognition, it remained outside the UN — a live demonstration of the constitutive theory of statehood.

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