How Are States Created? The History of Countries and Modern Independence Movements
Discover how states are formed through power, identity, negotiation, and conflict—and explore why regions like Taiwan, Palestine, Scotland, and Catalonia still debate statehood today.
By Patricia Lapa
4 min read
An aerial view of the U.S.–Mexico border, where a political boundary divides two nations while connecting them through trade, migration, and shared history.
At first glance, forming a state seems straightforward: people come together, agree on rules, and build a system to govern themselves. History tells a very different story.
States are rarely born through peaceful discussions around a table. Instead, they emerge through a mix of power, identity, geography, conflict, and negotiation. Some appear almost overnight after dramatic events, while others take centuries to develop.
One of the oldest paths to statehood is the consolidation of power. A strong leader—a king, military commander, or ruling family—unites people under a single authority. Many medieval kingdoms developed this way, as leaders imposed order, collected resources, and defended territory.
Another path is shared identity. People who speak the same language, share cultural traditions, or see themselves as one community may seek to govern themselves. This idea became especially influential during the 19th and 20th centuries, when nationalism spread across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Countries such as Greece, Serbia, and later many African nations emerged because people wanted political systems that reflected their identity.
States can also emerge after the collapse of empires or larger political systems. When old powers disappear, new borders often take shape. The breakup of the Austro-Hungarian Empire after World War I created several new countries, while the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to the independence of fifteen states. During these moments, communities reorganize themselves into new political entities.
Finally, some states are formed through negotiation and mutual agreement. This happens when different groups decide that cooperation is preferable to conflict. Modern examples include the peaceful separation of the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993, as well as the long constitutional processes that shaped countries such as Canada and Australia.
Four Ways States Come Into Existence
Here's the twist: the story of state formation isn't over.
Even today, some communities continue to fight—politically, diplomatically, or symbolically—for a place on the map. Their struggles are shaped by history, identity, and competing political claims, showing that statehood remains a complex and evolving idea.
Statehood Isn't Just History—It's Still Happening
CATALONIA (SPAIN)
Catalonia has its own language, culture, and strong regional identity. Many Catalans believe they form a distinct nation and should have the right to decide their political future, while others prefer to remain part of Spain. The debate is active, complex, and largely political, focusing on autonomy, constitutional law, and democratic representation.
PALESTINE
Palestinians seek a sovereign state in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Some countries recognize Palestine as a state, while others do not. The issue has been shaped by decades of conflict, negotiations, and differing historical perspectives. International organizations continue to discuss possible solutions, but the situation remains unresolved.
WESTERN SAHARA
The United Nations classifies Western Sahara as a "non-self-governing territory." Morocco administers most of the region, while the Sahrawi independence movement—the Polisario Front—claims the right to establish an independent Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. Diplomatic efforts continue, but no final agreement has been reached.
Independence Movements Still Shaping the World
Thousands gather in Barcelona during a pro-independence demonstration, reflecting the region's ongoing political debate over self-determination and autonomy.
KURDISTAN (MIDDLE EAST)
The Kurds are one of the world's largest ethnic groups without an internationally recognized state. They live across Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria. Iraqi Kurdistan already enjoys significant autonomy, while Kurdish groups elsewhere pursue different political objectives. The situation varies considerably across the region and remains highly sensitive.
SCOTLAND (UNITED KINGDOM)
Scotland has its own legal system, education system, and a strong national identity. In 2014, Scottish voters chose to remain part of the United Kingdom, but the debate over independence has continued, particularly following the UK's departure from the European Union. The discussion remains democratic and focuses on constitutional, political, and economic questions.
TIBET (CHINA)
Tibet became part of the People's Republic of China in the 1950s. Some Tibetans advocate greater autonomy or stronger protection of their cultural identity, while others support full independence. The Dalai Lama has promoted a peaceful "Middle Way" approach centered on meaningful autonomy rather than separation. The issue continues to attract international attention.
TAIWAN
Taiwan has its own government, economy, and democratic institutions, functioning as a self-governing political entity. However, its international status remains disputed. While many people in Taiwan support maintaining the current situation, others favor formal independence. The issue is deeply influenced by history, identity, and international relations.
BOUGAINVILLE (PAPUA NEW GUINEA)
In 2019, Bougainville held a referendum in which an overwhelming majority voted in favor of independence from Papua New Guinea. Negotiations between both sides are ongoing, with the goal of reaching a peaceful and mutually agreed outcome. It is one of the clearest examples of a modern independence process driven through dialogue.
Other Places Where the Debate Continues
These examples remind us that states are not permanent or unchanging. Borders shift, identities evolve, and political aspirations change over time.
Some communities seek independence because they feel culturally distinct. Others want greater control over their political decisions or natural resources. Some movements are peaceful and democratic, while others are rooted in conflict or historical grievances. Statehood is more than a legal definition—it reflects how people see themselves and how they choose to organize society.
So perhaps the real question isn't simply how states are born, but why people continue to create them. Maybe the answer is both practical and deeply human.
States provide order, security, and shared rules. But they also express identity, belonging, and collective choice. In the end, they are both a solution and a struggle—a way of creating order in a world that doesn't naturally provide it.
Why Does Any of This Matter?
Author: Sofía Lapa
Editor & Publisher: Lucía Lobato
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