Chapter 3: The State in International Relations- Nationalism and State Power in Dystopian Futures

Conclusion

In this chapter, we explored the evolving nature of statehood, diving into concepts like quasi-states, de facto states, transnationalism, and globalization to understand how traditional ideas of sovereignty are being challenged. From Panem’s districts in The Hunger Games to real-world examples like Taiwan or Palestine, we examined how entities function with or without recognition, and how movements and interconnected systems reshape power dynamics across borders. By analyzing both fictional and real-world cases, we discovered that statehood is no longer a rigid concept but a flexible, sometimes messy, and ever-changing one. The rise of transnational forces and global interdependence has made it clear that even the most powerful states can’t go it alone—because in today’s world, borders are more like guidelines than hard stops. And while globalization might feel like trying to keep track of all the Hunger Games alliances at once, it reminds us that understanding sovereignty, autonomy, and cooperation is more important than ever in an interconnected world.