Proto-state

"state embryo" redirects here. For other uses, see embryo (disambiguation).

Not to be confused with protostates.

A proto-state or State embryo is a State in development. This term was created by the prehistorians to designate an intermediate phase between the society of leadership (clans, tribes…) and a static political organization.

Historically

See also: Political history

Societies in the world around 1000 BC.

Hunter-gatherer   Nomad herders   Simple farming societies

Complex farming societies/chiefdoms   States   Unihabitated

Prehistoric society was divided into communities tribally organized. However, in Metal Age the first cities were created. These were the first proto-states.

In the Ancient times, none polity complied the requirements to be a considered a State. However, they were not chiefdoms, but something in between. That is why even some empires are considered proto-states.

In Plato's book Republic it is described the structure of an ideal State. Maquiavelo was the one who introduced the term State using the Italian term stato, evolved form the Latin status.

All the States and Governments by which men are or ever have been ruled, have been and are either Republics or Princedoms.

— Maquiavelo, The Prince

However, since the nowaday concept of State comes from the end of the Ancien Régime and the start of the Contemporary era, a lot of “nations”, realms and other medieval feudal entities could be considered as proto-states.

Nowadays

File:Near East ISIS controlled areas-fr.svg

Dáesh controlled areas

Proto-states are not able to exert their national sovereignty entirely because of the fault of institutions and may be not recognised by the international community. Nowadays, most of the proto-states have appeared because of failures in the previous State (failed state) or the failed attempt of impose a State to a ethnic minority geographically concentrated. They use to be in permanent war and have little wealth. Their population use to be reduced. The most important case is the Islamic State. Although many people consider it a insurgent terrorist group, in fact it is a proto-state: it owns a bureaucracy, is able to exert a legal monopoly —even collecting taxes— and has an army. It is a totalitarian proto-state that finances itself by mafia methods and attracts Muslims of other countries. Other examples are postcolonial Mali, early Kosovo and Palestine.

See also

• Government
• Public administration