IGNOU HISTORY NOTES : History Of Modern Europe (Mid 18th to 20th Centuries)- THE MODERN STATE AND POLITICS

IGNOU HISTORY Study Notes for IAS, UPSC Exams

History Of Modern Europe Mid 18th to Mid 20th Centuries

THE MODERN STATE AND POLITICS

Structure

1.0 Objectives
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Direct Rule and Bureaucracy
1.3 Nationalism and Nation State
1.4 Democratic Polity
1.5 Let Us Sum Up
1.6 Keywords
1.7 Answers to Check Your Progress Exercises

1.0 OBJECTIVES

You must have gone through the Course introduction and Block introduction of this course on
European History. We believe that you have understood the broad outline and the basic thrust
of this course. After studying this Unit you should be able to explain:
the nature of the modem state and the role of bureaucracy,
the growth of nationalism and the development of the nation state, and
the process of democratisation, the role of judiciA@rlnd the political parties in the modem
state.

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The exercise of power in modem European states was different fkom any form that preceded
it. It was marked especially by a) the absolute power of the modem state, and b) the
correspondingly enormous mobilization of the population over which these states exercised
their powers.
Absolute power does not necessarily mean mere dictatorship or tyranny because it needs in
some form the consent of the population. However it does imply that a) the modem European
state developed almost unlimited powers which grew with each passing generation, and b)
there is no area from which the state is debarred from entry. In other words, both the powers
and the spheres of action are unlimited and expanding.
This is in shaq contrast with pre-modern states, both European and non-European. Their
capacity to act was limited despite vast pretensions. When they did act, it was spectacular and
designed to impress and terrify the public; but such displays and drama were substitutes for
the daily process of control which was most limited compared with the modem state. Further,
the spheres in which the states acted were few. These were chiefly military and fiscal, or
warfare and taxation; most other matters were left relatively undisturbed, and subject only to
remote regulation.
The modem European state was able to act in this manner for a variety of reasons. The most
important of these were:

direct rule through its monopoly on the exercise of legitimate coercion;
nationalism, through its imposition of cultural uniformity on the population under its control; and
the state's democratic legitimation through its claim to embody the will of the people.

This Unit will familiarize you with the main features of the modem state and politics.