[dragonwriter]

> The nation-state is an ancient concept

Actually, its not. The alignment of "nation" and "state" which it represents is an extremely recent thing. I suspect that, among other potential errors, you are confusing the idea of the nation-state with the idea of the state; the two are not equivalent, in much the same way that "automobile" and "wheeled vehicle" are not equivalent.

[ilaksh]

You imply that my comments should be dismissed on the basis that nation-state is not an ancient concept. And you're wording implies that I am confused.

You did not attempt to address any of the substance of my remarks or even to approach them. I believe this is because it challenges your world view.

What, practically speaking, is the difference between a nation-state and state, in the context of my remarks? Should that definition or history change my opinion of the United States or Russia, given the actual behaviors of those countries? Should that conception change my judgement of the nation-state given the actual activities engaged in by nation-states?