Unity Of A Nation State example essay topic

Nation states employ a variety of forms of power in the pursuit of what is considered in their national interest. However regardless of the forms of power employed by a nation state, unity and internal stability are essential so that it may achieve both its foreign and domestic objectives. The experiences of nations such as Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the Asia-Pacific region are effective platforms for discussion Before any discussion may take place, the definition for the word "Power" must be established so an effective context may be sustained throughout this piece. Power can refer to the capacity that a state has to influence events. This is a measure of potential, and may include elements such as military strength, economic strength, geographical power and population size. However to fully achieve a nations goal it is often necessary to combine such power resources with power relations (Internationally and Regionally)...

Other factors that are important in the context of a nation perusing its national interests include the ability of a nations leadership and its relevant support. However the effectiveness of many of these forms of power may be compromised if the nation-state lacks unity and is dominated by internal instability. Since gaining independence in 1975 PNG has employed a range of foreign policy instruments and forms of power in the pursuit of what is considered to be in the best interests of the nation state. Furthermore Papua New Guinea, in an effort to enhance the security and develop a viable economy, has developed stable and cooperative relations with the nations and non-state actors both in its immediate region and internationally. However over the years it is evident that the lack of unity within PNG has hindered its progress in pursuit of its national interests. Regionalism in Papua New Guinea is encouraged by the countries geography and the diversity of tribal and linguistic groups.

The rugged terrain of the mainland has led to many groups to think of them as separate from the rest of the country. People on the various islands also often think of themselves as having a largely separate identity. The problem for the PNG government has been how to reconcile these feelings of separatism with its objective of maintaining national unity. This is clearly evident where the independence movement on the island of Bougainville has threatened the unity of Papua New Guinea. Although there is relative peace now, due ceasefire agreements the problem of whether Bouganville will remain a part of PNG still exits. The establishment of an independent entity would clearly be at odds of the PNG governments national interest, as it maintains that Bouganville (and its considerable natural resources) should remain a part of PNG, while members of the Bougainville Revolutionary Army and there supporters insist that independence should be granted.

This highlights the deep divisions in the PNG's political arena, which in turn is having an adverse affect on national unity within then country. Consequently this lack of unity has hindered PNG's attempt to achieve its national goals, as was evident when of the act of aggression attempted by PNG DF against the BRA received severe international condemnation. This condemnation detracts from a PNG ability to obtain power relations (a power "asset") and therefore the lack of unity may be seen as a severe power "deficit". The unity of a nation state also largely depends on the nature of leadership. A dictatorship may be able to act more decisively than a democracy in pursuing the goals of a nation, however the morale of the population may be greater in a democracy, which may be an objective of the national interest in itself. This has somewhat to a large extent been the case in Indonesia.

The aspect of unity in a country of almost 211 million people is of prime importance to the nation-state itself as; it is obviously a key national objective. Indonesia to a somewhat greater extent then PNG has seen the effects of the 'lack of unity', as a result of more often then not religiously motivated regionalism. They " re numerous active separatist movements within Indonesia, intent on gaining independence (i.e. Irian Jaya, Aceh and East Timor). Many of these regions offer potential power assets to Indonesia, such as valuable resources, which Indonesia would evidently want to exploit. Therefore, many of these separatist movements are add deep odds with the national interest of the state itself, and therefore limiting Indonesia ability to act effectively, decisively and as a unified state in pursuit of common objectives. As is the case with PNG, Indonesia has received large amounts of international condemnation, as a result aggression in an attempt to retain their 'power assets' i.e. (East Timor).

This has stalled its progress and development as a viable nation state in the international arena, as the government is required to 'cater' for these separatist movement groups's interest, in an attempt to sustain the unity within the Indonesia.