What is the minimum possible requirement to make a new nation?
* 1 paper (map)
* 2 persons (negotiators)
* 3 lines (an enclosed area for the new nation)
Of course, this is too simplistic & nation building takes a lot more than the above.
The "1 paper" is preceded by a lot many papers in the form of books, printed debates, statesmen's notes, pamphlets, etc. etc.
The "2 persons" are simply putting the finishing touches to the efforts of many many more who contributed (their blood, toil, tears & sweat).
The "3 lines" is the most efficient way out, but many more shapes are added during negotiations (peaceful or otherwise) apart from those created historically by human settlements.
But what really is a nation?? When did the nation first come into existence - existence as an idea, existence as a concept, existence as a reality? In a world of co-mingled identities & blurred divisions, how can the nation stay a clear, demarcated entity?
The nation is simply a sharing of spoils by self-proclaimed conquerers. Men, as the most evolved animals, have crafted this planet amongst themselves. Some animals, in the wild, mark their their territories by their urine. Men, with their devolved senses & evolved sciences, do so with physical demarcartion. But while territorialism in other animals is a show of individual supremacy, but a communal effort in the case of men.
(to be contd... )
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