HIS 100: STATE, SOCIETY, DEVELOPMENT, AND NATIONAL COHESION
Comprehensive and Well-Summarized Notes for Quick Revision
1. Definition of Key Concepts
State – A politically organized territory with a permanent population,
government, and sovereignty.
Society – A group of people with shared culture, values, and institutions.
Development – The improvement of economic, social, and political conditions
in a country.
National Cohesion – The unity and peaceful coexistence of people within a
nation, despite differences.
2. Characteristics of a State
1. Defined Territory – Has recognized borders.
2. Sovereignty – Authority to govern itself without external interference.
3. Government – An institution that enforces laws and policies.
4. Permanent Population – People living within the territory.
5. Recognition by Other States – Important in international relations.
3. Theories of State Formation
Divine Right Theory – Rulers derive authority from God.
Social Contract Theory – The state was created through an agreement
among people to maintain order (John Locke, Thomas Hobbes).
Force Theory – The state was established through conquest and war.
Evolutionary Theory – States evolved from early family groups to larger
political organizations.
4. Relationship Between State and Society
The state creates laws and policies to govern society.
Society influences the state through democracy, elections, and civil rights
movements.
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) act as a link between citizens and the
government.
5. Development: Types, Indicators, and Theories
Types of Development
1. Economic Development – Industrialization, trade, employment, GDP
growth.
2. Social Development – Education, healthcare, equality, and improved
living standards.
3. Political Development – Democracy, governance, respect for human
rights.
4. Technological Development – Innovation, digital transformation,
improved infrastructure.
Indicators of Development
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Human Development Index (HDI)
Literacy and education levels
Life expectancy
Infrastructure development
Theories of Development
Modernization Theory – Nations develop by adopting Western practices.
Dependency Theory – Developing nations remain poor due to economic
dependence on richer countries.
World Systems Theory – Global economic power is divided into core (rich),
semi-periphery, and periphery (poor) nations.
5. National Cohesion and Integration
Factors That Promote National Cohesion
1. Good Governance – Fair leadership and equal opportunities.
2. Social Integration – Equal treatment of all ethnic and religious groups.
3. Economic Equity – Fair distribution of resources and opportunities.
4. Education – Teaching national values and patriotism.
5. Legal Framework – Enforcing justice, human rights, and anti-
discrimination laws.
Threats to National Cohesion
Ethnic and Political Divisions – Tribalism, favoritism, and political exclusion.
Economic Inequality – Unequal access to resources and jobs.
Corruption – Weakens institutions and widens inequality.
Terrorism and Insecurity – Increases instability and fear.
Hate Speech and Propaganda – Spread through social media and political
campaigns.
6. Strategies for Achieving National Cohesion
1. Devolution of Power – Distributing power to regional governments to
reduce centralization.
2. Peacebuilding Initiatives – Dialogue and reconciliation programs.
3. Economic Policies – Reducing income inequality through job creation.
4. Legislation Against Discrimination – Promoting equal opportunities.
5. Media Regulation – Preventing hate speech and misinformation.
6. Civic Education – Encouraging nationalism and responsible citizenship.
7. Governance and Democracy
Forms of Government
Democracy – Power is held by the people through elections (e.g., Kenya).
Monarchy – Rule by a king or queen (e.g., Saudi Arabia).
Dictatorship – One person or a small group holds power (e.g., North Korea).
Communism – The state controls all resources and production (e.g., China).
Principles of Good Governance
Transparency and accountability
Rule of law
Public participation
Equity and inclusivity
Responsiveness
8. Role of Government in Development and Cohesion
Formulating policies to promote economic and social progress.
Providing security to protect citizens.
Investing in education and healthcare for human capital development.
Ensuring equal opportunities in employment and resources.
Encouraging public participation in governance and decision-making.
9. Globalization and Its Impact on the State and Society
Positive Impacts
Economic growth through trade.
Access to advanced technology and education.
Increased international cooperation.
Negative Impacts
Cultural erosion.
Economic dependence on developed countries.
Cybercrime and digital security threats.
Final Summary
The state is defined by its government, sovereignty, and population.
Society and the state interact through governance, democracy, and civic
engagement.
Development is economic, social, and political progress measured by GDP,
HDI, and infrastructure.
National cohesion ensures unity and peace but is threatened by tribalism,
corruption, and inequality.
Governments play a key role in policy-making, security, and resource
distribution.
Globalization has both positive and negative effects on development and
national identity.
This well-structured and comprehensive revision guide covers all key aspects
of HIS 100: State, Society, Development, and National Cohesion.
