IntroductionThere is a clear difference between nation, state and nation-state. The modern nation-state developed during the 20th century to compensate for the inadequacy represented by pluralistic empires and extreme nationalism. It is as a result of states attempting to expand their territory that various wars have emerged. European countries, after experiencing all the effects of such wars, decided to integrate thus forming the EU, which is a transnational entity. In order to enjoy the full benefits of globalization, transnational entities are expected to play a greater role than individual modern nation states in the future. However, the current modern nation-states still want to maintain the distinctive characteristics of modern nation-states while being members of transnational entities. Characteristic of the Modern Nation StateWith the exception of Antarctica, every other square mile of land surface on this planet is owned by some nation-state (Opello & Rosow, 2004). This is the first significant feature of a modern nation-state in today's global order. The modern nation-state is a form of political-military government with sovereign power over its defined territory. Within this territory the State is supposed to exercise its jurisdiction free from interference and influence from other states and entities. Aside from external interference, individuals and/or groups within the territory of a modern nation-state are prohibited from using coercion on the population without the authority of the state. Only the modern state government can legitimately use physical coercion on its population (Opello & Rosow, 2004; Gepin, 2010). Actual government actually runs the modern state through a bureaucratic system; publi......middle sheet......The European Union works. General Directorate of Press and Communication. Gepin, N. (2010). A model of the modern nation state: a methodological approach. CoreEthics, 6, 323-337. Kelly, M. J. (2005). Nowhere to Hide: Defeat of Sovereign Immunity for the Crimes of Genocide and the Trials of Slobodan Milosevic and Saddam Hussein. NY: Peter Lang.Lockhart, M (2002). It is a common culture or American exceptionalism: the sense of national pride in American citizens. New Jersey: Erlbaum. Opello, W, C., & Rosow, S. J. (2004). The nation-state and the global order: A historical introduction to global politics (2nd ed.). Boulder, CO: Lynne Reinner.Piper, J.R. (2005). The main nation-states of the European Union. NY: Pearson Longman. The Intellectual (2011). The modern nation state. Retrieved from http://theintellectual.com/2011/05/12/the-modern-nation-state/.