
Contents
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Introduction Introduction
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Defining the state conceptually Defining the state conceptually
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Defining the state operationally Defining the state operationally
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Critiquing the operational definition of the state Critiquing the operational definition of the state
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A new operational definition of the state A new operational definition of the state
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Territorial contender examples Territorial contender examples
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The territorial contenders data collection project The territorial contenders data collection project
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Descriptive statistics about territorial contenders Descriptive statistics about territorial contenders
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Comparing territorial contenders with other nonstate actors Comparing territorial contenders with other nonstate actors
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Closing thoughts Closing thoughts
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Cite
Abstract
In this chapter, I take a deep dive into conceptual and operational definitions of “the state.” Most scholars conceive of states as sets of governing institutions supervising a permanent population within a defined territory. But the operational definition employed in past research identifies as states only those satisfying minimum population thresholds and enjoying some form of diplomatic recognition of their sovereignty. The mismatch between concept and measure introduces inaccuracy into existing analyses of state death and prevents us from testing some theories. The territorial contender dataset is described; it provides a wealth of information about the nonsovereign states (e.g., territorial contenders), which are the needed complement to sovereign states in studies of state death specifically and of IR more generally.
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