ABSTRACT
Most of the capital relocation debates are premised on the normative notions of state and nation, the idealistic understanding of state tasks, the perception of fairness, as well as on the boundaries and intensity of power. An important factor in siting a capital city has always been the security and defense capabilities of the state. Policy-relevant studies focus on capital cities’ effectiveness and structural characteristics, viewing them from the perspective of the normative criteria to be met by states. The status of a capital city during the civil conflicts, along with the capital city clauses in the constitutions of many countries, has been analyzed by experts in international and domestic law. The location of a capital city takes into account not only the position the capital holds in the region but also its position in the global distribution of power. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
