ABSTRACT
In reality, the state and government are one among many institutions. The fundamental difference, however, which contributes to all the mystic attitudes towards the state is that it is the only historic institution which has the monopoly of force. In a democratic culture, the state functions as guarantor of peace, as arbiter in Internal disputes and as controller. This chapter explains nationalism in terms borrowed from the widest experience of mankind, from its evolution and its history. The birth of the tribe-state is the danger signal in the history of humanity, for with It occurred the birth of militarism. In a primitive tribe-state the chief or tribal council perform a rudimentary administrative role and act as the moderating factor. They interpret tribal law, prevent conflicts or precipitate their solution. Such political organization can, at the stage when there is some armed force centrally manipulated, act as protector of the whole tribe. It can act also as aggressor.
