The leadership or elite in charge of running the state.

When individuals band together to protect themselves and create and create common rules; leadership chosen from among the people. Security through cooperation.

When individuals are brought together by a ruler, who imposes authority and monopolizes power. Security through domination.

A value whereby an institution is accepted by the public as right and proper, thus giving it authority and power.

Legitimacy that accepts aspects of politics because they have been institutionalized over a long period of time.

Legitimacy built on the force of ideas embodied by an individual leader.

Legitimacy based on a system of laws and procedures that are highly institutionalized.

A system in which power is divided unevenly among regional bodies - for example, some regions are given greater power over taxation or language rights.

A state in which most political power exist at the national level, with limited local authority.

A process in which political power is "sent down" to lower levels of state and government.

The ability of a state to carry out actions and policies within a territory independently of external actors and internal rivals.

A state that is able to fulfill basic tasks, such as defending territory, making and enforcing rules, collecting taxes, and managing the economy.

A state that has difficulty fulfilling basic tasks, such as defending territory, making and enforcing rules, collecting taxes, and managing the economy.

A state so weak that its political structures collapse, leading to anarchy and violence.

The ability of the state to wield power to carry out basic tasks, such as defending territory, making and enforcing rules, collecting taxes, and managing the economy.

The ability of the state to wield its independently of the public or international actors.