The document defines a state as having four key elements: a population, a territory, a government, and sovereignty. It discusses each of these elements in further detail. For example, it notes that a territory provides citizenship and that a government determines policies and regulations. The document also examines the functions of the state, such as maintaining stability and justice. Additionally, it outlines five crises that are often part of the nation-building process: establishing identity, legitimacy, penetration, participation, and resolving issues of distribution.