POLITICAL UNION Meaning and
Definition
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A political union is a form of collaboration and integration between multiple states or governments in order to achieve common political objectives and create a unified entity. It involves the establishment of a central authority or an overarching governing body that has power over the member states, often referred to as a supranational organization. This centralized authority sets and enforces regulations, laws, and policies that are binding on all member states, thus restricting their sovereignty to some extent.
The purpose of a political union is to promote and protect shared interests, enhance cooperation, and maintain stability among the member states. It typically involves various levels of political, economic, and social integration, and the extent of integration can vary depending on the specific goals and agreements of the union. Political unions can range from loose associations where member states retain a significant degree of autonomy, as seen in some confederal unions, to highly integrated bodies with deeply intertwined governance structures and decision-making processes.
In a political union, decisions on matters such as trade, defense, foreign policy, and economic policies are often made collectively, with each member state having a say through representation in the governing body. The union may also establish common institutions, such as a central bank or a parliament, to facilitate coordination and governance.
Political unions are often intended to foster peace, economic growth, and social progress among member states, as well as to amplify their collective voice on the global stage. They can offer benefits such as increased political influence, enhanced security, improved economic integration and cooperation, and potential for shared resources and infrastructure development. However, political unions also require compromise, negotiation, and a commitment to shared goals in order to effectively function amidst the diverse interests and needs of the member states.
Etymology of POLITICAL UNION
The word "political" originated from the Latin word "politicus", which in turn came from the Greek word "politikos". "Polis" in Greek means "city" or "citizen", therefore "politikos" means "relating to citizens or the affairs of the city". The term "political" started being used in English in the 15th century to refer to matters related to government, public affairs, and governance.
The word "union" comes from the Old French word "unio" which means "oneness" or "unity". It can be traced back to the Latin word "unio" meaning "a single thing or unit". The term "union" started being used in English around the 15th century to denote the act or state of being united or joined together.
