What is Max Weber's definition of a nation?

Max Weber's definition of a nation emphasizes the idea of a community that aspires to establish its own state. This reflects his understanding of nations as not just demographic or cultural groups, but as social entities characterized by a collective desire for political autonomy and self-determination. The concept encapsulates the emotional and psychological bonds that unite people with a common identity, language, and culture, moving beyond mere geographic or ethnic considerations.

In contrast, a collection of ethnic groups seeking shared values, while touching on aspects of identity, does not fully convey the political aspirations that Weber associates with a nation. Similarly, defining a nation solely by its geographical borders misses the critical element of the community’s desire for self-governance. Lastly, identifying a nation as a government entity recognized by international law focuses more on formal political status rather than the underlying social and cultural aspirations that define a nation in Weber’s framework.