civilization-state

== English == === Alternative forms === civilization state === Noun === civilization-state (plural civilization-states) A political entity (a state) associated with a particular civilization. 2009, LA Times, 22 November, Martin Jacques [1] Although China has described itself as a nation-state for the last century, it is in essence a civilization-state. The longest continually existing polity in the world, it dates to 221 BC and the victory of the Qin. Unlike Western nation-states, China's sense of identity comes from its long history as a civilization-state. 2010, Newsweek, 25 January, Martin Jacques China may call itself a nation-state (although only for the past century), but in essence it is a civilization-state dating back at least two millennia. ==== Translations ==== === See also === nation-state