What is required for an entity to be considered a state?

For an entity to be considered a state in international relations, it must meet certain fundamental criteria. One of the most critical elements is internal and external autonomy. This means that the entity has a defined territory and population, and it possesses a government that exercises full control over its domestic affairs (internal autonomy). Additionally, it must engage in foreign relations independently, meaning it can enter agreements and interact with other states without external interference (external autonomy).

Autonomy is fundamental to the concept of statehood as it enables an entity to function independently as a political unit. While factors like international recognition can enhance a state's legitimacy and enable it to participate fully in global affairs, recognition itself is not a prerequisite for statehood. Similarly, patriotism and economic stability, while important for a state's cohesion and development, do not define its status as a state. The requirement for a defined government, territory, and population, along with the capability to interact with other entities, highlights why internal and external autonomy is the correct answer for defining a state.