Question $12(1$ point$)$

In the context of international studies, what is the difference, analytically speaking, between a state and a nation?

a$)$ A nation is a sovereign political entity, $($e$.$g$.,$ the United States, the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China$)$ whereas a state falls under it $($e$.$g$.$ Georgia, Texas, Kamchatka, Xinjiang province$).$

b$)$ A state is a sovereign political entity $($e$.$g$.$ the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, South Africa$),$ unless it is a federation like the United States, the Russian Federation and Mexico. Then the nation is sovereign and the state is federated.

c$)$ There is no difference. The words can be used interchangeably.

d$)$ A state is a sovereign political entity $($e$.$g$.,$ the United States, the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China$)$ whereas a nation is an identity group $($Americans$,$ Russians, Chinese$).$