# XXXV: The World State explained — The New State

> Chapter companion for The New State by Mary Parker Follett.

## What happens

This chapter extends the group principle to international relations, arguing that true peace and progress require a genuine community of nations built on interdependence, not on similarities or coercion. It redefines patriotism as rational, self-conscious participation in building one's country and advocates for a League of Nations that respects national differences while creating a larger sovereignty through mutual interdependence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Integration of Occupational and Neighborhood Groups

The group principle is extended to nations, advocating for a federal world-state built on interdependent national groups.

### The Unifying State vs. Political Pluralism

Argues for a unifying international sovereignty that emerges from the interdependence of nations, rejecting isolated sovereignty.

### Rejection of Crowd Psychology and Mass Rule

Critiques herd-instinct patriotism and cosmopolitanism, advocating for group-based loyalty and recognition of differences.

## Character check-ins

### Narrator

Presents the argument for a world-state based on group psychology, redefining patriotism and sovereignty.

### We the People

Implied as the collective that must learn a new patriotism and participate in building international unity.

## Key lines

> Patriotism must not be herd-instinct. Patriotism must be the individual’s rational, self-conscious building of his country every moment.

True patriotism is not blind following but active, thoughtful participation in shaping one's nation.

_Redefines patriotism as a conscious, constructive process rather than instinctive loyalty._

> Internationalism is not going to swallow up nationalism. Internationalism will accentuate, give point, significance, meaning, value, reality, to nationalism.

International cooperation enhances national identity rather than erasing it.

_Argues that nationalism and internationalism are complementary, not opposed._

> Sovereignty is got by giving to every unit its fullest value and thereby giving birth to a new power⁠—the power of a larger whole.

True sovereignty emerges from empowering each part, creating a greater collective power.

_Rejects the idea of sovereignty as a zero-sum game, advocating for interdependence._

> The object of every proper 'cession' of sovereignty is to make us freer than ever before.

Delegating certain powers to an international body increases freedom, not diminishes it.

_Presents the paradox that giving up some sovereignty enhances overall liberty._

> International peace is never coming by an increase of similarities (this is the old-fashioned crowd-philosophy); international peace is coming by the frankest and fullest kind of recognition of our differences.

Peace arises from valuing and integrating differences, not from forcing uniformity.

_Critiques cosmopolitanism and emphasizes the importance of diversity in international relations._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_new_state_se/chapters/xxxv-the-world-state
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_new_state_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_new_state_se/chapters