P006 UNIONS Future state constellations
Table of contents
Explanation of the heading ‘P006 UNIONS and future state constellations’
The heading combines two terms that are deliberately broad in scope and enable an analytical, forward-looking perspective.
- ‘Unions’ refers generally to associations or alliances between states, regions or political systems. This refers not only to existing organisations such as the EU or AU, but also to possible new forms of state or supranational cooperation that may arise from common interests, values or challenges.
- ‘Future state constellations’ describes the possible interaction, arrangement and relationships between states in the future. The term ‘constellation’ is used here not in the astronomical sense, but in the political and social sense – that is, as a snapshot or development of power relations, partnerships and mutual dependencies between states.
From city-states to peace – historical development, causes of conflict and approaches to peace
The emergence of cities
marks the beginning of human organisation and cooperation. People created the first settlements to protect themselves from the forces of nature, animals and rival groups. Resources such as water, fertile land and hunting grounds played a central role in this. A division of labour developed in cities: craftsmen, traders and farmers took on specialised tasks, while administration, religion and legal systems regulated social coexistence. Individual cities often became city-states that had to defend their territory against others. Power, resources and security were the main reasons for conflict during this phase.
Over time,
several cities joined together, giving rise to kingdoms, empires and later nation states. The aim was often to centralise control of power, population and resources and to protect against external threats. Ideology, religion and world views played an increasingly important role, while military strength and administration formed the basis for expansion and rule. Conflicts arose due to territorial claims, the pursuit of power and differing political or religious ideas.
In the 20th century
, modern states, unions and international organisations such as the EU, the AU and the UN developed. The aim of these supranational structures is to reduce conflicts through diplomacy, international agreements and economic cooperation. Nevertheless, conflicts still exist, mostly due to resource scarcity, power interests, identity crises or ideological differences. Historical experience shows that negotiations, common interests, education, exchange and local responsibility are crucial for sustainable peace.
For NADEUM-WIKO, the lessons are clear:
Conflicts arise from a combination of resource interests, power shifts and identity issues – a pattern that repeats itself worldwide. Our work shows that peace is possible when diplomatic solutions are combined with local participation, education, communication and international cooperation. NADEUM supports those states and decision-makers who have recognised that sustainable peace is a wiser and more advantageous option than continued conflict.
NADEUM – Peace Mantra
🟥 🇩🇪 German
|🟥|
Wir ehren die Weisheit der Vergangenheit, hören auf die Stimmen der Gemeinschaft und bauen Brücken zwischen Herzen, damit Frieden Wurzeln schlagen kann. NADEUM-WIKO arbeitet mit Respekt, Wahrheit und Zusammenarbeit – für eine Zukunft, in der jeder Mensch in Würde leben kann.
🟩 🇬🇧 English
|🟩| We honour the wisdom of the past, listen to the voices of the community, and build bridges between hearts so that peace can take root. NADEUM-WIKO works with respect, truth, and collaboration – for a future where every person can live with dignity.
🟧 🇰🇪 Swahili
|🟧| Tunaiheshimu hekima ya zamani, tunasikiliza sauti za jamii na kujenga madaraja kati ya mioyo ili amani iweze kuota mizizi. NADEUM-WIKO works with respect, truth, and collaboration – for a future where every person can live with dignity.
🟨 🇨🇩 Lingala
|🟨| Tozali na bolingo mpo na mayele ya kala, tozali koyoka matoyi ya bato mpe kotonga bibakisi ya mitima mpo kimia ezala na misalaba. NADEUM-WIKO esalaka na boyokani, solo mpe kosala elongo – mpo na mikolo oyo moto nyonso akoki kozala na bolingo mpe nkombo.
🟩 🇷🇼 Kinyarwanda
|🟩| Duhesha ubwenge bw’ibya kera, twumvira amajwi y’umuryango kandi twubaka ibiraro hagati y’imitima kugira ngo amahoro akuremo imizi. NADEUM-WIKO ikorana n’icyubahiro, ukuri n’ubufatanye – ku hazaza aho buri muntu ashobora kubaho mu cyubahiro.
🟦 🇺🇬 Luganda
|🟦| Twebaza amagezi g’omu myaka egy’omumaaso, tutegeera ebigambo by’abaana b’omulyango era tuteekateeka amadda mu mitima, okuti emirembe ejja kukimuka. NADEUM-WIKO ekola n’obugumu, amawulire ag’amaanyi n’obukulembeze obw’enkizo – okusobola okutuussa omuntu yenna mu bulamu obw’amaanyi.
🟪 🇰🇪 Kikamba
|🟪| Twiwule hîkîya ya kale, twîkîe matei a wîla na twîle kîyûhîa kia mitima, înoo amahoro agîkîe mizî. NADEUM-WIKO yûkîe na ũthumî, ûtukû na kuûthîa kîhîî – kûthîa înoo yuumbe wîla wîla mûno mu wîlîa wîîhîa.
🟫 🇰🇪 Gĩkũyũ
|🟫| Tũheshimu wĩhĩo wa mbere, tũtereire mĩthĩ ya andũ na tũthekete mabati ma mĩtima kũgĩa mũno wĩhĩo wĩhĩrĩte. NADEUM-WIKO itũme na wĩhĩo, ũtukũ na wendo wa hamwe – kũgĩa mũno wĩhĩo wĩtũ na andũ othe akĩrĩa na ũthoni.
⬛ 🇸🇩 Arabic
|⬛| We honour the wisdom of the past, listen to the voices of society, and build bridges between hearts so that peace may take root. NADEUM-WIKO works with respect, honesty and cooperation – for a future in which every human being lives with dignity.
Timeline: From city-states to peace – causes, conflicts, solutions
1. City-states (early – approx. 4000 BC – 500 BC)
- Origin: Protection from nature, animals, other groups; access to water and resources
- Characteristics: Independent cities with administration, religion, legal system
- Conflicts: Defence of territories, rivalry over resources
- Lesson: Cooperation between cities can increase security
2. Kingdoms, empires and nation states (approx. 500 BC – 20th century)
- Origin: Union of several cities or regions
- Characteristics: Centralisation of power, control of resources, military expansion
- Conflicts: Struggle for power, ideological differences, territorial expansion
- Lesson: Joint management of resources and fair distribution of power reduce wars
3. Modern states, unions and approaches to peace (20th century – present day)
- Origins: nation states, supranational unions (EU, AU), international organisations (UN)
- Characteristics: Diplomacy, international agreements, economic cooperation
- Conflicts: Resource scarcity, identity, ideology, power interests
- Approaches to peace:
- Negotiations and mediation
- Recognising common interests (resources, trade, infrastructure)
- Education, exchange and dialogue
- International recognition and framework conditions
- Local responsibility and long-term projects
💡 This led to the following insights for NADEUM-WIKO:
- Conflicts follow clear patterns: resources → power → ideology → identity
- Peace plans must take into account historical contexts, local conditions and international cooperation
- Education, communication and project work on the ground are crucial for sustainable peace
1. Historical development of cities and states
Reasons for the development of cities:
- Security reasons: People sought protection from natural forces, animals and other groups.
- Resources: Access to water, fertile land, hunting and trading opportunities.
- Division of labour: The first cities enabled specialisation (craftsmen, traders, farmers).
- Social organisation: Administration, religion and legal systems emerged to regulate coexistence.
From cities to city-states:
- Individual cities became autonomous and had to defend their territory against others.
- Power was closely linked to control over resources.
- City-states often formed cooperations and alliances, but also waged wars to expand or defend their territories.
2. Emergence of states and empires
Reasons for the formation of larger states:
- Expansion and security: Merger of several cities to ward off attacks.
- Economy: Control of trade routes, taxes, resources.
- Ideology and worldview: Religion, culture and ideas of rule united people.
- Power: Centralisation of decision-making and military strength.
Historical pattern:
- City states → Kingdoms → Empires/world empires → Modern nation states → International unions (e.g. EU, AU).
- Defence readiness and wars were often direct consequences of resource scarcity, the pursuit of power and ideological differences.
3. Causes of war
Main factors:
- Resources: Land, water, raw materials, food.
- Power and influence: Control over populations, territories, strategic positions.
- Ideology and religion: Differences in beliefs, world views or politics.
- Nationalism and identity: The desire to protect one’s own culture, language or government.
- Inequality and injustice: Social tensions can escalate into conflict.
Observations for NADEUM peace work:
- Many conflicts have combined causes that are political, economic and social in nature.
- Resource scarcity exacerbates existing power and identity conflicts.
- International networking can both stabilise peace and exacerbate conflicts.
4. Paths to peace – lessons from history
- Negotiation and diplomacy: Successful examples such as Ethiopia/Eritrea, Syria, Yemen and Israel show that external mediation and local dialogue are crucial.
- Recognising common interests: Resource management, economic cooperation, infrastructure projects.
- Education and exchange: Promoting understanding, communication and long-term thinking.
- International recognition: State and regulatory structures (UN, AU, EU) can create framework conditions.
- Local responsibility: Peace projects must be anchored locally to guarantee sustainability.
5. Connection to NADEUM-WIKO
- Historical analysis shows that conflicts do not arise by chance, but follow patterns.
- Peace plans must take into account resources, balance of power, identity and ideology.
- NADEUM can provide direct impetus for peace through pilot projects, education, dialogue and cooperation.
- The history of cities and nation states teaches us that cooperation is more efficient than permanent separation, but must be built up strategically.