Final answer:
The main objective in the current era is multifaceted and includes economic development, national security, and social welfare, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, human rights, and international collaboration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main objective in the current era varies greatly across different states and societies due to a multitude of factors including political ideology, economic goals, and cultural values. However, there are overarching objectives that can be noted in the modern world. A widely acknowledged objective is the furthering of economic development while ensuring sustainability. This involves technological innovation, advancements in infrastructure, and fostering an environment conducive to economic growth. Another objective of modern states is the maintenance of national security and the safeguarding of citizens, often through diplomacy, defense strategies, and intelligence. Moreover, the contemporary age places a significant emphasis on fostering social welfare, which includes healthcare, education, and social services aiming to improve the quality of life for citizens. It is also apparent that unlike historical periods of empire and nation-state building, today's objectives are more multifaceted and include a larger focus on human rights, democracy, and international collaboration for shared goals like addressing global climate change.
Throughout history, states have sought to achieve different objectives based on the era's challenges and opportunities. In ancient times, as stated by Sima Guang, the creation of a strong state was akin to building a structure, with people as its foundation and leadership as its supporting elements, primarily for protection and sustenance. Comparatively, the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin sought to mobilize society for industrial development and to establish a collective prosperity aligned with Marxist ideology. In both historical contexts, the state was centralized and played a key role in steering the direction of society.
Today, the concept of Realism in international relations suggests that states strive to protect themselves and ensure their power within the global system. This mirrors past objectives to an extent but is now influenced by a globalized world where the balance of power and stable international relations have become essential to prevent conflict and promote peace. The age of empires and the formation of nation-states have given way to an era where collaboration and negotiation are tools for achieving stability and advancing common interests.