Final answer:
True, long-distance trade alone did not ensure the formation of states, as evidenced by the existence of societies engaged in trade that did not develop into state-level entities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that long-distance trade cannot be solely credited for the formation of states is accurate because there were indeed societies involved in long-distance trade that did not develop state-level structures. The presence of trade on its own did not guarantee state formation; other factors such as military conquest, diplomacy, and the establishment of tributary relationships also played significant roles. It is important to recognize that throughout history, while many societies engaged in long-distance trade which contributed to the growth of city-states and subsequently states, this pattern was not universal. Stateless societies and non-state trading networks coexisted alongside emerging and established states. For instance, in Africa, trade facilitated the rise of empires and city-states, yet there were also societies that did not form states despite being active in trade. Additionally, evidence from ancient trading systems such as the Silk Roads shows that while trade influenced regional development, not every society participating in these networks became a state.