Final answer:
The number of sovereign states in the world has risen steadily since World War II due to decolonization, the dissolution of some states, and the creation of new countries. The transition from a world of empires and kingdoms to one dominated by nation-states was influenced by factors such as globalization, economic and political changes, as well as demographic shifts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Over the past half-century, the number of sovereign states in the world has a. Risen steadily since World War II. This increase is a result of several historical processes, including the decolonization movements post-World War II, the disintegration of some states, and the emergence of new countries. As former colonies gained independence, the map of the world was redrawn numerous times with new nations emerging, such as those created after the collapse of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia.
By the 20th century, globalization led countries to be interconnected through technologies, capital accumulation, and governmental systems. Historically, the end of colonial empires, international conflicts, and internal national movements contributed substantially to the rise in sovereign states, as seen in the rise of states post-World War I, including Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia. These complex changes reflect a shift from empires and kingdoms to a world where the nation-state is the dominant political entity.
Additionally, issues such as globalization, economic shifts, and changing political landscapes had a lasting impact on the sovereignty of nations and the creation of new states. The population growth and decline in fertility rates also played a crucial role in shaping the modern socioeconomic and political environments, potentially influencing the formation and sustainability of sovereign states.