Final answer:
The emergence of new states in the second half of the twentieth century can be attributed to the process of decolonization, which followed the weakening of European powers post-World War II and the rise of nationalism in colonized regions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Decolonization and the Formation of New States
One process that led to the emergence of new states in the second half of the twentieth century was decolonization. After World War II, the decline of European empires and the rise of nationalist movements in Asia, Africa, and other regions resulted in a wave of newly independent nations. The process was spurred on by a combination of factors, including the weakened state of European powers after the war, the spread of ideas promoting self-determination and nationalism, and the geopolitical interests of new superpowers like the United States and the USSR. Many former colonies seized the opportunity to push for independence, leading to a significant redrawing of the world map as countries such as India, Indonesia, and a host of African nations gained sovereignty.
One example of decolonization is India's struggle for independence from British rule. After decades of nationalist movements, civil disobedience, and negotiation, India gained independence in 1947, partitioned alongside the creation of Pakistan. These movements often included a mix of peaceful protests, political negotiations, and sometimes violent uprisings. Such actions, coupled with the loss of European moral authority and the changing international environment, precipitated the collapse of colonial systems and the birth of new independent states.