Plurinational States in crisis: The challenges of the political in the construction and control of the State in Bolivia

the concept of nation is confusing due both to its polysemy and symbolic dimensions, which range from individual identities to collective beliefs. this paper discusses the relationships between state and nation in bolivia. it first outlines concepts regarding a model of nation-states based on the european experience. this model, and the ideology that comes with it, helps to understand the mishaps of the collective constructions known as nation-states. the analysis of state mottos around the world reveals a lot about prevailing ideologies. but this model is entering into a crisis, as the french debate about its collective identity shows. those who want to manipulate the concepts to their political needs, manage to wake up the demons of nationalism and racism. in a global world where the death of the nation-state is regularly announced, the looks are increasingly aiming at bolivia's politic experience. the achievement of a new social pact in bolivia could be an example for humanity