Former states refer to regions or territories that once functioned as independent nations or political entities but have since been absorbed into larger countries or changed their governance. Examples include the Soviet Union, which dissolved in 1991 into multiple independent states, and Yugoslavia, which broke apart in the 1990s into several nations. These changes often result from political, social, or economic pressures. The history of former states can reveal much about the dynamics of power and identity. For instance, the transition of East Germany to reunification with West Germany in 1990 illustrates how historical events shape national boundaries and cultural identities. Understanding these former states helps us appreciate the complexities of modern geopolitics.