
In recent history, one of the greatest threats to global stability was the Hundred Year War, in which the Fire Nation sought to dominate the other nations using military force. Several factors are believed to determine the prosperity of the four nations, such as political balance, economic success, societal order, and spirituality. In addition, there were several individuals and movements throughout history who aspired to unite the four nations into one community, be it through peaceful means or by force. The nations were instead split into multiple states, while people of the different nations often intermingled to form new cultures and ethnic groups. An even distribution of power among the four nations is believed to keep balance in the world, and a fall or increase in the strength of one nation can engender a disruptive imbalance.ĭespite these beliefs, the world's political and cultural landscape did not overlap with the Four Nations for most of history.

Each nation is culturally unique and associated with one bending technique: waterbending, earthbending, firebending, and airbending, respectively.

The world is traditionally divided into four nations: the Water Tribe, Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation, and Air Nomads.
