Theories of the State

The idea of the State is crucial to our understanding of 20th century political thought and practice, and there are now signs of a growing awareness of the interest and intrinsic importance of the State in political theory, international politics and jurisprudence. This book provides an overview of certain key problems and theories of the State, presenting them in a structured and systematic manner, and in doing so it aims to make the ideas and value of the State more comprehensible to the student of politics. An introductory discussion on the nature of the State is followed by chapters devoted to particular theories: the absolutist, constitutional, ethical, class and pluralist, with the aim of analysing, elucidating and criticizing each. Finally, the discussion turns to the question 'Is a theory of the State necessary?'

The Nature of The State 1. Introduction Is politics about the State? States, the State and the idea of the State Stateless societies and the State tradition Antecedents to the State Etymology of the State 2. Formal Features of the Modern European State The State and other Collectivities Society and the State Community and the State Nation and State Government, Administration and the State 3. Cognate concepts of the State Sovereignty Authority, Obligation and Legitimacy 4. Theory and the State Essential Contestability and the State Human Nature and the State