Political Theory and the Modern State

This volume offers an incisive overview of central issues andcontroversies in political thought and analysis. It includes majordiscussions of the idea of the modern state, contemporary theoriesof the state, problems of power and legitimation, new forms ofdemocratic ideal, citizenship and social movements, the directionof public policy and the fate of sovereignty in the modern globalsystem. While analysing these topics, the author criticallyassesses the thought of many of those who have contributeddecisively to political discussion. Among those whose works arediscussed are classic figures such as Hobbes, Locke, Mill and Marx,as well as contemporary writers such as Habermas, Offe and Giddens. Political Theory and the Modern State is an idealresource for students seeking an introduction to modern politicsand political sociology. It is also an original statement about themany competing perspectives in political thought today.