Rethinking State Theory

In the last two decades, objects of analysis such as 'the state' have increasingly been seen as uncertain and contested theoretical concepts. Mark J. Smith presents a counter argument that highlights how existing theoretical approaches can provide useful tools for understanding contemporary political developments. Introduction 1. Situating the state: metatheorizing and critical exegesis 2. Empiricism, idealism, realism 3. Polyarchic civility and the state 4. The horizon of catallactic possibilities 5. Capitalism, the state and societalization 6. Metatheorizing the state: preliminary conclusions