This updated edition of The State explores different theoretical perspectives on the idea of the state, the state apparatus, the nature of state power, and its social bases, whilst also critically engaging with its fundamental features like sovereignty, security, business, territory, nationhood, and populism. The result is a comprehensive and nuanced review of key historical, theoretical, and empirical themes on state power, relevant to key issues past and present.

Bob Jessop, Professor Emeritus, Lancaster University, UK

Recent events like the Covid-19 pandemic underline the importance of the state in contemporary politics. This text, drawing on the expertise of leading scholars, is an authoritative and indispensable source for understanding the theoretical debates and key issues in the study of the modern state.

Andrew Gamble, Professor of Politics, University of Sheffield, UK

A revised edition of this classic text has been long overdue and the editors and authors have not let us down. The State sheds new and penetrating light on a concept we all use, but struggle to pin down. It will be a welcome resource for students and scholars alike.

Jack Corbett, Professor of Politics, University of Southampton, UK

This updated edition of The State explores different theoretical perspectives on the idea of the state, the state apparatus, the nature of state power, and its social bases, whilst also critically engaging with its fundamental features like sovereignty, security, business, territory, nationhood, and populism. The result is a comprehensive and nuanced review of historical, theoretical, and empirical themes on state power, relevant to key issues past and present.

Bob Jessop, Professor Emeritus, Lancaster University, UK