Written by a team of experts, this text introduces all of the main competing theoretical approaches to the study of the state, including pluralism, Marxism, institutionalism, feminism, green theory and more. A brand new 'issues' section enables readers to apply these key concepts and theoretical approaches to important developments in the state today.
This new edition offers:
- Coverage of all key empirical and theoretical developments in the field, with analysis of the impact of globalisation, global financial upheavals, Brexit, Covid-19 and social movements such as Black Lives Matter
- A wide range of voices, perspectives, contemporary and historical examples, giving readers a holistic overview of the field, as well as deeper dives into key issues
- Brand new chapters on sovereignty, security, territory, capital, nationalism and populism
- Guided further reading suggestions at the end of each chapter
Providing both a firm grounding in the key concepts and critical engagement with contemporary controversies and debates, this text is ideal for those studying all aspects of the state.
Jon Pierre is Professor of Political Science at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Colin Hay is Professor of Political Analysis and Co-Director of the Sheffield Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Sheffield, UK.
Gerry Stoker is Professor of Governance at the University of Southampton, UK.
Michael Lister is Reader in Politics at Oxford Brookes University, UK.
B. Guy Peters is Maurice Falk Professor of Government at the University of Pittsburgh, USA and Professor of Comparative Governance at Zeppelin University in Germany.