Political Theory and the Modern State

by David Held

This volume offers an incisive overview of central issues and controversies in political thought and analysis. It includes major discussions of the idea of the modern state, contemporary theories of the state, problems of power and legitimation, new forms of democratic ideal, citizenship and social movements, the direction of public policy and the fate of sovereignty in the modern global system. While analysing these topics, the author critically assesses the thought of many of those who have contributed decisively to political discussion. Among those whose works are discussed 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 ideal resource for students seeking an introduction to modern politics and political sociology. It is also an original statement about the many competing perspectives in political thought today.

276 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Aslihan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this book in my Comparative Politics class in order to frame a discussion on the state, theories of the state, the process of state formation and the components and the subunits of the state. The book is really informative in terms of basic definitions and an extensive overview of theoretical approaches. So if you want some referential insight on the basic concepts regarding the state and its capacity, I think this is a good book to start with. The only critique would be the Western bias it holds because of the cases it relies on and the lack of alternative cases and theoretical approaches from the non-Western world, but that's kind of a common problem in all of Held's writing.

[Ted Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me, this is a general reference work on political theory in terms of state power. Frankly, it is a tad dry but useful. It is broadly based with reference to many types of political theory explored in other works by the author. Application to modes of state power and statehood change with theories. I always felt I would get back to the author with some of his other works but that has not happened.