The transformation of the state: beyond the myth of retreat

Recent years have seen a range of theoretical challenges to traditional notions of state sovereignty and a burgeoning debate about the power of the state in the face of globalization and new forms of governance. In this important new text, Georg Sørensen provides a systematic assessment of the contemporary state, steering a middle course between those who argue the state is in retreat and their critics. In so doing he sheds new light on just what is actually changing in the nature of sovereign statehood, on changes in the relative power of different states and on the changing relationship between the domestic and external aspects of state power. Recent Years Have Seen A Range Of Theoretical Challenges To Traditional Notions Of State Sovereignty And A Burgeoning Debate About The Power Of The State In The Face Of Globalization And New Forms Of Governance. In This Important New Text, Georg Sorensen Provides A Systematic Assessment Of The Contemporary State, Steering A Middle Course Between Those Who Argue The State Is In Retreat And Their Critics. In So Doing He Sheds New Light On Just What Is Actually Changing In The Nature Of Sovereign Statehood, On Changes In The Relative Power Of Different States And On The Changing Relationship Between The Domestic And External Aspects Of State Power.--jacket. 1. The Debate : Context, History And Concepts -- 2. Economic Globalization And State Transformation -- 3. Economic Globalization And The Third World -- 4. Political Changes : From National Government To Multilevel Governance? -- 5. Nationhood And Identity : Community Beyond The State? -- 6. The Transformation Of Sovereignty? -- 7. The Transformation Of War? -- 8. The Modernizing States : Winners Or Losers? -- 9. Transformation To What? And Why? Sovereign Statehood In A New Millennium -- 10. Theoretical Perspectives And New Debates. Georg Sørensen. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 194-208) And Index.