Problem of the State

The Problem of the State offers a fresh approach to understanding the state and its complex role in society, distinguishing between constitutionalist and constructionist approaches and advocating a return to the study of the state in its social and political context.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 178 pages
\n Publication date: 17 May 2021
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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The Problem of the State offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the role that the social and political sciences can play in understanding the state and its complex and multifaceted nature. By distinguishing between two broad conceptual and methodological approaches to studying the state empirically rather than theoretically, the author aims to shed light on the common assumption underlying these approaches: that it is the responsibility of the social and political sciences to define the problem of the state itself.

Drawing upon insights from Marx, Wittgenstein, and Ethnomethodology, the author seeks to liberate the study of the state from the constraints imposed by conventional approaches. This book advocates for a return of the problem to its rightful place within social and political practice, where it can be approached with a renewed sense of purpose and relevance.

Through a comprehensive and rigorous analysis, the author demonstrates the limitations and shortcomings of both the constitutionalist and constructionist positions. By highlighting their shared assumption that the social and political sciences must define the problem of the state, the author challenges the prevailing understanding of the state as a fixed and universal entity. Instead, the author proposes a more nuanced and dynamic perspective that recognizes the state as a complex and evolving phenomenon shaped by a wide range of social, economic, and political factors.

The book also offers valuable insights into the ways in which the study of the state can contribute to our understanding of broader social and political phenomena. By examining the relationship between the state and other institutions, such as the economy, society, and culture, the author demonstrates how the state plays a crucial role in shaping and influencing these broader aspects of our lives. The author further explores the ethical and political implications of studying the state, raising important questions about the role of the state in promoting social justice, democracy, and human rights.

In conclusion, The Problem of the State provides a thought-provoking and indispensable contribution to the field of social and political sciences. By challenging the conventional understanding of the state and advocating for a more nuanced and dynamic approach, the author offers valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of the state and its role in shaping our collective affairs. This book will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and policymakers alike, as it provides a foundation for further exploration and debate in this critical area of study.

\n Weight: 442g\n
Dimension: 159 x 242 x 18 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781138613836\n \n