The State

Philip Pettit's book explores the nature of the state and its capacity to serve goals like peace and justice within and beyond its borders, making it the focus of political theory. He presents a persuasive, historically informed image of an institution that lies at the center of our lives and identifies an ideal of statehood that is a precondition of justice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

The state holds immense significance in shaping the course of our species' destiny. Can states successfully withstand the encroachment of corporate power, religious extremism, and nationalist fervor? Can they forge collaborative alliances to restore the Earth's health and ensure the prosperity of its people? Or is the state inherently incapable of meeting these formidable challenges? In his groundbreaking book, renowned political philosopher Philip Pettit delves into the nature of the state and its potential to achieve goals such as peace and justice both within and beyond its borders. By centering the state as the focal point of political theory, Pettit offers profound implications for economic, legal, and social disciplines. Through a persuasive and historically informed lens, he presents a compelling portrayal of an institution that plays a central role in our lives.

Rather than presenting a utopian vision, Pettit offers a more realistic account that begins with the fundamental purpose of the polity. He examines how the state can optimally fulfill its role and explores its capacity to engage positively with its citizens. This analytical approach enables him to identify an ideal of statehood that serves as a prerequisite for justice. Only when states approximate this functional ideal can they effectively address the perennial issues of extreme poverty and bitter discord, as well as the looming challenges of the future, including climate change, population growth, and the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

In conclusion, The Future of the State is a thought-provoking and indispensable exploration of the state's role in shaping our collective destiny. Through his insightful analysis and compelling arguments, Philip Pettit provides a roadmap for building a more just and sustainable world. This book is a must-read for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of power and governance.

Weight: 726g
Dimension: 164 x 243 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691182209