Political Theory and the Modern State

David Held is Graham Wallas Professor of Political Science at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

'Held brings ... clarity, conviction and breadth of scholarship to bear on a range of topics. Throughout, the breadth of Held's scholarship is matched by his impassioned commitment to the values of 'democratic autonomy'.' Political Studies 'Students seeking an introduction to the political sociology of the modern state, that challenges much conventional wisdom as well as provides model reviews of such wisdom, need look no further.' Keith Grint, Sociological Review'Anyone concerned with the present state of political and social theory cannot afford to bypass this excellent collection.' Henri Lustiger-Thaler, Canadian Journal of Political Science'Broad vision and analytical muscle.' Network'... a timely review of the state of society and the state of the state. ... particularly impressive is Held's ability to marshal sophisticated and complex arguments without descending into the kind of contorted prose beloved of social scientists ...' Sociological Review

• Preface. Introduction.1. Central Perspectives on the Modern State.2. Class, Power and the State.3. Legitimation Problems and Crisis Tendencies.4. Power and Legitimacy.5. Liberalism, Marxism and the Future Direction of Public Policy.6. The Contemporary Polarization of Democratic Theory:.The Case for a Third Way.7. Citizenship and Autonomy.8. Sovereignty, National Politics and the Global System.9. A Discipline of Politics?.Index.