The Concept of the State in International Relations - by Robert Schuett & Peter M R Stirk (Paperback)

About the Book

This volume systematically considers the nature of the state, the concept of sovereignty and the challenges globalisation and cosmopolitanism. With contributions from reputed theorists of the state, the essays in this collection give you a distinctively pluralist set of original reflections on the role and nature of the state.

Book Synopsis

The concept of the state plays a central role in international relations, particularly in realist and neo-realist approaches. Yet, the meaning of the state is persistently taken to be self-evident by both advocates of the sovereign state and its critics. This volume counters this trend. It systematically considers the nature of the state, the concept of sovereignty and the challenges globalisation and cosmopolitanism. Featuring contributions from some of the most reputed theorists of the state, the essays in this collection give you a coherent and, at the same time, distinctively pluralist set of original reflections on the role and nature of the state.

From the Back Cover

"The concept of the state remains at one and the same time the most central and yet most elusive concepts in modern politics. This superb collection ranges across historical, Theoretical, and empirical landscapes, providing challenging and incisive insights into key issues of our time. A first-rate book." Michael C Williams, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs University of Ottawa, Canada A critical reassessment of the concepts of the State and sovereignty in International Relations theory The concept of the State plays a central role in International Relations, above all in Realist and Neo-Realist approaches. Yet, the State is persistently undertheorised, its meaning taken to be self evident by both advocates of the sovereign state and its critics. Newly available in paperback, this volume seeks to counter this trend and stimulate systematic consideration of the nature of the State, the concept of sovereignty which is so often taken as essential to it, and the challenge of advocates of globalization and cosmopolitanism. Featuring contributions from some of the most reputed theorists of the State, the essays in this collection offer a coherent yet distinctively pluralist set of original reflections on the role and nature of the State. Robert Schuett has a Ph.D. from the School of Government and International Affairs at Durham University, UK. His research interests are primarily based in political theory of international relations and security/strategic studies. He joined the Austrian Federal Civil Service in 2011. Peter M. R. Stirk is a Senior Lecturer at Durham University. His publications include The Politics of Military Occupation (Edinburgh University Press, 2009) and Twentieth-Century German Political Thought (Edinburgh University Press, 2006).

Review Quotes

The concept of the state remains at one and the same time the most central and yet most elusive concepts in modern politics. This superb collection ranges across historical, Theoretical, and empirical landscapes, providing challenging and incisive insights into key issues of our time. A first-rate book.--Michael C Williams, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs University of Ottawa, Canada

About the Author

Robert Schuett has a Ph.D. from the School of Government and International Affairs at Durham University, UK. His research interests are primarily based in political theory of international relations and security/strategic studies. He joined the Austrian Federal Civil Service in 2011.

Peter M. R. Stirk is a Senior Lecturer in Politics at Durham University. His publications include The Politics of Military Occupation (Edinburgh University Press, 2009) and Twentieth-Century German Political Thought (Edinburgh University Press, 2006).