Description
Book Synopsisaeo Develops an original theory of state capacity in an era of global economy. aeo Unlike existing theories, the author argues that as world economic integration proceeds, the individual states play an increasingly important role in the development of industrial transformation and social well--being.
Trade Review"I can unreservedly recommend this book as easily the most intelligent, best-researched and original account available of the relations between states and capitalist economies in the advanced North. Linda Weiss's careful dissections of economic policies and performance in Japan and East Asia, Sweden, Germany, Britain and the United States demolishes most conventional generalizations deriving from neo-liberal, "globalization" or social democratic theories alike. This is macro-sociology of the highest quality."
Professor Michael Mann, UCLA "This is a splendid study in political economy. Weiss uses the comparison between East Asia, Sweden and Germany as the basis for a theoretical analysis of the role of the state as a coordinator and steerer of industrial upgrading. Her style is punchy, her argument is original. Future research will have to take The Myth of the Powerless State as a point of reference." Professor Robert Wade, Russell Sage Foundation, New York
"Articulate, engaging and highly persuasive ... this is a fine work. And it is easily the best attempt so far to reinstate the anti-liberal, pro-state, economically national cause." Australian Journal of Political Science
"Her statement of a case against leaving things to markets that are currently influential is clear and thoughtful, and her argument deserves attention from both sides of the political divide." Times Literary Supplement
"A welcome contribution to the ongoing debate over globalization. This book provides the best general discussion of state power yet available." Foreign Affairs
Table of ContentsPreface.
1. The State is Dead. Long Live the State.
Introduction.
The Phenomenon of 'State Denial'.
Scope of the Argument.
The Book in Outline.
2. The Sources of State Capacity. .
Introduction.
The Problem of State Capacity.
Approaches to State Capacity.
Conclusion.
3. Transformative Capacity in Evolution: East Asian Developmental States.
Introduction.
Institutions and Economic Performance.
Institutional Capacities for Industrial Transformation.
The Changing Basis of State Capacity.
Forms and Dynamics of Governed Interdependence.
Conclusion: State 'Power' in East Asia.
4. Limits of the Distributive State: Swedish Model or Global Economy? .
Introduction.
Distributive State Capacity.
The Model Unravels: External Pressures?.
Undermining from Within.
The Limits of a Distributive Strategy.
Explanations of the Swedish Strategy.
Conclusion.
5. Dualistic States: Germany in the Japanese Mirror.
Introduction.
The German Case: How 'Developmental' is the State?.
The State in the Rise of German Industrial Power. Geopolitical Submergence of Transformative Capacity.
Private-Sector Governance: A State-informed System of Coordination.
Postwar Developmentalism: Innovation Without Change.
Reconstituting Transformative Capacity.
Dual Capabilities and National Prosperity.
How 'Distributive' is the Japanese State?.
Conclusion.
6. The Limits of Globalization. Introduction.
What does 'Globalization' Mean?.
The Question of Novelty.
The Question of Magnitude.
The Question of Distribution.
The Question of Mobility.
7. The Myth of the Powerless State.
The Extent of Government Powerlessness.
Convergence Versus Varieties of State Capacity.
Adaptivity of the State.
The State as Victim of Midwife of 'Globalization'.
The Emergence of 'Catalytic' States.
Conclusion.
Notes.
Bibliography.
Index.
