Description
Book SynopsisAn understanding of "the State" is crucial for the grasp of 19th- and 20th-century political thought and practice. This work offers an overview of the key theoretical bases of notions of the State. Absolutist, constitutional, ethical, class and pluralist theories are all critically analyzed.
Trade Review"The best and most provocative essays by anthropologists on politics, power, colonialism, nationalism, and globalization. This volume showcases the strengths of anthropological analysis: bringing detailed ethnographic and historical analysis to the understanding of the most pressing issues that contemporary societies face."
Louise Lamphere, University of New Mexico "Joan Vincent has a rare grasp of anthopology´s past and vision of its future. The 21st-century renewal of political anthropology will be excellently served by her thoughtful assemblage of foundational texts, modern classics, recent achievements and current controversies." Ulf Hannerz, Stockholm University
"In this incomparable volume, Joan Vincent has brilliantly compiled the key texts in the anthropological study of politics. Suitable as a textbook for the beginning student and as a reference work for the professional academic, it will appeal to scholars in many different disciplines. Not only does this volume provide readers with a genealogy of an anthropological approach to politics, it introduces or reacquaints them with some of its most important contemporary contributors." Akhil Gupta, Stanford University
Table of ContentsThe Nature of The State ; 1. Introduction ; Is politics about the State? States, the State and the idea of the State Stateless societies and the State tradition Antecedents to the State Etymology of the State ; 2. Formal Features of the Modern European State The State and other Collectivities ; Society and the State Community and the State Nation and State Government, Administration and the State ; 3. Cognate concepts of the State ; Sovereignty Authority, Obligation and Legitimacy ; 4. Theory and the State ; Essential Contestability and the State Human Nature and the State
