Written by a team of experts, this text introduces all of the main competing theoretical approaches to the study of the state, including pluralism, Marxism, institutionalism, feminism, green theory and more. A brand new 'issues' section enables readers to apply these key concepts and theoretical approaches to important developments in the state today.

This new edition offers:

- Coverage of all key empirical and theoretical developments in the field, with analysis of the impact of globalisation, global financial upheavals, Brexit, Covid-19 and social movements such as Black Lives Matter
- A wide range of voices, perspectives, contemporary and historical examples, giving readers a holistic overview of the field, as well as deeper dives into key issues
- Brand new chapters on sovereignty, security, territory, capital, nationalism and populism
- Guided further reading suggestions at the end of each chapter

Providing both a firm grounding in the key concepts and critical engagement with contemporary controversies and debates, this text is ideal for those studying all aspects of the state.

This updated edition of The State explores different theoretical perspectives on the idea of the state, the state apparatus, the nature of state power, and its social bases, whilst also critically engaging with its fundamental features like sovereignty, security, business, territory, nationhood, and populism. The result is a comprehensive and nuanced review of key historical, theoretical, and empirical themes on state power, relevant to key issues past and present. * Bob Jessop, Professor Emeritus, Lancaster University, UK *
Recent events like the Covid-19 pandemic underline the importance of the state in contemporary politics. This text, drawing on the expertise of leading scholars, is an authoritative and indispensable source for understanding the theoretical debates and key issues in the study of the modern state. * Andrew Gamble, Professor of Politics, University of Sheffield, UK *
A revised edition of this classic text has been long overdue and the editors and authors have not let us down. The State sheds new and penetrating light on a concept we all use, but struggle to pin down. It will be a welcome resource for students and scholars alike. * Jack Corbett, Professor of Politics, University of Southampton, UK *
This updated edition of The State explores different theoretical perspectives on the idea of the state, the state apparatus, the nature of state power, and its social bases, whilst also critically engaging with its fundamental features like sovereignty, security, business, territory, nationhood, and populism. The result is a comprehensive and nuanced review of historical, theoretical, and empirical themes on state power, relevant to key issues past and present. * Bob Jessop, Professor Emeritus, Lancaster University, UK *

Colin Hay is Professor of Political Analysis and Co-Director of the Sheffield Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Sheffield, UK.

Michael Lister is Senior Lecturer in Politics at Oxford Brookes University, UK.

David Marsh is Director of Research at the Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis, University of Canberra, Australia.