The State in an Era of Cascading Politics: Wavering Concept, Widening Competence, Withering Colossus, or Weathering Change?

In: Comparative political studies: CPS, Volume 21, Issue 1, p. 13-44

Abstract

Although the concept of the state is pervaded with ambiguity and thus of questionable utility, the analysis proceeds from the premise that it must be employed inasmuch as so many analysts treat it as useful. At the same time, it is argued that the concept is used in diverse and contradictory ways, including tendencies to treat the state both as increasingly omnicompetent and increasingly impotent as an instrument for meeting and resolving collective needs. The analysis also concludes that states are quite resilient and capable of adapting to change under most circumstances.