This study explores a range of dynamics in state-society relations which are crucial to an understanding of the contemporary world: processes of state formation, collapse and restructuring, all strongly influenced by globalization in its various respects. Particular attention is given to externally orchestrated state restructuring.

'This is an important book that cautions external authorities against subsuming the diversity of situations confronting many developing countries into singular descriptions of failed or collapsed states...Doornbos implores us to understand these different trajectories and to look at the varied possibilities that lie beyond collapse (pp.6-9).' - Robbie Robertson, Development and Change

Autorentext
MARTIN DOORNBOS is Emeritus Professor of Political Science at the Institute of Social Studies, The Hague, The Netherlands, and Visiting Professor of Development Studies at Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda. He has extensively researched on state-society dynamics in Africa and India, with a particular focus on the state-identity nexus.

Inhalt
Preface Dynamics of State Formation and Collapse, Past and Present: Introduction Globalization and the State: Reconfiguring the Connections The African State in Academic Debate: Shifting Perspectives 'Good Governance': The Metamorphoses of a Policy Metaphor Of State Collapse and Fresh Starts: Some Critical Reflections Linking the Future to the Past: Ethnicity, Reforms and Pluralism State and Identity in Europe and India: Comparative Dynamics When is a State a State?: Exploring Puntland, Somalia Conclusions: Whither the State? Bibliography Index