This book provides a critical analysis of the liberal ideas of the decline of the state through a historical comparison. It takes special note of the implications of state failure to control economic growth and market exigencies for international relations. The book is divided into three sections. The first analyzes Cobden, Mitrany, and Ohmae's empirical claims, the second looks at their normative judgements and the third looks at their predictive assertions. It concludes that the three primarily propose normative arguments for less state involvement in economic and international relations but conceal them in empirical and predictive assertions. The liberal idea of the decline of the state is more of an ideological statement in response to political, social, and economic trends than an objective observation of an empirically verifiable fact.

"This is a penetrating account of liberal views about the decline of the state, which is essential reading for contemporary students of globalization as well as for those interested in the development of the international system. The main theme - vigorously and clearly developed - is the way in which the state has adapted to changes in the international system and to changes in its economic and social environment. It is a lucid warning to those who conclude that globalization signifies its end."

• Paul Taylor, London School of Economics and Political Science

  Autorentext
  PER HAMMARLUND received his PhD from the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK.

  Inhalt
  Introduction Brief Biographies The Decline of the State: The Empirical Claim The Fall of the Nation-State System Prescribing the Decline of the State The Case Against the System of Nation-States The Predictive Element Conclusions