An Essay on the Modern StateThis important book is the first serious philosophical examination of the modern state. It inquires into the justification of this particular form of political society. It asks whether all states are "nation-states," what are the alternative ways of organizing society, and which conditions make a state legitimate. The author concludes that, while states can be legitimate, they typically fail to have the powers (e.g. sovereignity) that they claim. Christopher Morris has written a book that will command the attention of political philosophers, political scientists, legal theorists, and specialists in international relations. |
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agencies anarchy argued basic Cambridge chap Chapter characterization choice claim collective action problems conception consent Consent Theory constitutional contemporary contractarian cooperation David Gauthier defense depend determine distinction duties economic efficient enforcement force forms of political free-rider problems Game Theory groups Hobbes Hobbes's Hobbesian important individuals insofar instance institutions interests justice justified Kaldor-Hicks efficiency legitimacy legitimate Leviathan libertarian anarchist liberty limited matter medieval membership ment minimal modern monopoly Morality of Freedom nation natural rights norms noted Nozick obligation to obey one's Pareto-efficient perfect competition philosophers political authority political organization possessions protection question rational justification Raz's reasons regress argument relations relevant require rule sanctions security of person sense social contract social order society sort sovereign sovereignty state's authority subjects Suppose territory theorists theory Theory of Justice tion tradition understand University Press