only ideas, but also institutional analysis, and contemporary challenges. Explores the nature of the state and power in general; analyzes the ideas and characteristics of the liberal-democratic state, and pluralist, elitist, and Marxist theories of its power structure. Examines different forms of state -- i.e., Communism and Fascism -- and the reasons for their collapse. Considers movements and ideas that are challenging the nature of the contemporary state - -feminist theories which see the state as a preserve of male power, and nationalist movements which hope to remold the state on ethnic lines. Analyzes contemporary challenges to the liberal-democratic state and reviews the theoretical debate on the state today. For those interested in political theory.

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