A Social Theory of the Nation-State

This book presents a unique social theory of the nation-state, challenging both nationalism and globalism. It explores the historical development of the nation-state through key theorists across three distinct periods.

A Social Theory of the Nation-State presents an innovative perspective on the concept of the nation-state, challenging both traditional nationalist views and globalist assumptions about its decline. The author aims to provide a fresh understanding of the nation-state's evolution and its responses to contemporary global challenges by engaging with the works of significant social theorists.

The book organizes the history of the nation-state into three distinct periods: classical, modernist, and contemporary. In the classical phase, influential thinkers like Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Émile Durkheim lay the groundwork for understanding the nation-state's role in society. The modernist period, featuring theorists such as Talcott Parsons and Robert Aron, further develops these ideas, while the contemporary phase includes voices like Manuel Castells and Jürgen Habermas, who explore the complexities of the nation-state in today's world.

By rejecting methodological nationalism—the notion that the nation-state is the sole representation of modern society—the book highlights the limitations of this perspective. Instead, it advocates for a nuanced understanding of the nation-state, recognizing its intricate relationship with society and its evolving nature. Through this approach, A Social Theory of the Nation-State seeks to illuminate the complexities surrounding the nation-state and its significance in modernity, offering valuable insights into its past, present, and future.