Author Description

Traces the genesis of the nation-state, its rise as a form of organization and its expansion from Europe to the new nations of America, Asia and Africa. The authors argue that the nation-state has now reached a point of crisis as a form of political, economic and social organization with the result that the world is likely to experience a period of growing tensions and instability. No longer will states be able to operate outside the dictates of the global economy whilst a limited control will be retained over more local issues, in other areas authority will have to be forfeited. Consequently, impulses of nationalism and tribalism will find themselves in competition which is bound to affect the relationship of citizens to states, and hence the character of nationalism itself. Drawing on historical, economic and political analysis of the nation-state and its enemies, the authors argue that the time has come for a reappraisal of the nation-state's role. This book concludes that the 21st century will be about running capitalism and managing tribalism as the tension between the two will be the hallmark of international politics in the decades to come.