A major introductory textbook for students of politics, sociology and public administration on theories of the state and of politics. The five core chapters each introduce a major school of thought providing a substantial analysis of the methodology and philosophy, as well as the main objections and criticisms to which each has given rise. The theories and examples are drawn from a wide range of industrial societies. Patrick Dunleavy is Professor of Political Science at the London School of Economics, UK, and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, UK. Brendan O'Leary is Lauder Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania, USA. His publications include Theories of the State (1987) and The Asiatic Mode of Production (1989).