"A mini-classic, indispensible for those who are interested in the history and future of the nation-state and the international system. Essential." —Choice "An excellent book ... all the more remarkable because in spite of its relative brevity it addresses its theme in a manner characterized among other things by its [chronological, geographical and theoretical] scope ... It is also characterized by an exacting methodological approach [and] contributes significantly to the reader’s understanding of the matters he discusses." —Gianfranco Poggi, Sociologica "In this highly readable and informative book, Richard Lachmann provides a wide-ranging survey over 500 years of state formation and transformation. He covers many epochs and five continents, addresses many theorists and numerous forms of state and regime, and explores multiple aspects of state capacities from war-making and taxation through public works and social benefits to changing forms of political legitimacy. Beginning with the distant origins of states, States and Power ends with informed speculation on the likely future of states and the state system. In short, this is an excellent introduction to a complex topic in historical sociology." —Bob Jessop, Lancaster University "This book is concise, marvelously erudite and clearly written. Lachmann succeeds in presenting both the diverse theoretical constructs regarding state power and the analytically organized historical narratives which flesh out his own synthetic understanding of state power. To the best of my knowledge, Lachmann's achievement has no peer - States and Power has all the elements of an intellectual bestseller." —Georgi Derluguian, Northwestern University