The rise of the Modern State

T H E D E V E L O P M E N T O F T H E M O D E R N S T A T E I

The Outline of the Second Week’s Topic:

A. Introduction

1. Clarification of David Held’s position and argument the analysis of the modern state

Focus: the “construction”/ “the making of” the modern state. What does “construction”/ “the making of” mean in this context?
Modern state as an “European” invention
“Decisive role” of the modern state in the development of modernity

2. State societies versus stateless societies

Informal mechanisms of government / institutionalization of government
No clear boundaries / territorial rule (over a geographic space and population)
Settlement of disputes by kinship groups or tribal authorities / legal system enforced by the state
Relationships and transactions defined by custom/ formal coordination of government institutions

3. The modern state:
An impersonal constitutional or legal form or order emerged in the sixteenth century Europe
Capable of administering and controlling over a given territory
A distinct form of public power, separate from both from the ruler and the ruled
Supreme political authority within defined boundaries 4. A Chronology of the History of the States in Europe

Roman Empire → Rome, sacked by Visigoths in 410/ the deposition of the last Roman Emperor in the West in 476/ in the East in 1453
8th – 15th / 16th century→ Dominance of feudal structures; and the Papacy
14th – 16th century→ Decline of the Church and of feudalism; polity of Estates
Around 15th -18th →The rise absolutism
18th -19th centuries →The emergence of the modern state B. A Typology of The States (in European History)

a. Empires:
Ideal Type: Roman Empire
Requirement: Accumulation and concentration of coercive means (war-making ability)
Boundaries: Not fixed; shift due to rebellions and invasions
Economic requirements of the state met by tributes; taxes, war booty
Limited administrative authority;