The Polity and its Defining Features. The Modern State

Three authors Skocpol, Mitchell and Gill in their works define and analyse the origin, development and possible decline of the modern state. How we can define the modern state? What is the role and functions of modern state? What kind of place does society have in modern state? The opinion of three authors differs, especially in relationship between state and society and understanding of the autonomy of the state.
Skocpol argues for “bringing the state back in” because one can explain social changes by using the state as a powerful independent variable. Moreover, to her mind the powerful state is necessary for social justice. However and unfortunately, there are just few scholars who have thought about potential consequences of powerful and autonomous states. Mitchell argues for conceptual distinction between states and societies and emphasizes the “boundary problem”. He raises criticism against statist approaches which neglect autonomous social-psychological processes and the role of collective emotions.…