Includes bibliographical references (p. [261]-297) and index.

Introduction : a historical approach to the state and global order -- The emergence of the territorial state -- The ancient Roman state : imperial rule -- The feudal "state" : indirect rule -- The medieval state : territorial sovereignty instituted -- The modern territorial state -- The absolute state : sovereignty unbound -- The liberal constitutional state : sovereignty popularized -- The antiliberal state : sovereignty particularized -- The managerial state : sovereignty rationalized -- Globalizing the territorial state -- The colonial state : sovereignty expanded -- The nation-state : sovereignty reimagined -- The postcolonial state : instituting sovereignty -- Challenges to the state -- The present state of states : sovereignty challenged -- Conclusion : a new global order?