Scholarly synthesis that morphs into Thatcherite screed

Review of Rise and Decline of the State by Martin Van Creveld

The first 3/4 of this book – on the rise of the state – is a fascinating, if occasionally dry, historical look at the organization of power to form the administrative, territorial state. This is essential reading for anyone interested in history, current affairs, and political science. It is written at the high undergraduate level. Unfortunately, while …