THEORIES OF THE STATE

1. THEORIES OF THE STATE

A. Classical & Social Contract Theories

1. Examine critically the pluralist arguments against the theory of sovereignty. (1993)
2. Examine the main issues involved in the Church-State controversy. What were its consequences? (1993)
3. Comment: “As soon as a nation appoints representatives, it is no longer free, it no longer exists.” (Rousseau). (1994)
4. Comment: “I give the name to every state that is governed by laws, no matter what the form of its administration.” (Rousseau). (2000)
5. Comment: “The reason why men enter into civil society is the preservation of their property.” (Locke). (2003)
6. Comment: “Will, not force, is the basis of the state.” (T. H. Green). (2002)

B.  Liberal & Neo-Liberal Theories

1. Examine the liberal theory of State in contemporary politics. (2022)
2. Comment on Neo-liberal perspective of State (150 words). (2017)
3. Critically examine the neo-liberal theory of State. (2018)

C. Marxist Theories

1. Critically examine Marxist theory of the state with reference to the dictatorship of the proletariat. (2001)
2. Comment: “State is the result of the irreconcilability of class antagonism.” (Lenin). (2007)
3. Critically examine Hamza Alavi’s formulation of the overdeveloped State. (2009)
4. Evaluate Marx’s instrumentalist approach to the State. (2010)
5. What is meant by ‘relative autonomy of State in Marxist analysis? (2012)
6. Discuss in what sense Marx’s understanding of state can be considered as materialistic. (2013)
7. What is the contemporary relevance of Marxism? (2019)

D . Pluralist Theories

1. Comment: “Society is federal, authority must be federal.” (Laski). (2004)
2. Comment: “The discovery of Sovereign in a federal state is an impossible adventure.” (Laski). (2005)
3. Comment: “Because the society is federal, the authority must also be federal.” (Laski). (2007)
4. Comment: Pluralist theory of the State (150 words). (2019)
5. Write approximately 150 words on Pluralist theory of State. (2024)

E . Feminist Theories

1. Discuss Feminist theory of the State. (2016)
2. Comment in about 150 words: Feminist critique of the State. (2021)

F.  Post-Colonial Theories

1. Make an assessment of the post-colonial understanding of State. (2011)
2. Comment in 150 words: Post-colonial theory of the state. (2020)
3. Eurocentrism is both the target and the motive force of the post-colonial political theory. Discuss. (2023)

G . Globalisation & Sovereignty

1. Comment: Impact of Globalisation on State Sovereignty. (2006)
2. Do you think that the modern nation-state has been declining in the wake of globalization? Justify your answer. (2010)
3. Examine the challenges to sovereignty of the State in the contemporary world. (2015)