ABSTRACT
The modern state has been the focus of attention by governments over the past two decades. This concern has involved debate about managerialism (Pollitt, 1990), the scope and remit of the state (Whitfield, 2001) and the position of the state in the international economy (Hirst and Thompson, 1999). During this period, many governments, particularly those in liberal democratic states, initiated policies aimed at recasting their states, structurally as well as in relation to policy. More specifically, in the wake of the September 11 (2001) attack on the World Trade Centre, there has been a further move to reposition the modern liberal democratic state, in particular involving an attempt to reinforce the pre-eminence of the US state, as well as to enhance the militarisation of the state. On the one hand, there appears to be a move towards a more transnational state form, militarised and increasingly undermining democracy and freedom. On the other hand, such a shift confronts moves towards a more decentralised state, engaged with the institutions of civil society. However, this tension is not new and has been recognised in debates about the direction of change that is taking place involving the modern liberal democratic state (e.g. Botsman and Latham, 2001).
