This book provides students with a fresh overview of the main theories of the state found in International Relations. The author introduces readers to state theory, argues that existing theories of the state are limited, and proposes a new framework. In doing so, he surveys realist, liberal, Marxist, constructivist and neo-Weberian approaches to the state. The book offers readers a unique introduction to state theory in International Relations, and will be of interest to students and scholars of sociology and politics, as well as International Relations.