What is the 'state' and how can we best study it? Investigating ways of
analysing the state, this book provides a critical analysis of anthropological
approaches to the study of state formation. An outline of theoretical
approaches is followed by nine case studies ranging from South Africa to Peru
to Norway.What is the 'state' and how can we best study it? This book investigates
new ways of analysing the state. The contributors argue that the state is not a
fixed and definite object. Our perceptions of it are constantly changing, and
differ from person to person. What is your idea of the state if you are a
refugee? Or if you are living in post-apartheid South Africa? Our perceptions
are formed and sustained by evolving discourses and techniques - these come
from institutions such as government, but are also made by communities and
individuals. The contributors examine how state structures are viewed from the
inside, by official state bodies, composed of bureaucrats and politicians; and
how these state manifestations are supported, reproduced or transformed at a
local level. An outline of theoretical approaches is followed by nine case
studies ranging from South Africa to Peru to Norway. With a good range of
contributors including Cris Shore, Clifton Crais, Ana Alonso and Bruce
Kapferer, this is a comprehensive critical analysis of anthropological
approaches to the study of state formation.
