In this critical introduction to the state, Hoffman argues that, with the industrialization of war, states are now capable of destroying humanity itself. If we are to have a future at all, he suggests, we must look beyond the state.
Hoffman discusses various critiques of the state, focusing on liberalism, anarchism, marxism, feminism and postmodernism, and shows how these highlight the need for us to look for alternative forms of political organization. But he also suggests that a distinction should be made between the "state" and "government", arguing that such a distinction holds the key to evaluating these alternative critiques.

Finally, he shows how developments such as the emergence of supra-statest organizations, and the supplanting of repressive and hierarchical institutions of the state by processes of democratic government within international and local communities, point to a world beyond the state. The book is an accessible yet challenging introduction to the state and state theory. It will be welcomed by students in politics and political theory, political philosophy, sociology and international relations.