• Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. The modern state; 3. Social order in anarchy; 4. Legitimacy; 5. Reasons; 6. Justice; 7. Sovereignty; 8. Boundaries; 9. The functions of governments; 10. States: pretenses, powers, prospects; Notes; Index.

'… a judicious and wide-ranging discussion of the problems of the definition of the state, the justification of the state, the nature of the state's authority and its extent, and the justification of territorial boundaries for the state and its appropriate function. Morris's book is an enjoyable and thought-provoking read that political philosophers and theorists will do well to pay attention to.' Ethics

• Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. The modern state; 3. Social order in anarchy; 4. Legitimacy; 5. Reasons; 6. Justice; 7. Sovereignty; 8. Boundaries; 9. The functions of governments; 10. States: pretenses, powers, prospects; Notes; Index.

'… a judicious and wide-ranging discussion of the problems of the definition of the state, the justification of the state, the nature of the state's authority and its extent, and the justification of territorial boundaries for the state and its appropriate function. Morris's book is an enjoyable and thought-provoking read that political philosophers and theorists will do well to pay attention to.' Ethics

• Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. The modern state; 3. Social order in anarchy; 4. Legitimacy; 5. Reasons; 6. Justice; 7. Sovereignty; 8. Boundaries; 9. The functions of governments; 10. States: pretenses, powers, prospects; Notes; Index.

'… a judicious and wide-ranging discussion of the problems of the definition of the state, the justification of the state, the nature of the state's authority and its extent, and the justification of territorial boundaries for the state and its appropriate function. Morris's book is an enjoyable and thought-provoking read that political philosophers and theorists will do well to pay attention to.' Ethics