Pluto Press The Twilight of the Nation State: Globalisation, Chaos and War

'A strikingly intelligent, lucid and troubling book. ... It is essential reading.' Eric Hobsbawm 'A thoughtful, well-documented, and passionately argued account." Giovanni Arrighi, Johns Hopkins University 'A timely warning that globalisation is bringing about profound changes in the nation state and the international order.' Shashi Tharoor, Undersecretary General for Public Affairs of the United Nations, New York This groundbreaking book offers an in-depth historical perspective on the rise of capitalism, written by one of the leading scholars of the Global South. Arguing that globalisation is generally poorly understood, Jha offers a new synthesis of political and economic theory that sheds light on the consequences of rapid industrialisation worldwide. Writing from outside the usual Western perspective, the book challenges many of the usual preconceptions about the impact of globalisation. Jha argues that capitalism has developed in four major stages. With a foreword by Eric Hobsbawm, the book provides a detailed history of the rise of capitalism from its early days through the industrial revolution until today. Examining the role of the nation state, this book presents a truly unique perspective on globalisation that will be of interest to all students of economic theory and international relations. Review In the spirit of ecumenical scholarship of the left, I can heartily recommend The Twilight of the Nation State. It is by far the most convincing case I have seen for the globalization hypothesis, as well as being an impassioned manifesto against the rich and powerful on behalf of the world's disempowered majority. (Louis Proyect) Prem Jha’s book is a thoughtful, well-documented, and passionately argued account of the danger that the present crisis of US hegemony may be headed toward endless chaos rather than a new world order. It should be read by anyone who cares about the future of world society. (Giovanni Arrighi, Johns Hopkins University) Prem Jha is one of the few experts on globalization from the developing world. He offers a cogent account of its grand possibilities but also warns against its pitfalls. He does so by avoiding the trap of viewing it solely through the lens of economics. His book is a timely warning that globalisation is bringing about profound changes in the nation state and the international order. These need to be fully understood in order to be managed. (Shashi Tharoor, Undersecretary General for Public Affairs of the United Nations, New York) Synopsis This groundbreaking book offers an in-depth historical perspective on the rise of capitalism, written by one of the leading scholars of the Global South. Arguing that globalisation is generally very poorly understood, Prem Shankar Jha offers a new synthesis of political and economic theory that sheds light on the consequences of rapid industrialisation worldwide. Writing from outside the usual Western perspective, the book challenges many of the usual preconceptions about the impact of globalisation. Jha argues that capitalism has developed in four major stages. Each stage has ended in chaos, with the destruction of major political institutions and prolonged conflict. According to Jha, we are currently experiencing the fourth and most recent crisis. With a foreword by Eric Hobsbawn, the book provides a detailed history of the rise of capitalism from its early days through the industrial revolution until today. Exploring the growing incidence of 'failed states', devastation of the environment, and the rise of pandemics, such as HIV, he argues that each phase is accompanied by a disintegration in social order. Examining the role of the nation state, and its role in a global political order, this book presents a truly unique perspective on globalisation that will be of interest to all students of economic theory and international relations. About the Author Prem Shankar Jha is a columnist and former editor of th