The State as Cultural Practice offers an original theory of the state. In place of the institutional state, Bevir and Rhodes argue for 'the stateless state', or for a focus on the contingent beliefs and practices of individuals. In short, they put the people back into the study of the state.

Mark Bevir is a Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley.
R. A. W. Rhodes is Professor of Government (Research) at the University of Southampton (UK); Adjunct Professor of Government and Public Policy at Griffith University (Brisbane, Australia); and Emeritus Professor of Politics at the University of Newcastle (UK).

• List of Figures and Tables


• Preface and acknowledgements


• 1: Introduction


• Part I State theory


• 2: Institutionalism


• 3: Anti-foundationalism


• 4: Interpretation


• 5: Rethinking the state


• Part II Rule, Rationalities, and Resistance


• 6: Ministerial ruling


• 7: Managerial rationalities


• 8: Living Westminster Traditions


• 9: Bringing people back in


• Conclusions


• Bibliography


• Index