In an era dominated by images over words and the relationship of words to current affairs and commercial effectiveness, as opposed to theoretical reflection, a book that refers to classical theories of the state is undoubtedly an effort against the tide.

This is even more the case when this very effort aims not at a museum-like presentation of various state theories and the apologetic justification of the state's form of organizing society, but at utilizing them within the framework of a "utopian" theoretical quest for transcending state-organized society and the emancipation of the individual.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]