This book is the latest in an unplanned series on state theory, states, and state power that reflects changing conjunctures and changing interests. It differs in three fundamental respects from its predecessors. First, instead of focusing on post-war capitalist states or the states of capitalist societies, it addresses the genealogy of the state, the periodization of state formation, contemporary states, and the likely future trends that can be seen in the present (in other words, the present futures). Second, because, by reflecting a broader scope, it offers a conceptual framework for the study of the State that can be used in other contexts, can be incorporated into other theoretical approaches and can also be applied from different perspectives. Third, because, although he resorts to various theoretical approaches and occasionally provides concise criticisms, he does not try to establish a clear dividing line between them, but to synthesize them where possible and useful. Hence, even when I focus on a particular approach, I also appreciate possible links, intersections or parallels with other approaches that are not developed here