Der Ursprung des Staates

Jan Rolin examines theories on the origin of the state in numerous modern writings which deal with the theory of the state. In doing so, he uses an approach based on the history of ideas which consistently implements those demands made by the so-called new history of ideas. In addition to those texts which were written by well-known authors, he analyzes innumerable less well-known authors. This study is not restricted to an overview of the development of the theories in the laws of nature and of the philosophy of law regarding the legitimation of the state and state authority in the 18th and 19th century; it also analyzes the development of topoi which are central to our modern political and social language, such as freedom, sovereignty, constitution, the people and the nation and the question of the state's purpose.