Robert Cooper

Post-modern State: Power diffused both domestically and internationally; democratic; much influenced by media and popular emotion. Industrial functions may be reduced. Competing pressures complicate decision making. Economy: Industrial/postindustrial. Services and information industries begin to dominate. Intellectual basis (Zeitgeist): Diversity and uncertainty. Existentialism. Wittgenstein, Camus, Joyce, Einstein, Heisenberg, Warhol. Foreign relations: Transparency and mutual vulnerability; non-state actors including media play an important role. Policy time-frame shortens. The Post-Modern State and the World Order (PDF file)