State (polity): Difference between revisions

Given the role that many social groups have in the development of public policy and the extensive connections between state bureaucracies and other institutions, it has become increasingly difficult to identify the boundaries of the state. [[Privatization]], [[nationalization]], and the creation of new [[regulation|regulatory]] bodies also change the boundaries of the state in relation to society. Often the nature of quasi-autonomous organizations is unclear, generating debate among political scientists on whether they are part of the state or civil society. Some political scientists thus prefer to speak of policy networks and decentralized governance in modern societies rather than of state bureaucracies and direct state control over policy.<ref>Kjaer, Anne Mette. 2004. [http://www.amazon.com/dp/0745629792 Governance]. London: Verso. [http://www.amazon.com/dp/0745629792 ISBN 0745629792]</ref> Alfred Stepan also introduced the idea of `political society' those organisations that move periodically between the state and non-state sectors (such as Political Parties). Whaites has argued that in developing countries there are dangers inherent in promoting strong civil society where states are weak, risks that should be considered and mitigated by those funding civil society or advoctatingadvocating its role as an alternative source of service provision<ref>Alan Whaites. 1998. Viewpoint NGOs, civil society and the state: avoiding theoretical extremes in real world issues [http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~content=a713661019~db=all~order=page Development in Practice]</ref>.