"Recently social scientists have begun re-visiting historical processes of state formation, regime change and economic development. This book will be a must-read in this emerging and exciting field of study, providing an outstanding overview of past classics and current debates as well as offering promising and provocative insights into how scholarship might move forward." - Sheri Berman, Barnard College, USA. "If you haven't read the classics on state and regime formation, read Møller. If you have read the classics on state and regime formation, but need a brilliant synthesis and a thought-provoking independent argument, read Møller." - Jan Teorell, Lund University, Sweden. "This book provides a clear and concise overview of the classical and contemporary social science literature, both qualitative and quantitative, on the origins of the modern state, modern democracy and modern market economy. It isdern market economy.

It is unmatched in its even-handedness, acuity of judgement and geographic coverage. In addition, it casts new light on the conditions that led to the emergence of representative institutions in medieval Europe. A must read for anyone interested in the current debates on the divergence (and recent convergence) in economic and political development between the West and Asia." - Thomas Ertman, New York University, USA.