States of Transition takes a deep dive into the multiple roles states are playing in supporting transitions to a more sustainable world and where there is scope for their transformation. Going beyond unhelpful binaries - which cast the state as the central problem or the all-encompassing solution to ecological and social crises - it explores diverse current state practice across key domains: military, democracy, welfare, entrepreneurial, industrial, and foreign policy. It builds on theoretical resources from a range of disciplines, as befits the challenge of making sense of these diverse aspects of state power. It moves beyond existing analysis of the 'environmental state' to explore scope for a 'transition state' to emerge, capable of corralling and transforming all aspects of state power behind the goal of responding to the existential threat of planetary collapse. The book will be invaluable to students, academics, and practitioners concerned with environmental policy and sustainability.

‘As we hurtle towards accelerating polycrises, the battle over the role of the state has never been more important. States of Transition is therefore essential reading. Rigorous and forensic, Newell makes a compelling case that, if we’re to rise to the threat of planetary collapse, the state must move beyond enabling transitions within and for capitalism, to supporting the necessary deeper transformations in the economy, politics and society. There could be no better guide through the complexities and contradictions of the role of the state at this critical time.’

Caroline Lucas - Former MP, Green Party of England and Wales

‘State of Transition is a superb exploration of what it will take for states to move from governing for the transition to sustainability to governing for more radical transformations. In his much-needed book, Peter Newell provides a critical examination of state power that exposes its contradictions and assesses prospects for transformative change.’

Jennifer Clapp - University of Waterloo

‘Rather like remaking the ship while at sea, States of Transition offers a timely analysis of the crisis and opportunities we face as requiring the reconfiguration and restructuring of the state and its complex and contradictory institutionalised capacities as ineliminable and unavoidable features of how humanity navigates the uncertainties and turbulences it now faces on a destabalised Earth.’

John Barry - Queens University, Belfast

‘Peter Newell is at the forefront of analyzing the politics of societal transformations needed for a more sustainable world. While many have become wary of relying on the state to lead such profound change, Newell’s book boldly asserts its central role. His analysis of the multiple dimensions of state power – and their relations and contradictions – provides a unique and comprehensive assessment of the prospects and limits of the state leading a ‘just’ transformation in the face of ecological and social crises.’

Steven Bernstein - University of Toronto