A (reluctant) defence of the theory of the transnational state

AbstractFollowing recent criticism of the concept of a transnational state, this paper attempts to defend the concept by focusing on the role that property plays in organizing societies. Through an analysis of how the rise of private property reoriented the role of feudal absolutist states, the paper argues that contemporary free trade agreements are transforming nation-states into transnational states by restricting their ability to legislate against corporate interests.