Sociologists differ in their assessment of the role of the state in our contemporary globalizing society. Using current newspapers, choose some current national-global issue (e.g., environmental change, financial regulation, food supply) that is being discussed, and based on the media account of this issue, assess the role of the state vis-à-vis other nation states, supra-national organizations (e.g., EU, IMF, UN), and economic corporations. Based on your analysis, what theoretical perspectives (e.g., Sklair, Giddens, Bauman, Sassen) seem to offer the better explanation of the relevance or place of the state among global actors?

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The Answer is One current national-global issue that is being discussed in the media is environmental change, specifically the debate around climate change and the role of the state in addressing it.

Based on media accounts of this issue, the role of the state is being assessed in relation to other nation states, supra-national organizations such as the EU, IMF, and UN, and economic corporations. The state is being called upon to take a leading role in implementing policies and regulations to mitigate climate change, while also collaborating with other nation states and supra-national organizations to create global agreements and initiatives. At the same time, economic corporations are being pressured to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their carbon footprint.

From a theoretical perspective, Saskia Sassen's concept of the "global city" and the role of the state in managing global economic processes seems to offer a better explanation of the relevance or place of the state among global actors. Sassen argues that the state still plays a crucial role in regulating and managing global economic activities, even in the face of globalization. This perspective aligns with the current media accounts of the state's role in addressing environmental change, as it emphasizes the state's regulatory and managerial functions in the global context. Additionally, Anthony Giddens' theory of the "third way" and the role of the state in addressing global challenges also provides insights into the state's role in addressing environmental change, as it emphasizes the need for state intervention and collaboration with other actors to address global issues.

Sociologists Differ in Their Assessment of the Role of the State