These transformations in the role of the state are a key research problem for political scientists. Approaching the state in a governance perspective helps us understand the new or emerging roles of the state. Different forms – modes – of governance will characterize the pursuit of collective interests in the foreseeable future much more than alternative forms of the exercise of formal, constitutional powers. The gradual shift from ‘government’ towards governance has significant ramifications both within the state (see, for example, peters and savoie,1995; peters and pierre,1998a) and its relationship with the surrounding society (Rhodes,1997). This book seeks to stimulate our thinking about these changes and how we are best to understand them.