This work examines the plethora of competitive strategies adopted by the modern state: from the exclusive hegemonic strategies of the most powerful states to the parasitical strategies of the mini-states that serve as tax havens and flags of conveniencethe welfare policies of the "shielders" to the repressed and exploited labour forces of "downwardly mobile" Third World states; from emerging continental economies of NAFTA and the EU, to the utter despair of collapsed states structurally unable to compete in the world economy. By investigating these strategic responses, this book presents a comprehensive study of the tactics and strategies employed by states to achieve greater stability and strength with the global political economy.