Includes index.

Bibliography: p. [210]-220.

Introduction : setting the scene -- 1. Zombie categories? -- 2. Ungoverning societies -- 3. Individualization -- 4. Life and death -- 5. Authoritarian liberalism -- 6. Sovereignty and violence -- 7. State of exception -- 8. Contemporary liberal exceptionalism.

"Mitchell Dean focuses on 'governing societies' as a distinctive project that continues to define political life today. The book offers a critical analysis of contemporary liberal approaches to governing societies both in domestic and international affairs." "Governing Societies provides an overview of current perspectives and theories and examines recent transformations in techniques and rationalities of rule. It presents a new argument for the importance and transformation of sovereignty and powers of life and death and how they are integral to governing liberal-democratic societies." "The book is key reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students of sociology and politics, as well as researchers and academics."--BOOK JACKET.