Prof. Rao interviews Dr. Graeme Garrard, a reader in politics at Cardiff University in the United Kingdom. His latest book, The Return of the State: And Why it is Essential for our Health, Wealth and Happiness. In this meticulously researched work published by Yale University Press earlier this year, Prof. Garrard maps the trajectory of the modern state since its inception in the 16th century and outlines its vicissitudes in different epochs.