Paper short abstract:

While keeping in mind the relational approach, I propose to interpret the state through the metaphor of a three-dimensional liquid crystal and illustrate this model with an ethnographic snapshot from a small village in Montenegro

Paper long abstract:

The relational approach to state proposed by Thelen et als provide us with an unusually broad lens with which to analyse the state and include both its practices and representations. It nevertheless does no capture some aspects of the state, e.g., that the state is brought into being not only in relation with the bureaucracies and the structures of governance (what is often called "the state"), but also by a number of other efforts that can have little to do with these structures. While keeping in mind the relational approach, I propose to interpret the state through the metaphor of a three-dimensional liquid crystal. Liquid crystals can be at the same time structured and fluid. Whether it is completely liquid, solid or in between, depends on the amount of energy applied. In the state various actors attempt at administrating the right amounts of energy, to shape the level of crystallization and liquidity of the environment. The 3D nature of this model also means that depending on the perspective, the other nodes of crystallization can align in various patterns that seem meaningful - a phenomenon that explains the illusory nature of the state. I illustrate this model with an ethnographic snapshot from a small village in Montenegro where citizens try to influence construction of a road with various degrees of success. Multiple relations among the villagers, bureaucrats, politicians, the road, buildings, history and nature bring the state into being.