In some sense, the hypertrophy of the power of the State, of which the German episode is but one example, constitutes the political problem of our century, a problem as yet unresolved. This was Jouvenel's theme. Jouvenal's three major works are On Power, Sovereignty , and The Pure Theory of Politics . If power fails to grow, it succumbs to stronger powers. We are left without any significant intermediaries between the individual and the State.
Social power is, after all, the result of a transaction.
To receive credit, a power must provide something in return. This reciprocity, Jouvenel believes, has resulted in the welfare state. Only such massive benefits could legitimize the demands that the State has made of its citizens in our century. It is because the State does so much for us that we do not think ourselves enslaved. But Jouvenel draws our attention to the fact that in these transactions, ultimately, someone commands and others obey.