The Role of Authorities in World Society (1979)

Role is a behavioural concept. It implies function, duties, performance by a role occupant. The State, however, is not a role occupant. The State is a legal notion, a label that signifies the existence of a geographical area, recognised by those who occupy other areas outside it. Within the State, there are authorities with jurisdiction within this area, also recognised by others. It is authorities that enact roles. It is they that have and reflect interests; it is they that interpret and assert national interests.