This chapter introduces the conceptual framework of the book. It presents how state surveillance is defined and referred to throughout the book, and reviews the literature about the external factors (i.e., institutional, technological, and contextual) that influence individuals’ acceptance of state surveillance. The first section, next, presents the chronological evolution of surveillance from the first references in Antiquity all the way through to contemporary times. The second section is dedicated to conceptualizing and defining surveillance in general, and the third section discusses the features of contemporary surveillance. The fourth section sets out how this book conceptualizes state surveillance and the fifth one reviews the literature about individuals and their acceptance of state surveillance. The conclusions summarize the main points raised in this chapter.