This essay by Michael Mann aims to specify the origins, mechanisms, and outcomes of the autonomous power that the state holds over the main power groups of "civil society." The argument is presented generally, drawing from his ongoing empirical research project, *Sources of Social Power*. Mann defines the state and discusses its implications, focusing on centralization and territoriality in relation to two types of state power: despotic and infrastructural. He argues that the autonomy of the state, in both despotic and infrastructural forms, primarily stems from its capacity to provide a territorial organization that is centrally centralized. Mann critiques existing theories of the state, which have been reductionist, reducing the state to pre-existing structures of civil society. He highlights the political and scientific challenges of alternative theories, such as the militarist tradition, which has been associated with unattractive political associations. Despite these challenges, Mann suggests that a dual theory of the state, identifying internal economic/ideological and external military/international dimensions, could provide a more comprehensive understanding of state power. He emphasizes that the state is not merely a space where internal and external pressures are resolved but an arena where military force is mobilized internally and internationally. The autonomy of the state, he argues, is derived from its centralization and territoriality, which provide a potential independent base of power mobilization necessary for social development. Mann discusses the historical growth of state power, particularly the increase in infrastructural power, driven by technological advancements such as division of labor, literacy, standardization, and communication. He also explores the origins of state power, tracing it to the need for a central authority to maintain order, protect property, and regulate economic activities. Finally, Mann explains how the state's centralization and territoriality contribute to its autonomous power, distinguishing it from other power groups in civil society. He concludes that the state's power is irreducible to other forms of power and can be understood as a distinct socio-spatial and organizational entity.This essay by Michael Mann aims to specify the origins, mechanisms, and outcomes of the autonomous power that the state holds over the main power groups of "civil society." The argument is presented generally, drawing from his ongoing empirical research project, *Sources of Social Power*. Mann defines the state and discusses its implications, focusing on centralization and territoriality in relation to two types of state power: despotic and infrastructural. He argues that the autonomy of the state, in both despotic and infrastructural forms, primarily stems from its capacity to provide a territorial organization that is centrally centralized. Mann critiques existing theories of the state, which have been reductionist, reducing the state to pre-existing structures of civil society. He highlights the political and scientific challenges of alternative theories, such as the militarist tradition, which has been associated with unattractive political associations. Despite these challenges, Mann suggests that a dual theory of the state, identifying internal economic/ideological and external military/international dimensions, could provide a more comprehensive understanding of state power. He emphasizes that the state is not merely a space where internal and external pressures are resolved but an arena where military force is mobilized internally and internationally. The autonomy of the state, he argues, is derived from its centralization and territoriality, which provide a potential independent base of power mobilization necessary for social development. Mann discusses the historical growth of state power, particularly the increase in infrastructural power, driven by technological advancements such as division of labor, literacy, standardization, and communication. He also explores the origins of state power, tracing it to the need for a central authority to maintain order, protect property, and regulate economic activities. Finally, Mann explains how the state's centralization and territoriality contribute to its autonomous power, distinguishing it from other power groups in civil society. He concludes that the state's power is irreducible to other forms of power and can be understood as a distinct socio-spatial and organizational entity.