This pedagogical study makes a theoretical contribution toward further understanding of the concepts of power, ideology, governance, the roles and rights of citizens, democracy, constitutions, the corporate foundation of the state, and the nature of the dynamic relationship among the states. It looks specifically at developing countries and the industrial world, giving serious comparative thought to historical, sociological, and political concerns. Significantly, the three actors central to the study-the state, its citizens, and private corporations-are consistently at odds. The conflicting relationship between the three is characterized by the struggle for self-interest, self-preservation, and consensus, which varies based on the nature of the nation-state and its geopolitical location.