Capitalist state

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The capitalist state is the state, its functions, and the form of organization it takes within capitalist socioeconomic systems.^[1] This concept is often used interchangeably with the concept of the "modern state"; however there are many differences in sociological characteristics among capitalist states, despite their common functions.^[2]

The primary functions of the capitalist state are to provide a legal framework and infrastructural framework that is conducive to business enterprise and the accumulation of capital.

Karl Marx described the function of the executive of a capitalist state as "nothing but a committee for managing the common affairs of the whole bourgeoisie". Specifically, in Marx's view, the capitalist state necessarily exists to serve the interests of capitalists (referred to as "the bourgeoisie"). Thus thinkers in the Marxist tradition often refer to the capitalist state as the Dictatorship of the bourgeoisie.^[3]

See also

• Capital accumulation
• Capitalism
• Capitalist mode of production
• Corporatocracy
• Dictatorship of the Bourgeoisie
• Economic interventionism
• Liberal democracy
• Socialist state
• Sovereign state
• Communist state
• State capitalism

References

Further reading

• Barak, Gregg (ed.) (1991). Crimes by the Capitalist State: An Introduction to State Criminality. Albany, New York: State University of New York Press. ISBN 0-7914-0584-2.
• Duncan, Graeme. Democracy and the Capitalist State. New York: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9780521280624.
• Jessop, Bob (2002). The Future of the Capitalist State. Cambridge: Polity Press. ISBN 0-7456-2272-0.
• Jessop, Bob (1990). State Theory: Putting the Capitalist State in its Place. University Park: Pennsylvania State University Press. ISBN 0-271-00735-4.
• Saville, John (1994). The Consolidation of the Capitalist State, 1800-1850. London and Boulder, Colorado: Pluto Press. ISBN 978-0-7453-0898-2.
• Szymanski, Albert (1978). The Capitalist State and the Politics of Class. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Winthrop Publishers. ISBN 978-0876261057.