Reformulation of state theory

Abstract

After a period of relative neglect, state theory is once more at the centre of debate within Marxism. New theoretical currents from Germany provide the focus of this article by Werner Bonefeld. Concentrating on the work of Hirsch, Esser and Roth, he examines their attempts to reformulate state theory, their use of ‘intermediate’ categories, and the political implications of their approach. The author argues that there is a need for a less functionalist and determinist analysis of current social and political transformations.