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DAILY
CLASS NOTES
Political Science & International
Relations

Theories of State (Part - 2)

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Theories of State (Part - 2)

Relative Autonomy or Structuralist Approach

 The state possesses its structure, signifying that it is more than just an instrument and

can exhibit relative autonomy from the economic base. This autonomy, however, is not

absolute but rather relative, implying that while the state is not entirely independent,

there are situations where it may not strictly adhere to the instructions of the capitalist

classes.

 Marx has given the relative autonomy theory in his book ‘THE 18TH BRUMAIRE OF

LOUIS BONAPARTE’. In this book, Marx has given the concept of Bonapartism: It is a

situation when the state gains dictatorial power and has relative autonomy from the

capitalist class.

 In scenarios where no single class holds dominance and multiple classes coexist,

Bonapartism emerges. In such situations, no individual class can fully control the

economic structure, granting the state increased influence. The state, gaining

bargaining power, transcends being a mere instrument of a specific class. Instead, it

engages in strategic interactions with various classes at different times, forming

alliances based on its elevated position.

 Relative autonomy theory of the state is also based on the works of Gramsci.

 Relative autonomy also shows that the state does not rule through coercion but by the

creation of hegemony. The state manufactures consent by projecting its autonomy.

Criticism of Marxist Theory of State

The Frankfurt School criticizes the Marxist theory of the state on several fronts:

1. Overemphasis on Economic Determinism: The Frankfurt School contends that the

Marxist theory places excessive emphasis on economic factors as the sole determinant

of societal structures, overlooking the complexities of cultural and ideological influences

on the state.
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2. Totalizing Nature: Critics from the Frankfurt School argue that Marxist theory tends

to present a totalizing view of the state, neglecting the nuances and autonomy that

certain institutions, such as the state, may possess beyond their economic base.

3. Limited Role of Culture: Unlike the Frankfurt School's emphasis on culture and ideology,

traditional Marxist theory downplays the role of cultural factors in shaping the state.

The Frankfurt School argues that culture plays a crucial role in maintaining and

perpetuating societal norms and institutions.

4. Instrumental Rationality: Marxist theory often portrays the state as a mere instrument

of the ruling class. The Frankfurt School challenges this instrumental rationality by

highlighting instances where the state may act independently or form alliances that

are not solely class-driven.

Pluralist Theory of State

 Proponents – Alex De Tocqueville, J.S. Mill, Arthur Bentley, Trumann.

 Pluralist theory of state emerged after World War II. However, there were traces

of pluralist thoughts much earlier. With the development of the federal form of

government, it was recognized that there is no single centre of power that exist in

society.

 After industrialisation and urbanisation different pressure groups were formed in

the western societies. Like trade Union, Student Union, peasant associations, etc.

The Pluralist theory of state developed in two directions:-

1) Laski and MacIver focused on the pluralistic concept of sovereignty.

2) Robert Dahl showed in his works that power in liberal democracies is widely distributed

among the groups.

Laski held the view that society is federal. Therefore, the state is federal and associations

of society like families, trade unions, and churches came into existence before the state.
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Laski said that every association in society is equally important for the development of

human personality. In this sense, the state is also one of the associations.

Pluralistic Theory of SovereigntyEmerged in response to the monistic theory of sovereignty

(Hobbes, Bentham, Austin) where states have unlimited and unquestionable powers which

led to the rise of fascism, Nazism which became a threat to international peace and

humanity.

In response to this, Laski propounded a pluralistic theory of sovereignty where he says that

the state is a keystone of social architecture whose authority is federal due to the presence

of a multiplicity of associations. It means the state performs an important role in society

which is regulating the behaviour of other associations.

Analysis of Dahl

 Elitists held the view that in liberal societies, power is held by elites. C. Wright Mills

talked about the concept of power elite in the USA. Pareto talked about the circulation

of elites.

 In response to these views and notions, Robert Dahl in his book, ‘Who Governs’ said

that every group competes with others to get more and more power but also he

admitted that business houses are more important or powerful in comparison to the

other groups. Regarding liberal states of the West, he gave the concept of Polyarchy,

i.e., 95% democracy.

 Neo-pluralists like Charles Lindblom and Galbraith held the view that all groups do not

have equal power, corporate groups possess more power. The business interests have a

crucial role in policy-making thus reducing the importance of group behaviour.

 (NOTE:- Do not get confused between pluralistic theory of sovereignty given by Laski

and pluralist theory of state given by Robert Dahl. They both are different as

sovereignty is a part of state but in theories of state we are talking about the state

itself.)
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Post-colonial Theory of State

1. Post-colonial theory explores the impact of colonialism on societies and states after

gaining independence. It examines power structures, cultural influences, and the legacy

of colonial rule in shaping post-colonial states. Scholars in this field analyse issues like

identity, nationalism, and the challenges of building stable governance in the aftermath

of colonialism.

2. The states which once have been under colonialism explain a situation of dependency,

which denotes unequal exchange leading to uneven development. Prosperity at the core

and poverty or the development of under-development at peripheries.

3. Post-colonial state refers to the state of Asia, Africa and Latin America which got

independence after the end of world war II.

Nature of post-colonial states

F.W. Riggs has used the term ‘prismatic societies’ for postcolonial states. It denotes societies

in transition. i.e. traditional societies moving towards modernization. He has given eight

features of prismatic society.

1. Formalism: There is a big difference in theory and practice. Rules are modern, practice

is traditiona Poly-communalism: Not yet a nation but different communities are co-

existing. They are co-existing but don’t trust each other.

2. Poly-normativism: Different norms are followed while formulating laws.

3. Functional overlapping: It means a lack functional specialization e.g. In most of the

countries army and civilian administration is fused.

4. Attainment norms: Either by birth or by achievement. (How one will get position.)

5. Economic system: Bazaar Canteen model.

6. Administrative system: Sala model – for some people system is based on rules and for

some, on connections.

7. Heterogeneity: Co-existence of modernity and tradition.

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Gunnar Myrdal in his book Asian Drama has analysed the nature of the Indian state. He

called ‘India, a Soft State’. A soft state is characterized by its inability to effectively enforce

laws and its leniency toward law-breakers. The outcome of the soft state is lawlessness and

corruption, failure to implement the developmental programs.

Myrdal argues that India's soft-state status is attributed to factors such as corruption

within the bureaucracy and political class, the influence of Gandhian methods during the

independence movement fostering a disobedience culture, and a societal preference for

those who defy the law over those who adhere to it.

Dependency Theory was expounded by scholars like AG Frank, Sameer Amin, and

Immanuel Wallerstein. They categorized the states into two groups –

Core states represent advanced nations, showcasing a concentration of economic, political,

technological, cultural, and military power. The states within these core countries serve as

instruments for their bourgeois or capitalist class.

Peripheral states which exist in a state of 'dependency,' characterized by an unequal

exchange and uneven development.

As a result of dependency, there is a development of underdevelopment. These states are

not autonomous, they are instruments of the states in core countries.

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