State theory

This volume develops a novel approach to state theory. It offers a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the state and sets a new agenda for state research. Four central themes define the scope of the book: an account of the bases of the operational autonomy of the state; the need to develop state theory as part of a more general social theory; the possibilities of explaining "capitalist societalization" without assuming that the economy is the ultimate determinate of societal dynamics; and a defense of the method of articulation in theory construction. In developing these issues, Bob Jessop both builds on and goes well beyond the view presented in his earlier books, The Capitalist State (1982) and Nicos Poulantzas (1985). The result is a highly original statement that should stimulate much debate. The volume confirms the author's standing as one of the most important postwar Marxist state theorists.