Between Description and Explanation in State Theory: Rethinking Marx and Weber

Abstract

Although studying the state occupies a central place in historical sociology. traditional conceptualizations have tended to be an ‘either-or’ choice between Marxist or Weberian approaches. The differences between contemporary versions of these paradigms, however, seem greatly overstated. Indeed, sophisticated development of state theory in recent years has been precipitated by a convergence between the two schools of thought. After examining leading contemporary scholarship, a mixture of intellectual, political and economic trends are examined to help explain and interpret this dialogue. I conclude by offering some thoughts on the current challenges facing state theory.