Critical theories of the state: Marxist, neo-Marxist, post-Marxist

Abstract

Critical Theories of the State is a survey of radical perspectives on the modern state. By focusing on Marxist theory and its variations, particularly as applied to advanced industrial societies and contemporary welfare states, Clyde W. Barrow provides an extensive and thorough treatment of the topic. Barrow divides the methodological assumptions and key hypotheses of Marxist, neo-Marxist and post-Marxist theories into five distinct approaches: instrumentalist, structuralist, derivationist, systems-analytic and organisational realist. He categorises the many theorists discussed in the book, including such thinkers as Elmer Altvater, G. William Domhoff, Fred Block, Claus Offe and Theda Skocpol, according to their concepts of the state's relationship to capital and their methodological approach to the state. Based on this survey, Barrow elaborates a compelling typology of radical state theories that indentifies with remarkable clarity points of overlap and divergence among the various theories. Scholars conducting research within the rubric of state theory, political development, and policy history should find Critical Theories of the State a valuable review of the literature. Moreover, Barrow's work should make a useful textbook for undergraduate and graduate courses in political science and sociology, and can also be used by those teaching theory courses in international relations, history and political economy.