The Socio-Political Enigma: The State

Abstract

The state is a multifaceted administrative-political organization that has various functions in different economic systems. Therefore, a simple definition for the state cannot be given in the face of its different role in different economic systems as well as the polymorphic nature it displays to fulfill its capital accumulation function in capitalism. Confined to its role in the capitalist system, two main functions of the state can be discerned: contribution to capital accumulation and legitimization of the system. That the state needs tax revenue to perform its duties makes it necessary for the state to favor capital to foster economic activity. However, the process of capital accumulation gives rise to “public nuisance” and social harm to some groups in the society. To have a peaceful society and secure a social and political system, the second function of the state takes over the job of putting some measures in effect to legitimize the system. Thus, the state is burdened by two opposing and mutually exclusive public functions that are badly needed in capitalism to have a relatively healthy society. Therefore, the state appears as if it is an enigma in terms of its various functions in different systems and polymorphic nature, especially in capitalism.