The State

A major difference between orthodox and political economists is their analysis of the state - the government and the multitude of bodies that surround it.

Orthodox economists are split into two camps. The neoclassical tradition, stressing the beauty of the "free market" sees the state's intervention as a necessary evil to sort out imperfections. Keynesians stress the role of the state in regulating the economy - producing full employment, balanced overseas payments and stable prices.

The problems facing present capitalist economists suggest that these ideas are not enough. Leading academics admit that economics has little to suggest beyond "hold on and hope"

There is another similarity, in that both sides treat the state as neutral, as not favouring particular groups. Orthodox political science has developed this into a fine art. Government power is fought over by various groups. This is the pluralist approach. There is no inherent bias.

Political economy does not treat the state as neutral. As we noted in the general overview of political economy, this treatment varies. On the one hand we have Miliband pointing out the inconsistencies and errors in the pluralist approach. On the other, writers such as Polantzas and O'Connor approach the subject in a more rigorous Marxist fashion.

Miliband in pointing out the shortcomings of pluralism is a vital introduction to the debate on the state. It is an introduction that needs to be stressed more. In convincing people of the superiority of a different theory, it is surely necessary to start from where they are at the moment.

However, many Marxists, including those at the Conference, took this sort of basis as understood The arguments of Poulantzas etc have thus an assumed framework ('problematic'). This problematic involves a break from previous ways of thinking and acting.

Because of this emphasis on rigour and on a radically new approach, the arguments often tend to be very technical, abstract and difficult to follow. The reader must decide for him/herself if the effort is worth it.

In my view it is. It is important to have a clear analysis of the role of the state to assist in political struggles against it. From this point we get into it.