Published by Crackers Books,

30 August 2024

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State, Class Struggle, and the Reproduction of ​Capital” by Simon Clarke


Clarke, S. (1991). State, class struggle, and the reproduction of capital. In The state debate (pp. 183-203). ​London: Palgrave Macmillan UK. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-349-21464-8_6



Simon Clarke’s paper, “State, Class Struggle, and the Reproduction of Capital,” provides a critical ​analysis of the Marxist theory of the state. Clarke critiques existing Marxist interpretations, arguing that ​they often oscillate between overly abstract and overly empirical analyses. He asserts that the ​capitalist state should not be viewed as either a neutral institution or merely a tool of the capitalist ​class. Instead, it is a historical form of social relation intrinsically linked to the reproduction of capital ​and class struggle.


Clarke challenges the tendency to treat the state as an external force independent of class struggle, ​arguing that the state’s autonomy is only a surface appearance rather than an essential characteristic. ​He emphasizes that the state’s role must be understood through the lens of class struggle, where it ​functions as a regulatory force that maintains the conditions necessary for capital’s reproduction while ​appearing neutral.


Strengths of the Paper


1. Integration of Theory and History: Clarke successfully integrates theoretical analysis with ​historical context, emphasizing that the capitalist state evolved not from an abstract necessity but ​through concrete class struggles. This approach provides a more nuanced understanding of the state ​as a historical phenomenon shaped by the dynamics of class conflict.


2. Critique of Autonomy and Neutrality: Clarke effectively critiques the common notion that the ​state’s autonomy and neutrality are fundamental. Instead, he argues these are mere appearances that ​serve to mask the state’s true function as a tool of capitalist domination.


3. Focus on Class Struggle: The paper’s emphasis on class struggle as the mediating factor between ​capital and the state highlights the importance of viewing political institutions as active battlegrounds ​rather than passive structures. This focus redirects attention from institutional forms to the social ​relations that define them.


4. Relevance to Contemporary Politics: Clarke’s analysis remains relevant by examining the rise of ​the New Right and its implications for class struggle, highlighting how shifts in state policies reflect ​deeper changes in the balance of power between classes.


Implications for Understanding Marxism


Clarke’s work has significant implications for understanding Marxism, particularly in its application to ​the study of the state:


1. Reconceptualizing the State: By redefining the state as a form of class struggle rather than a mere ​appendage of capital, Clarke provides a framework that challenges simplistic interpretations of state ​power. This perspective invites a more critical engagement with how political institutions function ​within capitalist societies.


2. Emphasizing Historical Context: Clarke’s insistence on analyzing the state within its historical ​context underscores the importance of historical materialism in Marxist theory. It serves as a reminder ​that political structures are not static but evolve in response to ongoing struggles.


3. Understanding Capitalist Reproduction: Clarke’s focus on the reproduction of capital highlights ​the interconnectedness of economic and political power. This approach helps to explain why the state ​often intervenes in ways that appear contradictory—such as supporting welfare programs while ​simultaneously suppressing labor movements—by showing how these actions serve to maintain the ​overall stability of capitalist relations.


4. Strategic Orientation for Marxists: Clarke’s critique of the reliance on parliamentary systems and ​the need for alternative forms of collective self-organization provides strategic insights for ​contemporary Marxist movements. It calls for a focus on building grassroots organizations that can ​challenge the structural power of capital beyond the limits of formal political channels.


In summary, Clarke’s paper enriches the Marxist understanding of the state by integrating theoretical ​rigor with historical sensitivity, emphasizing the state’s role in class struggle and the reproduction of ​capital. It challenges Marxists to rethink conventional views of political institutions and to focus on the ​transformative potential of collective action.


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