ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a critical review of the role of the State in the capitalist space economy. An important distinction is made between studies of the 'State in capitalism' and of the 'capitalist State'. The chapter reviews alternative theories of the State in capitalism; these are found to be wanting in the light of the criteria. It explores the potential contributions of the various theories of the capitalist State. The chapter discusses some remarks on the significant theories in a materialist theory of the capitalist State. The only truly self-aware studies of the form of the capitalist State are to be found in the Marxist literature. However, Marx himself did not develop any consistent theory of the capitalist State. The capital logic approach does not conceive of the State merely as an instrument established and controlled by capital. The chapter concludes with the assessment of the significant emphases and directions proposed by a materialist theory of the State.
