ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a rich overseas literature on the nature of the ruling class. There are lively debates about what constitutes the top capitalist networks. These centre on the nature of the ruling class or what others may call an 'over class' comprising those who hold the greatest economic assets and subsequently political, cultural and social power in society. The ruling class core is made up of a number of competing fractions that exploit workers' labour to make profit. The state is the political apparatus of government, ruling over a given territory, through an organisation such as parliament or congress, and a bureaucratic civil service. The authority of the state is backed by a legal system and by the capacity to use military force to implement its policies. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
