ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the elements of an alternative Marxist theory of the state. It shows that critiques of orthodox Marxist theory of the state are flawed by their acceptance of the idea of a class-conscious ruling class. The chapter argues that there is a basis in Marx's writing for rejecting the idea of a class-conscious ruling class. The major development in the Marxist theory of the state in recent years has been the formulation of a critique of instrumentalism. The way out of this theoretical bind, the way to formulate a critique of instrumentalism that collapse, is to reject the idea of a class-conscious ruling class. The chapter also argues that a viable Marxist theory of the state depends on the rejection of the idea of a conscious, politically directive, ruling class. Substantial progress has been made in formulating a critique of orthodox Marxist formulations that reduce the state to a mere reflection of economic interests.
