ABSTRACT
Following the brief assessment of the diverse views discussed in Chapter 9, a final question is considered. Is the state an outmoded twentieth-century institution or could it be the agency for progressive economic and social renewal?
State support for zombie capital has taken place to an unprecedented level particularly since the western financial crisis of 2008–2009. The social transformation or disruption required to decisively shift state intervention from preserving to creating would be considerable. In previous periods of social and political disruption in western societies, there was a significant class presence to lend its conflicts direction, meaning and purpose. Today this no longer applies. Given this unique context, the state must be guided by the widest public debate and involvement if societies are to effectively manage the extensive social disruption needed to achieve a new cultural and economic dynamism. With little doubt, this process would challenge the traditional political order and its populist critics. Its course would be demanding and “messy”. But as society breaks from the long depression, it may also provide the foundations for a far better future.
