Beyond marxist state theory: State autonomy in democratic societies

@article{Decanio2000BeyondMS,
  title={Beyond marxist state theory: State autonomy in democratic societies},
  author={Samuel Decanio},
  journal={Critical Review},
  year={2000},
  volume={14},
  pages={215 - 236}
}
  • S. Decanio
  • Published 1 January 2000
  • Economics
  • Critical Review
Abstract Recent theories of the state often draw attention to states’ autonomy from social preferences. This paper suggests that the phenomenon of public ignorance is the primary mechanism responsible for state autonomy in democratic polities. Such theorists as Skocpol and Poulantzus, who do not take account of public ignorance, either underestimate the state's autonomy or stress causal mechanisms that are necessary but not sufficient conditions for its autonomy. Gram‐sci's concept of… 
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