Thecapitalist state is thestate, its functions and the form of organization it takes withincapitalist socioeconomic systems.[1] This concept is often used interchangeably with the concept of the modern state. Despite their common functions, there are many different sociological characteristics recognized as aspects of capitalist states.[2]
The primary functions of the capitalist state are to provide a legal framework and infrastructural framework conducive tobusiness enterprise and theaccumulation of capital. Different normative theories exist on the necessary and appropriate function of the state in acapitalist economy, with proponents oflaissez-faire favoring a state limited to the provision ofpublic goods and safeguarding private property rights while proponents ofinterventionism stress the importance of regulation, intervention and macroeconomic stabilization for providing a favorable environment for the accumulation of capital and business.[3]
Thus, thinkers in theMarxist tradition often refer to the capitalist state as thedictatorship of the bourgeoisie.[4] Thinkers in theinstrumental Marxist tradition stress the role of policymakers and political elites sharing a common business or class background, leading to their decisions reflecting their class interest. This is differentiated from more contemporary notions of state capture by specific business interests for the benefit of those specific businesses and not the ruling class or capitalist system as a whole, which is variously referred to ascrony capitalism orcorporatocracy.[5]
According toDylan John Riley,Nicos Poulantzas argued that "all capitalist States had the dual task of preventing the political organization of the dominated classes, and of organizing thedominant class".[6]
In laissez-faire capitalism, the state restricts itself to providing public goods and services that the economy cannot generate by itself and to safeguarding private ownership and the smooth operation of the self-regulating market.
