The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Political Science

Authors: Bogdanor
Summary: In approximately 2275 words, this entry introduces a historical, conceptual overview of the state; describes the contributions of Machiavelli, Bodin and Weber, among others, to contemporary understanding of the concept; and concludes by briefly examining different analytical theories of the state.
The state as a "form of political association" emerged in the fifteenth century from conflict involving medieval parliaments, the church, and the nobility. As a term, state came into usage slowly and inconsistently. Machiavelli and Jean Bodin contributed significantly to a clearer conception of state, but they, like modern theorists and practicians of the state, were still challenged by the state's dual role as both an apparatus of power and a legal institution. Max Weber introduced a third role played by the state--bureaucracy.
By the nineteenth century, states were generally understood to possess a distinct territorial character, significant powerful resources, and a particular purpose. However many other issues and questions remained, and gave rise to a variety of political and legal theories, which the entry briefly outlines. In order to organize this complex theoretical exploration of the state, these theories are distinguished based on three conceptions: the state as might, the state as law and the state as legitimacy. Analyzed historically, state theories reflect different social and economic experiences: social hierarchy, individualism, and community. The entry describes and concisely evaluates each of these analytical approaches.
In its concluding section, the entry considers Marxist theories of the state. The general Marxist perspective is a critical one, with the attack focused predominantly on the distinction between state and civil society. Twentieth century Neo-Marxist theories bring the concept of state into modern and post-modern context.