Describe the Marxist perception of state in developing societies bringing out its differences with the Liberal perspective.

    Marx put forward the relative autonomy theory in 18th Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte. By studying the nature of state in Bonapartist France he concluded that when there are competing class interests state emerges as the equilibrium maker. It enjoys relative autonomy and functions as a neutral arbitrator. In Bonapartist France, the capitalist system hadn’t fully developed and feudal (traditional) structures weren’t yet dismantled. The state benefited from multiple participants in the mode of production. This Marxian analysis is applied by scholars for studying the nature of state in developing societies.

    Marx considered state as an instrument of oppression. Marxists consider state as the ‘managerial executive committee of the capitalist class’ which works for the profit maximization of capitalists. Czarist Russia, Metternich’s Austria was considered as the rule of the dominant class for their own benefit. The liberals consider the state as a product of social contract. The negative liberals have called for a minimum state (a police state). They want the state to play fewer roles. To them, the best government is the one which governs least. They believe state with its coercive machinery restricts freedom and free enterprise. Positive liberals believe that there is more freedom in the presence of state. They believe that state aids in developing the full potential of an individual and realizing his self. They believe that state acts as a neutral arbitrator and benefits the citizenry.

    The developing states in Latin America, Africa and Asia have a history of struggle for state power. The Nationalist movements in colonial states were based on the premise that the state power can be used for emancipation of the masses and eradication of all social and economic ills. Thus the state has taken up developmental roles and is an active participant in most of the national affairs.

    Like Bonapartian France and Bismarkian Germany there is no single dominant class in developing societies. Marxists believe that the state has some degree of autonomy and independence in developing societies. However, they believe that in the event of a crisis the state will safeguard and protect the capitalists (dominant class). Marxists consider that the state supports the haves and does not favor the have not’s. Liberals have put forward the theory of polyarchy. They project that democracy as the rule of many takes into consideration the opinion of not only the dominant class but of the majority. Robert Dahal, has pointed out how different civil society organizations act as pressure groups and force the state to consider their views.

    Marxists consider that the state in developing societies has become the most powerful entity. The competitions by varying class interests have created a situation where the political executive has gained the most power. State has become a class on to itself and works to protect its own interest. Bureaucracy and officialdom function for their own preservation. Marxists have used this analysis for post-colonial societies such as India and Pakistan (military has become most dominant). Moreover, the nature of freedom struggle and states role in developmental and welfare activities has increased its role as well as power.

    Liberals consider the state as an umpire who acts in an impartial manner. Liberals consider the large state apparatus in developing societies has become a necessity because of the government’s role in developmental and welfare activities. The developmental deficit and historical factors have caused the need for powerful state in developing societies. State acts not only as regulator (as in case of developed nations) but also as a facilitator.

    Classical Marxists considered state as the reflection of the class interests of the class that controls the economic base. State was just a part of superstructure which could be controlled by the dominant class. Neo-Marxists echo liberals view the state as a arbitrator. They however believe that the class character of the modern state makes it to operate in the long-term interest of capitalism and perpetuate unequal class power.

    Marxists have considered the legitimate character of state. Democracy, Universal Adult Suffrage, Rule of law, Freedom of Speech, Freedom to form associations, etc have allowed individuals to enjoy liberty. Marxists such as Gramsci emphasize that such legitimacy enables the rule of dominant class by persuasion and consent. They do not use coercive means often, but establish hegemony of their ideas and class rule.

    Some liberals have come to acknowledge the skewed nature of power in the state. They have recognized state as “deformed polyarchy”. They recognize that there is more power and leverage with the economically dominant section as the revenue of the state also depends upon them. So they act to protect economic interests and priorities when there is a crisis.