Marx’s Capital, Capitalism and Limits to the State: Theoretical Considerations

Marx's Capital, Capitalism, and the Limits to the State explores the capitalist state in the abstract, illustrating its functions in relation to commodity relations, private property, and the production of surplus value. It argues that the state cannot meet the pressing needs of the masses significantly and sustainably, as it is inherently capitalist. The book combines Marxism from the 19th and 20th centuries and is suitable for scholars researching state-society/economy relations, university students, and established scholars in sociology, political science, heterodox economics, human geography, and international development.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Marx's monumental work, "Capital," delves into the intricate workings of capitalism, exploring its various manifestations across advanced and peripheral capitalism. Through a comprehensive analysis, the book provides a rich illustration of the concepts through evidence drawn from both the North and the South. This volume serves as a comprehensive exploration of the capitalist state, shedding light on its roles in commodity relations, private property, and the crisis-ridden production of surplus value within the framework of the capital circuit (M-C-M'). It also examines the political and geographical contours of these states.

The central argument of the book is that, regardless of its level of autonomy, the state cannot effectively address the pressing needs of the masses on a sustainable basis. This assertion goes beyond mere capitalist constraints and points to the inherent capitalist nature of the state. Each chapter in "Capital" begins with an introduction to volume 1, and each chapter concludes with theoretical and practical implications that challenge prevailing state theories that prioritize state autonomy and reforms. Together, these implications highlight the urgent need for the masses to establish a new transitional democratic state.

"Capital" goes beyond Marx himself, drawing upon the combined Marxism of the 19th and 20th centuries. This interdisciplinary approach adds depth and richness to the analysis, making it accessible to scholars engaged in state-society/economy relations, as well as university students and established scholars in sociology, political science, heterodox economics, human geography, and international development.

Weight: 646g
Dimension: 164 x 244 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032248813