Ideas (and ideals) about the democratic state and its role in capitalist society are multiple and diverse. Many imagine the state to be a fine institution in principle, and also in practice if only everybody would pull together. Some see it as a manifestation of related forces: unfixed, constantly changing, and open to influence. Others consider the state a suitable instrument for putting their own progressive ideas into practice, while others still see it as a mere enforcer of capitalists‘ interests. There are also those who find some of its departments and features (e.g. social and welfare services, the rule of law etc.) good and worth defending, even while other departments (e.g. the police, the army, the ministry of economy etc.) are significantly less popular.
The State – Nothing But Us?
