The Function of Persistence

Abstract

The examination of the globalization of the function of persistence requires as a first step a closer theoretical investigation of this function and its components or modalities, the reason being that this aspect of state-hood seems to be under-theorized in contemporary international relations research. As in the discussion of the abstract concept of state and statehood, a critical reading of Poulantzas’ contribution will serve as a starting point. There are several reasons for this choice. One is that the state’s functions play an important role in Poulantzas’ most abstract conceptualizations of the state. More importantly, however, are two other reasons that can be stated briefly. First, in a contextualized theory of the state, i.e. a theory that relates the state to the societal totality of which it is part, the question of what the state ‘does’ to society, the state’s role in societal development and change, is central. There is in other words a valid reason why this aspect of statehood is important in Poulantzas. Second, as I will argue below, an important theoretical insight can be gained from a closer look at the globalization of state functions. One of these has to do with a duality at the core of the state’s functions, a duality that calls for complementary concepts and ‘descriptions’ in the Bohrian sense. This is a key point, and one that may best be appreciated if seen in the light of a similar duality/complementarity involved in the economic analysis of capitalist society, as recognized by writers as diverse as Robert Gilpin (2001) and Karl Marx.