The problem of the state in Marxist theory and practice from Marx to Lenin

Abstract

Marx first formulated his ideas about the state in the course of his criticisms of Hegelian political theory. Like Hegel, he was concerned above all to establish the nature of freedom and rationality and the conditions in which these might be realised. He accepted, too, a large part of Hegel's account of freedom and rationality and the obstacles to their attainment. At a number of points, however, he found Hegel’s judgements inadequate, and his appraisals of policies and institutions effectively hostile to the genuinely free and rational tendencies in society.