Marxist theories of the state and their application to the Venezuela case

Abstract

The implications of the Marxist theories of the State developed by Nicos Poulantzas, Louis Althusser and Ralph Miliband are useful in order to frame the basic elements related to the leftist strategy in Venezuela during the 21^st Century. There exists a relationship between each of these theories and three problems that Chavism faces: i) if the bourgeoise (or sectors of it) exhibit a sense of “class consciousness”; ii) the viability of tactical alliances and strategies between the left and groups associated to the capitalist structure; iii) if socialism can be achieved by phases, by abrupt revolutionary changes, or by the continuous radicalization of the State during an extensive period of time. At the time when Poulantzas wrote his concept of State as a “field of strategic battle”, this lend itself to the politics of “strategic alliances” of the left with parties located in the right. The same concept of State is compatible with the “process of change” in Venezuela in which the autonomous movements develop a fundamental role in the transformation of the old State and the construction of new State structures.