Developmental State: A Theoretical and Methodological Critique

Abstract

This article aims to critically reassess the theoretical and methodological premises of developmental state. It is argued that developmental state as a theoretical framework is misleading in terms of grasping the nature of the state by regarding it existing above the social relations, particularly class conflicts, and separating it from the international context within which it flourished. Moreover, in an attempt to explain the inherent contradictions of the developmental state, which have largely been obscured within the statist theoretical framework, I argue that the concept of the developmental state mystifies the exploitative nature of the capitalist state on the one hand, while overlooking the contradictions intrinsic to capitalist development on the other.  This article aims to critically reassess the theoretical and methodological premises of developmental state. It is argued that developmental state as a theoretical framework is misleading in terms of grasping the nature of the state by regarding it existing above the social relations, particularly class conflicts, and separating it from the international context within which it flourished. Moreover, in an attempt to explain the inherent contradictions of the developmental state, which have largely been obscured within the statist theoretical framework, I argue that the concept of the developmental state mystifies the exploitative nature of the capitalist state on the one hand, while overlooking the contradictions intrinsic to capitalist development on the other.