Accumulation Strategies, State Forms and Hegemonic Projects

Abstract

Basic parameters of capitalism defined by value form -- commodification of labour, rate of surplus value, realisation of commodity values through money market -- but inadequate for determination of specific dynamics, depends on particular accumulation strategy: which fraction of capital hegemonic, how contributes to necessary growth of value-producing industrial capital, relations with other national capitals, particular stage of capitalist development. Hence no one "logic of capital", rather contingent community of interests among competing capitals within particular state form and political practice. State power centred around hegemonic project -- mix of material concessions, symbolic rewards and repression which serve to mobilise support for hegemonic class (fraction) as representing general will. Conditioned and limited by accumulation process, but also enables process. Dynamic movement of leadership to generate support, delegitimise opposition/alternatives. Hence contingent.