Louis Althusser, the Marx limits and the state as a special machine

Author(s):  N.N. Tinus, no, no, Belgorod National Research University, Belgorod, Russia, tiinusnn@gmail.com

Issue:  Volume 44, № 4

Rubric:  Thesis

Annotation:  The two presented chapters, devoted to the issue of the state, are a part of the work “Marx in His Limits” by L. Althusser. They clarify mostly the Leninist concept of the state. The state is considered as a special machine that transforms power of the dominant class into the energy of authority and control. This perspective defines a clear revolutionary strategy in respect of the state, which consists in removing the separation of functions between its different organs. From Althusser’s point of view, the revolution has to overcome the division of labor within the state infrastructure in order to prevent the revival of the old forms of power. The late understanding of this principle was one of the reasons of the failure of Lenin’s policy and of the revolution in Russia itself. The translation is introduced by the author’s comment.

Keywords:  Althusser, Lenin, state machine, destruction of the state, division of labour, revolution

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