In this paper I argue that much of Nicos Poulantzas’ theory of the capitalist state as set out in his final work, State, Power, Socialism (SPS), may be fruitfully combined with the ideas of Fred Block as put forward in two influential essays – ‘The Ruling Class Does Not Rule: Notes on the Marxist Theory of the State’ and ‘Beyond Relative Autonomy: State Managers as Historical Subjects’. I summarise, first, the theory of the capitalist state which Poulantzas advances in SPS. I argue that much of this theory provides a strong and convincing basis for an understanding of the way in which the capitalist state functions. However, I go on to argue that SPS is seriously flawed in that Poulantzas cannot adequately specify the structural mechanisms which ensure that the state tends to operate in favour of the long-term interests of capital in general. I then summarise Block’s work and argue that it provides us with the resources to improve Poulantzas’ theory. Poulantzas’ theory can be modified to incorporate Block’s framework – and with this combination there emerges, I argue, a fuller and more cogent theory of the capitalist state.
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