The debate on the state and its ‘internationalization’: contributions of critical theory and marxism to International Relations

Abstract

The article aims at presenting Marxism as a theory of International Relations. For this purpose, we discuss some of the basic premises and relevant methodological aspects of Marx's reading. Then, we make a brief assessment of the wide debate on the nature of the State and class relations. For this, we are based on two classic exponents of Marxism in the 20th century, Antonio Gramsci and Nicos Poulantzas. Finally, we seek to present the reflections of the Marxian methodology and the debate on the relationship between the State and social classes, and the State and civil society, for the theoretical formulations of International Relations, bringing the central ideas of two of its exponents, Robert W. Cox and Leo Panitch. These authors work on the concepts of hegemony, empire and the idea of ‘internationalization of the State’, which we consider to be an original category of critical and Marxist theory in International Relations. We aim to contribute to innovative and critical research agendas for International Relations, which can account for the increasingly complex international situation that we are experiencing today.

Keywords

• marxismo. metodologia. teoria do estado. imperialismo. hegemonia.