Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of Tables
- Preface
- 1 Methodology’s Problem, and Democracy’s Too
- Part I Rationalism and Constructivism
- Part II State-Society and Contentious Politics
- 5 Pragmatic Theories of a Fit State: Kohli
- 6 Pragmatic Theories of a Fit Democracy: Tilly
- Part III Conclusions: Three Chapters, Five Themes, and Twelve Theses
- References
- Index
5 - Pragmatic Theories of a Fit State: Kohli
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 May 2013
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of Tables
- Preface
- 1 Methodology’s Problem, and Democracy’s Too
- Part I Rationalism and Constructivism
- Part II State-Society and Contentious Politics
- 5 Pragmatic Theories of a Fit State: Kohli
- 6 Pragmatic Theories of a Fit Democracy: Tilly
- Part III Conclusions: Three Chapters, Five Themes, and Twelve Theses
- References
- Index
Summary
In Atul Kohli’s causal methodology, the state is a social object with an underlying structural capacity. In the face of environmental challenges, the state’s organization – its institutions and patterns of authority – constitute its power to get things done. More specifically, “The role of the state has been decisive for patterns of industrialization in the developing world” (Kohli, p. 381). A democratic state’s accountable political leaders seek legitimacy by maximizing public support and building a broad class alliance. Attempting to satisfy the different goals of its multiple constituencies, the leadership creates an inefficient and ineffective state. On the other hand, an autocratic government can fashion state-led social networks that tie single-minded ideological programs to command-and-control procedures. Since it can bring about economic development, such a state-society nexus constitutes a fit state.
Kohli’s vision of the elective affinity of democratic theories and causal realities is therefore decidedly tragic: the global south can achieve Moore’s goal of a “rational” society only at the cost of a “free” one. His causal methodology thus deflates democracy. Rather than state-building supporting democracy – Tilly’s approach – Kohli’s state undermines democracy.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2013