The political system

pp. 133-167

in: José M. Dominguès, Critical theory and political modernity, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 2019

Abstract

Domingues briefly discusses initially in this chapter elitism—with Mosca and Pareto—of the relation between the private and the public—with Tocqueville, Constant, Arendt and Habermas. The chapter is then framed by the Easton concept of the political system. This is criticized and broadened in order to include a state and societal side. The diverse "crystallizations' we can find in the modern state—a "field" of conflict—are listed, and its dynamic nature analysed, drawing upon Poulantzas and Mann. Instability and stability are focused on in great detail. The concept of hegemony comes to the fore. Gramsci, Germani, Zavaleta and Huntington are central to the arguments around permanence and change. Dahls' pluralism and Schumpeter's elitism are assessed.