"Paul Wetherly provides a timely and forceful restatement of the classical Marxist theory of the state. The book develops an analytical approach that draws on, but also provides criticism of, G.A. Cohen's functional interpretation of Marx's theory of history. Cohen's treatment of the 'base-superstructure' connection is rather limited, in contrast to the detailed argument in respect of the forces and relations of production, and this book seeks to remedy that deficiency. The book provides a much more systematic answer to the question of why bases need superstructures, in the form of a novel theory of the 'needs of capital'."--Jacket.