Abstract:

The state is the center of modern political life and one of the most important concepts in political science. With the wave of “bringing the state back in”, the society-centered reading of the state has been challenged, while the concepts such as state autonomy, state capabilities and so on have become increasingly popular. There has been a far-reaching influence on a variety of theoretical systems including political economy. The acquisition of the main body of the state has changed the division logic of the state and the market in liberalist political economy and the importance of institutions has gained greater emphasis. This transformation proves to be illuminating for understanding the socialist market economic system with Chinese characteristics. As the main theoretical finding in understanding the East Asian Miracle, “developmental state” has replaced liberalism to become the dominant paradigm in understanding politics and economy in the East Asia.

Key words: nationalism, state capabilities, state autonomy, politics and economy, developmental state