Border Capitalism and the Market-state Nexus: Power, Trade, and Transformation at the Margins
Keywords:
Market State, Border Capitalism, Globalization,, Sovereignty, CorporatismAbstract
This article examines the concept of the market state by analyzing border capitalism, referencing Susan Strange’s work, The Retreat of the State. This perspective contends that borders extend beyond mere geographical demarcations; they represent areas where the state wields economic influence that transforms local communities. In the context of globalization, nations have evolved, increasingly aligning with capitalist interests and assuming responsibilities that were once the domain of the private sector. This transition leads to the state operating as a facilitator of trade and economic development, embodying the traits of a market-oriented state. The growth of capitalism and transnational corporations (TNCs) poses significant challenges to conventional state sovereignty, especially in border regions. These areas transform into contested environments where the authority of the state is both applied and negotiated through economic strategies. The article ultimately indicates that the state, despite seeming to withdraw, has redefined its role to strategically exert influence in innovative manners through market-driven governance, particularly noticeable in border regions.
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