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Robert Brenner on political accumulation and the transition to capitalism

Author

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  • Ricardo Duchesne

    (University of New Brunswick, Saint John, P.O. Box 5050, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 4L5, Canada, Tel.: + 1-506-648-5590; fax: + 1-506-648-5611.rduchesn@unbsj.ca)

Abstract

This paper is an immanent critique of Robert Brenner's writings on the transition from feudalism to capitalism. The concept "immanent" is defined as a logic of implication, according to which a text or theory is evaluated within the terms that it sets for itself, to determine whether its objectives and assumptions are true in the way they are said to be true. Using this method of critique, the paper shows how Brenner's concept of "political accumulation" undermines his own initial claim that the balance of class forces between lords and peasants determined the long-term trends of preindustrial Europe, in that this concept points toward intralord struggles dominated by military interests. The paper also discusses why Brenner's account of France's tax/office state seriously weakens his postulate that "surplus extracting relations" were the "fundamental" relation of fuedalism, on the grounds that office-holding reflected an unequal distribution of property based upon status. Finally, the paper draws out the theoretical implications of these contradictory instances, to delineate ways in which Brenner's basic theory may be sublated within a more comprehensive account.

Suggested Citation

  • Ricardo Duchesne, 2001. "Robert Brenner on political accumulation and the transition to capitalism," Review of Radical Political Economics, Union for Radical Political Economics, vol. 33(1), pages 79-98, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:reorpe:v:33:y:2001:i:1:p:79-98
    DOI: 10.1177/048661340103300104
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. R. W. Hoyle, 1990. "Tenure and the land market in early modern England: or a late contribution to the Brenner debate," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 43(1), pages 1-20, February.
    2. Nicky Gregson, 1989. "Tawney revisited: custom and the emergence of capitalist class relations in north-east Cumbria, 1600-1830," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 42(1), pages 18-42, February.
    3. Brenner, Robert, 1978. "Dobb on the Transition from Feudalism to Capitalism," Cambridge Journal of Economics, Oxford University Press, vol. 2(2), pages 121-140, June.
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