The concept of “strong state” in the political and legal dimension

• Main Author: Aleksey A. Malinovsky
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) 2021-08-01
• Series: RUDN Journal of Law
• Subjects: strong state; law of force; functions of the state; great power; legal expansion
• Online Access: http://journals.rudn.ru/law/article/viewFile/27215/19665

The concept of strong state in the general theory of state and law has not been studied in sufficient detail. In political science, the science of administrative law and in international legal doctrines, this concept is considered mainly from geopolitical, military-strategic and political-administrative positions. In the presented article, a theoretical and legal analysis of the concept of a strong state is carried out. Methodologically, the author adheres to the approaches of political realism and realistic theory of law, which are aimed not at building a model of an ideal strong state, but at studying really functioning strong states with all their problems and contradictions. It is proposed to understand a strong state as a state that effectively uses any legal means to carry out the functions assigned to it in its own political interests. The article in the format of a scientific discussion analyzes the signs and criteria of a strong state, characteristics of the law of the strong. The research subjects also include the problem of a strong state legitimacy, the category of the great power and the process of legal expansion.