Within this theory, the state is a particular territorial social circle to which the general theory of social circles applies. The state too has a circle civilisation, elites, institutions, power relations, social sanctioning and processes of civilising, reproduction and change. Its particular position rests not on different social mechanisms, but on specific characteristics of this territorial social circle.
The state differs from most other social circles because individuals cannot escape its territorially binding rules and institutions simply by exiting. Anyone within the territory remains, in principle, subject to the collectively binding rules of that state; withdrawal generally requires more than terminating membership or participation in a particular social circle.
The state claims the exclusive right to employ coercion and violence as legitimate means within its territory. Its social operation does not, however, rest solely on the actual capacity to apply coercion. Through civilising and the legitimising civilisation loop, the legitimacy of the state, its institutions and its claim to collectively binding decision-making may become part of personal and circle civilisations. Insofar as individuals recognise that legitimacy and act in accordance with the associated roles, rules and expectations, they themselves contribute to the social operation and reproduction of the state order.
The state is also distinctive because its sanctions can ultimately be enforced by coercion regarded as legitimate and cannot be avoided through simple exit. The combination of territorial binding force, collectively binding rules and the claim to a monopoly on violence therefore gives state sanctioning a particular social operation.
The state may compel individuals and social circles to surrender resources for collective purposes determined by the state. Taxation is the most general form. Unlike contributions to most other social circles, this surrender does not necessarily rest on voluntary participation or individual agreement with the particular purpose for which the resources are used.
The governing elite may legitimate collectively binding decisions and claims to power by presenting them as serving the general interest. What is designated as the general interest is partly determined by the civilisation elements operative within the governing elite and the state’s dominant circle civilisation. This legitimation may be expressed in different, mutually competing or changing narratives and need not be fully shared or internalised by all citizens in order to be socially operative.