One prominent riigiteooria is **social contract theory**, which posits that states arise from voluntary agreements between individuals to form a collective entity for mutual benefit. Thinkers like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau developed variations of this idea, arguing that governance is necessary to prevent chaos but must respect individual rights. Hobbes emphasized the need for a strong sovereign to maintain order, while Locke and Rousseau stressed the importance of consent and natural rights.
Another influential riigiteooria is **Marxist theory**, which critiques the state as an instrument of class domination. According to Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, the state serves the interests of the ruling class (bourgeoisie) to maintain economic and social hierarchies. In this view, the state is not a neutral arbiter but a tool of oppression, and its abolition or transformation is a key goal of revolutionary change.
**Realist theories** of the state focus on its role in international relations, viewing it as a rational actor pursuing national interests, such as security and power. This perspective, associated with thinkers like Niccolò Machiavelli and modern realists like Hans Morgenthau, downplays ideological or moral considerations in favor of pragmatic survival and strategic advantage.
**Pluralist theories**, in contrast, argue that the state is just one among many competing interests in society. According to this view, power is dispersed among various groups, institutions, and individuals, preventing any single entity from dominating entirely. This perspective emphasizes negotiation, compromise, and democratic participation as mechanisms for governance.