Description
Book SynopsisSince his death, the writings of Carl Schmitt (18881985) have been debated, cited, and adopted by political and legal thinkers on both the left and right with increasing frequency, though not without controversy given Schmitt''s unwavering support for National Socialism before and during World War II. In Perilous Futures, Peter Uwe Hohendahl calls for critical scrutiny of Schmitt''s later writings, the work in which Schmitt wrestles with concerns that retain present-day relevance: globalization, asymmetrical warfare, and the shifting international order. Hohendahl argues that Schmitt''s work seems to offer solutions to these present-day issues, although the ambiguity of his beliefs means that Schmitt''s later work is a problematic guide.
Focusing on works Schmitt published after the warincluding The Nomos of the Earth, Theory of the Partisan and Political Theology IIas well as his posthumously published diaries, Hohendahl reads these works cr
Trade Review
It is on the whole a careful discussion of these works that neither ignores Schmitt's shortcomings and his close connection to the Nazis, nor treats his works as motivated merely by self-justification. For those who seek to understand Schmitt's postwar writings this is a useful companion.
* Choice *
"Is There a Usable Schmitt?"—the subtitle of Peter Hohendahl's conclusion encapsulates the thematic thrust of Perilous Futures. It is also one of the most pressing and contentious questions in political and legal theory around the globe.
* The Germanic Review *
An important book.
* Monatshefte *
Hohendahl expresses a refreshing skepticism towards the enthusiastic appropriation of Schmittian ideas by many scholars on the left in the Anglophone world, especially in the field of international relations.... The volume is organized around insightful readings of key texts from Schmitt's career... Partisans and foes of Schmitt alike will benefit from his scrupulous exploration and fair-minded judgment of the work.
* American Historical Review *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements
List of Abbreviations
Introduction
1. The Outlaw: Carl Schmitt's Postwar Notebooks and Small Essays
2. Transition: The Concept of Großraum and Global Politics
3. The Fate of European Colonialism and Carl Schmitt's New World Order
4. Revolutionary War and Absolute Enemy: Rereading Theory of the Partisan
5. The Return of Political Theology
6. Final Reflections: Is There a Usable Schmitt?
Notes
Index
