Carl Schmitt's International Thought: Order and Orientation

by William Hooker

An unrepentant Nazi, Carl Schmitt remains one of the most divisive figures in twentieth century political thought. In recent years, his ideas have attracted a new and growing audience. This book seeks to cut through the controversy surrounding Schmitt to analyse his ideas on world order. In so doing, it takes on board Schmitt's critique of the condition of order in late modernity, and considers Schmitt's continued relevance. Consideration is given to the two devices Schmitt deploys, the Grossraum and the Partisan, and argues that neither concept lives up to its claim to transcend or reform Schmitt's pessimistic history of the state. The author concludes that Schmitt's continuing value lies in his provocative historical critique, rather than his conceptual innovation.

244 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2009

Reviews

[Colm Gillis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written book on Schmitt's international theories. The book has a lot going for it, particularly its style and its insight. The pace is a little plodding and I can't say that you will be really dying to turn the page. Possibly a bit too academic.

[Pinkyivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent secondary literature, accurate, systematic and helps those familiar with Schmitt to better understand his ideas, especially by structuring various arguments from multiple works, from the most basic elements to complex arguments.

[Pinky 2.0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent secondary literature, accurate, systematic and helps those familiar with Schmitt to better understand his ideas, especially by structuring various arguments from multiple works, from the most basic elements to complex arguments.