Carl Schmitt's International Thought
Order and Orientation

Analyses the twentieth century international order through the ideas of German political theorist and Nazi sympathiser Carl Schmitt.

William Hooker (Author)

9780521115421, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 12 November 2009

244 pages
23.5 x 15.8 x 1.8 cm, 0.53 kg

'The detailed nature of Hooker's scholarship enables further discussion … this book is an impressive contribution to the history of international thought.' International Affairs

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.

1. Introduction
2. Schmitt's 'International Thought'
3. Unravelling sovereignty
4. Histories of space
5. Acceleration and restraint
6. Grossraum
7. Partisan
8. Conclusion
Appendix
Index.

Subject Areas: International relations [JPS], Political science & theory [JPA], Social & political philosophy [HPS]