Carl Schmitt's State and Constitutional Theory
A Critical Analysis
Benjamin A. Schupmann
Reviews and Awards
"Schupmann's book is, consequently, most important because of its refreshing and innovative interpretation of Schmitts writings as a whole. By tracing and reconstructing arguments spanning his pre-war writings to later in his life, Schupmann shows that there is continuity and a coherent core to Schmitt's thought, thus convincingly challenging Schmitt's reputation of opportunism and illiberalism. This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in Schmitt, in particular, those willing to look beyond Schmitt the man and get to know Schmitt the theorist." - Laetitia Houben, European Constitutional Law Review
"Our understanding of Carl Schmitts work is bedevilled by two things: Schmitts genius for polemical, mystifying, and esoteric discourse, and the passionate polemical reactions that Schmitts incendiary theoretical propositions provoke. In this deeply learned, and insightful book, Schupmann elegantly and accessibly reconstructs Schmitts political and legal theory as a whole, in the context of early twentieth-century German politics and continental political and social theory. The result is illuminating and demystifying, allowing us to better grasp whether, in fact, Carl Schmitts oeuvre continues to hold lessons for us in this new epoch of populism, state collapse, and (multi-)polarization." - Nehal Bhuta, Professor of Public International Law, European University Institute, Florence
"This is an important scholarly work with clear political implications. Schupmann develops a crucial dimension of the work of Carl Schmitt, the theorist of militant democracy. In this analysis, the fundamental flaw of liberal democracy is its inability to guard itself against authoritarian projects relying on the legality of the inherited amendment rule. Schupmann argues that both Schmitt's theory of the limits of amendment, and his justification of emergency provisions of constitutions should be understood in terms of this dilemma. The book is a must for all those interested in Schmitt." - Andrew Arato, Dorothy Hirshon Professor, The New School for Social Research
