Dictatorship

"Dictatorship" by Carl Schmitt is a seminal work in political theory that offers a provocative and controversial exploration of the concept of dictatorship. Schmitt, a German jurist and political theorist, wrote this book in 1921 in the aftermath of World War I and the collapse of the German Empire.The central argument of "Dictatorship" is that dictatorship is not an aberration or an exception in the history of politics but rather an essential and legitimate form of government that is necessary in times of crisis. Schmitt contends that the modern state, which is based on the rule of law and representative democracy, is ill-equipped to deal with extraordinary circumstances such as war, revolution, or economic collapse. In these situations, the state must be able to act decisively and quickly, without the constraints of legal and political procedures.Schmitt's defense of dictatorship is rooted in his belief that politics is fundamentally a struggle between friend and foe. According to Schmitt, the state is defined by its ability to distinguish between friends and enemies and to use its power to protect its friends and defeat its enemies. In times of crisis, the state must be able to mobilize its resources and act with a sense of urgency to defend itself and its friends.The book has generated much debate and controversy since its publication, with some critics accusing Schmitt of advocating for authoritarianism and totalitarianism. However, others argue that Schmitt's ideas are relevant and valuable in understanding the challenges facing modern democracies. The book is also significant in that it was written at a time when Germany was facing a period of political and social turmoil, and it reflects the anxieties and concerns of the era.In conclusion, "Dictatorship" by Carl Schmitt is a challenging and thought-provoking work that has had a lasting impact on political theory. While his ideas have been subjected to intense scrutiny and criticism, Schmitt's defense of dictatorship as a legitimate form of government in times of crisis continues to generate debate and discussion. Whether one agrees or disagrees with his arguments, "Dictatorship" remains an important and influential work in the field of political theory.

This English translation of Schmitt's "Dictator" was long awaited, especially since the upsurge of the scholarly interest in him during the nineties. It was easy reading, due to the translation itself and to Schmitt's prose and his illustrative style. But the text needed some additional notes from the translators to emphasize the intertextual nature of the book among Schmitt's other works.

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We will return the product. Pages were so marked up you can’t read the print.

Carl Schmitt continua mais vivo do que nunca, uma leitura obrigatória, especialmente em tempos de crise. Recomendo a todos. Um clássico!

Good edition.