The Crisis of Parliamentary Democracy

by Carl Schmitt, Reinhardt Biedermann (Translator)

Overview

Explore a pivotal work in political theory with this new translation of Carl Schmitt's "The Crisis of Parliamentary Democracy" by Reinhardt Biedermann. Schmitt, a prominent 20th-century German legal and political theorist, delves into the challenges and contradictions of parliamentary democracy in the modern era.

In this insightful work, Schmitt critically examines the foundations and functioning of parliamentary systems, questioning their efficacy and legitimacy in a rapidly changing political landscape. He explores the tension between liberal democratic ideals and the realities of political power, offering a provocative analysis of representation, identity, and sovereignty.

Biedermann's translation brings clarity and accessibility to Schmitt's complex ideas, making this edition an essential read for students and scholars of political science, history, and philosophy. This translation provides a new perspective on Schmitt's influential work, opening it to a wider audience and fostering deeper understanding of the challenges facing contemporary democratic institutions.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781961022010
Publisher:	Weimar Press
Publication date:	02/16/2024
Pages:	64
Sales rank:	845,855
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.13(d)

About the Author

Carl Schmitt (1888–1985) was a German jurist and political theorist, known for his profound and controversial contributions to legal and political philosophy in the 20th century. Born in Plettenberg, Westphalia, Schmitt was a prolific writer, exploring the intersections of law, politics, and society.

Schmitt studied law at the universities of Berlin, Munich, and Strasbourg, and began his academic career during the tumultuous period of the Weimar Republic. He quickly gained recognition for his sharp intellect and his ability to address complex political and legal issues. His works often reflected on the nature of state power, sovereignty, and the rule of law, challenging conventional wisdom in the fields of constitutional and international law.

Some of Schmitt’s most influential works include "Political Theology," in which he famously stated, "Sovereign is he who decides on the exception," and "The Concept of the Political," which examines the nature of political power and the distinction between friends and enemies. "The Crisis of Parliamentary Democracy," one of his key texts, critiques the functioning and legitimacy of parliamentary systems.

Schmitt's career was marked by controversy, particularly due to his involvement with the Nazi regime during World War II. His association with the Nazis led to his denazification after the war and significantly affected his postwar career and reception. Despite this, his writings continued to be influential, both criticized and admired for their incisive analysis of power and statehood.

Carl Schmitt remains a significant, albeit contentious figure in legal and political theory. His works have influenced a broad spectrum of political and philosophical thought and continue to be studied for their insights into the nature of law, politics, and the challenges of governance. Schmitt's legacy is that of a complex thinker who grappled with the fundamental questions of authority and the structure of the state.