Dive into the intriguing concept of unbound executive theory, tracing its roots to the controversial thinker Carl Schmitt. Discover how the notion of a sovereign leader operating outside the law can emerge in times of crisis, like during the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion highlights tensions surrounding constitutional rights in the face of emergencies, revealing the dangerous allure of unchecked executive power. Unravel the post-liberal mindset that fuels these ideas, appealing to both sides of the political spectrum.
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Unbound Executive Theory
The "unbound executive" theory posits that a true sovereign can exempt themselves from the rule of law.
This theory, popular among the woke left and right, guided responses to events like COVID-19.
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Carl Schmitt's Influence
Carl Schmitt, a German thinker popular with the woke right, developed the unbound executive theory.
Schmitt's ideas are influential in today's Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
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Schmitt's Argument
Schmitt argued that parliamentary systems are too weak to handle emergencies, requiring dictatorial powers.
He explored this in essays like "On Dictatorship", "Political Theology", and "The Crisis of Parliamentary Democracy".
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In "The Crisis of Parliamentary Democracy," Carl Schmitt analyzes the challenges faced by parliamentary systems in dealing with political crises. Schmitt argues that parliamentary democracies lack the decisiveness needed to address major threats. The essay explores the limitations of consensus-based decision-making in times of emergency. It is a controversial work, often criticized for its potential to justify authoritarian interventions. Schmitt's analysis of parliamentary democracy's vulnerabilities remains relevant in contemporary discussions about the effectiveness of democratic institutions in the face of political polarization and crisis.
On Dictatorship
On Dictatorship
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Carl Schmitt
Carl Schmitt's "On Dictatorship" delves into the concept of executive power during exceptional circumstances. Schmitt argues that in times of crisis, a sovereign may need to assume dictatorial powers to preserve the state. This work is controversial due to its potential justification of authoritarian rule. The essay explores the historical context of dictatorship, examining various forms and their implications. It remains a significant text in political theory, sparking ongoing debate about the limits of executive power and the nature of emergency governance.
Political Theology
A Guide for the Perplexed
Elizabeth Phillips
This book is a comprehensive introduction to political theology, divided into two parts. Part One, 'Defining Political Theology,' discusses the emergence and various approaches to political theology, including historical markers and classifications of different types of political theology. Part Two, 'Issues in Political Theology,' explores historically enduring and contemporarily pressing issues such as the church and the political, the politics of Jesus, violence and peace, and liberation theologies. The book provides a clear map of the terrain of political theology, engaging with key figures and movements in both historical and contemporary contexts.
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