INTRO

There's no denying Carl Schmitt's importance or avoiding his influence.

Schmitt is a renowned, though notorious, jurist and political theorist. His other works include The Concept of the Political, Political Theology, Theory of the Partisan, Dictatorship, and Political Theology.


He influenced thinkers on the left, like Chantal Mouffe, and the right, like Leo Strauss and Alexander Dugin. This book in particular has been mentioned by Curtis Yarvin (aka Moldbug) as an important text on legitimacy. Find out what everyone is talking about and why they think this book matters.

THE BOOK

Legality and Legitimacy


"Unavailable in English until now, Legality and Legitimacy was composed in 1932, in the midst of the crisis that would lead to the collapse of the Weimar Republic and only a matter of months before Schmitt’s collaboration with the Nazis. In this important work, Schmitt questions the political viability of liberal constitutionalism, parliamentary government, and the rule of law. Liberal governments, he argues, cannot respond effectively to challenges by radical groups like the Nazis or Communists. Only a presidential regime subject to few, if any, practical limitations can ensure domestic security in a highly pluralistic society."

(source)