Dictatorship

Carl Schmitt (1888-1985) is widely acknowledged to be one of the most important and influential political theorists of the twentieth century.

• Translator’s IntroductionForeword to the fourth edition (1978)Foreword to the third edition (1964)Foreword to the second edition (1928)Preliminary remarks to the first edition (1921)I Commissary Dictatorship and the theory of the stateII The praxis of royal commissars up to the 18th centuryIII The transition to sovereign dictatorship in the theory of the state of the 18th centuryIV The concept of sovereign dictatorshipV The praxis of the people’s commissars during the French RevolutionVI Dictatorship in the contemporary constitution (the state of besiegement)Appendix: The Dictatorship of the Reichspräsident according to Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution pp. 211-57I Common interpretation of Article 48, Paragraph 2 todayII The regulation of Article 48, Paragraph 2 as a provisoriumIII General limitation of competence based on Article 48, Paragraph 2IV The law of implementation [Ausfüngsgesetz] regarding Article 48 RVINDEX OF NAMESINDEX OF SUBJECTSGLOSSARY

"At last Carl Schmitt's Dictatorship is available in English. His study and analysis of this concept is key to understanding the varieties of dictatorship."—George Schwab, National Committee on American Foreign Policy "Dictatorship is the first book ever entirely devoted to the topic of emergency powers.  Written as Germany's fledgeling Weimar Republic resorted to emergency measures to confront insurrections from both the Left and the Right, Schmitt explored the historical origins and philosophical justifications of extraordinary executive action. Schmitt's Dictatorship is a fascinating historical document and a prescient, insightful resource for contemporary debates in political theory and constitutional law."—John P. McCormick, University of Chicago