Thomas Hobbes and Carl Schmitt - A Critical of Political Myths

In this review of Thomas Hobbes and Carl Schmitt, Johan Tralau's collection is presented for readers seeking rigorous analysis of political order and the use of myth in politics. The book's single biggest reason to buy is its focused examination of how two influential thinkers - the 17th century English philosopher Thomas Hobbes and the controversial 20th century jurist Carl Schmitt - continue to shape debates about sovereignty, violence and the relation between politics and religion. This review highlights why the essays are relevant to scholars and thoughtful general readers alike.

Key Features

• Comparative focus: The collection places Hobbes and Schmitt side by side, helping readers trace continuities and contrasts in ideas about political order and emergency power.
• Contemporary relevance: Essays connect classical and modern problems, showing how concepts of sovereignty illuminate issues like failed states and privatized violence.
• Myth in politics: Several contributions clarify how both thinkers treat mythology as a shaping force in political legitimacy and identity.
• Religion and politics: The book foregrounds the fraught relation between religion and political authority, a central issue for present debates.
• Scholarly perspectives: The volume gathers new essays offering varied analytical approaches rather than a single doctrinal stance, which broadens interpretive insight.

Who It's For

This collection is best for graduate students, political theorists, and informed readers interested in the intersection of political philosophy and legal theory, particularly those who want a deeper understanding of sovereignty, emergency powers and the ideological uses of myth. It will also serve historians of ideas who want rigorous comparative readings of Hobbes and Schmitt.

Readers seeking a casual introduction to Hobbes or a full biographical account of Schmitt should look elsewhere; the book assumes some prior familiarity with the core thinkers and focuses on thematic, scholarly essays rather than a novice overview.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Thoughtful comparative essays that illuminate continuities between classical and modern political thought.
• Clear emphasis on the political uses of myth and the intersection of religion and statecraft.
• Relevant connections to contemporary problems such as failed states and nonstate violence.

Cons

• The collection is scholarly in tone and may be dense for general readers without background in political theory.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Thomas Hobbes and Carl Schmitt is a focused, scholarly collection that rewards readers interested in deepening their grasp of sovereignty, political myth and the relation between religion and politics. Its comparative essays make it good value for academics and advanced students who want targeted analysis rather than a general introduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book compare Hobbes and Schmitt directly?
Yes, the collection contains essays that place Hobbes and Schmitt in comparative perspective to highlight continuities and contrasts.

Is this suitable for undergraduate readers?
Undergraduates with a solid background in political theory may find it valuable, but casual readers should expect a scholarly tone.

Does the book address modern political crises?
Yes, several essays connect the thinkers' ideas to contemporary issues like failed states and privatized violence.