Republicanism, Nationalism and Constitutional Theory: The Hidden Dialogue between Arendt and Schmitt
Author: Carl K. Y. Shaw
Abstract / Chinese PDF Download
This paper explores the contributions of the thoughts of Carl Schmitt andHannah Arendt to the issue of constitutional theory. Based on my previousresearch on republicanism, my argument is that Schmitt transforms theMachiavellian idea of founding into the constituent power of the nation. Theidentity of a state is thus located in an identification with the transcendent nation.In On Revolution, Arendt conducts a hidden dialogue with Schmitt, rejecting theidea of creating a political order via dictatorship. Relied on classical politicalphilosophy, Arendt’s argument asserts that the “principium” (principle) exemplifiedin citizens’ collective actions is the immanent source of political legitimacy. Inthis way, the locus of political identity for Arendt is societas, not nation.