
Derrida, Deconstruction and Political Theory
Lasse Thomassen(Author)
Edinburgh University Press
Will be published approx. on 31. January 2026
Book
Hardback
216 pages
978-1-3995-4539-6 (ISBN)
Description
Drawing on the work of Jacques Derrida and other post-structuralists, this book argues for deconstruction as a distinctive way to practice political theory. Lasse Thomassen shows familiar critiques of deconstruction as relativist and apolitical to be misconceived, and argues for deconstruction as a critical approach to contemporary politics and society. In so doing, the book contrasts deconstruction with other approaches to political theory, including analytic philosophy, critical theory, liberalism, deliberative democracy and biopolitical approaches. Developing the argument around political concepts such as rights, justice, sovereignty, democracy and populism, the book combines the deconstructive readings of these political concepts with extensive engagements with contemporary political phenomena such as 9-11, Covid-19, Donald Trump and post-truth.
Reviews / Votes
Thomassen provides a compelling demonstration that deconstructive 'quasi-concepts' along with deconstructive gestures can inform a distinctive style of political theorising. Bound to become a classic, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in deconstruction and political theory. -- Paul Patton, University of New South WalesMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 239 mm
Width: 158 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
454 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-3995-4539-6 (9781399545396)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Lasse Thomassen is Professor of Politics in the School of Politics and International Relations at Queen Mary University of London.
Author
Senior Lecturer in the School of Politics and International RelationsQueen Mary, University of London
Content
Acknowledgements
Introduction: Deconstruction as Political Theory
1. Deconstruction Between Particularity and Universality: Practicing Political Theory Deconstructively
2. Deconstructing Sovereignty Discourse: Between the Conditional and the Unconditional
3. Democracy To-Come: Dealing with Disagreement
4. Democratic Rogues: The People Goes to The Capitol
5. The Force of Truth: Deconstruction against Post-Truth
6. Deconstruction as/of Method: Exemplarity and Casing
Conclusion: Deconstruction and Political Theory
References
Index
Introduction: Deconstruction as Political Theory
1. Deconstruction Between Particularity and Universality: Practicing Political Theory Deconstructively
2. Deconstructing Sovereignty Discourse: Between the Conditional and the Unconditional
3. Democracy To-Come: Dealing with Disagreement
4. Democratic Rogues: The People Goes to The Capitol
5. The Force of Truth: Deconstruction against Post-Truth
6. Deconstruction as/of Method: Exemplarity and Casing
Conclusion: Deconstruction and Political Theory
References
Index