The Constitution of Risk

Reviews / Votes

'With characteristic lucidity and vigor, and by compelling examples, Adrian Vermeule launches a devastating attack on abstract possibilistic reasoning in the law and in politics. He shows how risk-management itself may create risks by focusing on worst-case scenarios or by relying on stereotypical preconceptions, and offers a robust alternative that enjoins us to weigh the risks of inaction as well as those of action.' Jon Elster, Columbia University, New York 'Another tour de force from Adrian Vermuele. The Constitution of Risk is a major addition to an already rich body of work. The thesis is characteristically bold. Constitutions should be judged according to how successfully they manage political risks. The best strategy is not the risk-averse approach of classic Madisonian constitutional theory but a more fluid theory of 'optimizing constitutionalism' infused with Hamiltonian spirit. Written with clarity and economy of style, this book cements Professor Vermeule's reputation as one of the most distinctive and important voices in contemporary constitutional theory.' Thomas Poole, London School of Economics and Political Science '... Vermeule's book makes a strong contribution to constitutional debate ... it can usefully be applied to a range of constitutional dilemmas in Ireland and elsewhere. In particular, his insights might be applied to Irish debates concerning the appropriate role and extent of judicial review over administrative access, and how individual rights are weighted against competing goals.' Eoin Daly, The Irish Jurist