The Political Thought of Carl Schmitt

Carl Schmitt (1888-1985) was a controversial German thinker whose work has recently garnered new interest across the world. However, Schmitt’s writing is often challenging and convoluted owing to its 20th century German jurisprudential roots. This seminar seeks to demystify Schmitt’s political writings and offer participants a robust understanding of Schmitt’s key ideas within the appropriate historical and intellectual context. All interested parties are welcome; no prior acquaintance with, or affection for, Schmitt necessary.

All recommended readings and accompanying handouts will be uploaded to the web address below, however I will endeavour to make the seminar intelligible even if you do not complete the reading. Unlinked readings will be distributed by email. To be added to the seminar’s mailing list please email me or register here: forms.gle/1C5XmBGE5UuFhKeS7
Type: Seminar Series
Series organiser: Jeffrey Liu (University of Oxford, DPIR)
Timing: Tuesdays 13:00-14:30
Web Address: https://jeffrey-t-liu.github.io/carl_schmitt_seminar
Organising department: Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR)

Talks:

Tuesday 29 April 2025

Introduction to Carl Schmitt
Date: 29 April 2025, 13:00 - 14:30
Speaker
Venue: Manor Road Building, Manor Road OX1 3UQ
Venue Details: Seminar Room B
Organiser: Jeffrey Liu (University of Oxford, DPIR)
Host: Jeffrey Liu (University of Oxford, DPIR)

Tuesday 6 May 2025

Political Theology
Date: 6 May 2025, 13:00 - 14:30
Speaker
Venue: Manor Road Building, Manor Road OX1 3UQ
Venue Details: Seminar Room B
Organiser: Jeffrey Liu (University of Oxford, DPIR)
Host: Jeffrey Liu (University of Oxford, DPIR)

Tuesday 13 May 2025

The Concept of the Political
Date: 13 May 2025, 13:00 - 14:30
Speaker
Venue: Manor Road Building, Manor Road OX1 3UQ
Venue Details: Seminar Room B
Organiser: Jeffrey Liu (University of Oxford, DPIR)
Host: Jeffrey Liu (University of Oxford, DPIR)

Tuesday 20 May 2025

The Crisis of Parliamentary Democracy
Date: 20 May 2025, 13:00 - 14:30
Speaker
Venue: Manor Road Building, Manor Road OX1 3UQ
Venue Details: Seminar Room B
Organiser: Jeffrey Liu (University of Oxford, DPIR)
Host: Jeffrey Liu (University of Oxford, DPIR)

Tuesday 27 May 2025

The Leviathan in the State Theory of Thomas Hobbes
Date: 27 May 2025, 13:00 - 14:30
Speaker
Venue: Manor Road Building, Manor Road OX1 3UQ
Venue Details: Seminar Room B
Organiser: Jeffrey Liu (University of Oxford, DPIR)
Host: Jeffrey Liu (University of Oxford, DPIR)

Tuesday 3 June 2025

Political Romanticism
Date: 3 June 2025, 13:00 - 14:30
Speaker
Venue: Manor Road Building, Manor Road OX1 3UQ
Venue Details: Seminar Room B
Organiser: Jeffrey Liu (University of Oxford, DPIR)
Host: Jeffrey Liu (University of Oxford, DPIR)

Tuesday 10 June 2025

The Nomos of the Earth
Date: 10 June 2025, 13:00 - 14:30
Speaker
Venue: Manor Road Building, Manor Road OX1 3UQ
Venue Details: Seminar Room B
Organiser: Jeffrey Liu (University of Oxford, DPIR)
Host: Jeffrey Liu (University of Oxford, DPIR)

Tuesday 17 June 2025

State, Movement, People
Date: 17 June 2025, 13:00 - 14:30
Speaker
Venue: Manor Road Building, Manor Road OX1 3UQ
Venue Details: Seminar Room B
Organisers: TBA
Host: Jeffrey Liu (University of Oxford, DPIR)

Editor: Jeffrey Liu