Pierre Schlag, a University Distinguished Professor & Byron R. White Professor of Law at the University of Colorado, has published a new book titled 'Twilight of the American State'. The book, part of the University of Michigan Press's 'Dialogues in Democracy' collection, provides a comprehensive analysis of how significant changes in U.S. law and legal institutions have set the stage for the political dysfunction witnessed in recent years. Schlag argues that the combination of different versions of the state—liberal democratic, administered, neoliberal, and dissociative—has fueled the current political-legal dysfunction.
Unlike many contemporary political analyses, 'Twilight of the American State' does not offer quick fixes or simply lament political polarization. Instead, it invites readers to consider the broader transformations in law and legal institutions and their implications for the nation's future. This approach has been praised by legal scholars, including Mark Tushnet of Harvard Law School, who sees Schlag's work as essential for understanding the roots of current issues.
Schlag's analysis extends beyond the 2016 election, viewing it as part of a movement rooted in long-term institutional changes. He critiques the legal profession for its role in transforming law from a profession into a business, reflecting broader shifts in the nature of the state. The book also highlights the need for institutions like the media, press, and political parties to engage in self-examination amidst ongoing political concerns.
Published as an open-access book, 'Twilight of the American State' is available for free online, aligning with the University of Michigan Press's commitment to disseminating quality knowledge widely. This accessibility ensures that Schlag's important scholarship reaches a broad audience, offering valuable context for understanding America's political polarization and institutional dysfunction.
For those interested in exploring these ideas further, the book can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.3998/mpub.12393244.
