Pierre Schlag's latest publication, 'Twilight of the American State', presents a critical analysis of the legal and institutional shifts that have contributed to the political dysfunction in the United States. The book, part of the University of Michigan Press's 'Dialogues in Democracy' series, examines the interplay between different versions of the state—liberal democratic, administered, neoliberal, and dissociative—and their role in the current political landscape.
Schlag, a distinguished professor at the University of Colorado, argues that the legal profession's evolution from a profession to a business reflects broader changes in the state's nature. This transformation, according to Schlag, has significant implications for democracy and governance in the U.S. The book's analysis extends beyond recent political events, such as the 2016 election, to consider the long-term institutional changes that have shaped the nation's political discourse.
The publication has been praised for its comprehensive approach and avoidance of simplistic solutions to complex problems. Mark Tushnet of Harvard Law School highlights the book's importance in understanding the underlying causes of current political issues. By offering the book as a free-to-read online resource, the University of Michigan Press aims to foster widespread engagement with Schlag's insights.
'Twilight of the American State' not only provides a historical perspective on the evolution of the American state but also calls for introspection among key institutions like the media and political parties. Schlag's work is a timely contribution to discussions on democracy, offering a foundation for more informed debates about the future of American politics.
For those interested in delving deeper into Schlag's analysis, the book is accessible at https://doi.org/10.3998/mpub.12393244. This open-access initiative underscores the publisher's commitment to making critical scholarship available to a wide audience.
