This is a contextualized reading of the first essay in Carl Schmitt's 1922 book, Political Theology for an Introduction to Critical Theory course. Because most students in the class are U.S. citizens, I use contemporary political discussion concerning Donald Trump's removal from the Colorado ballot and unfolding legal contestation as a current example. Not only is it the intention of critical theory to speak to the present, I attempt to show why engagement with a thinker like Schmitt has become common whether one identifies as being on the right or the left politically. I also use Schmitt to contextualize what was at stake for the Frankfurt School theorists. More readings will follow.
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