The End of Law: Carl Schmitt in the Twenty-First Century explores the enduring relevance of the controversial German thinker Carl Schmitt’s work through a scholarly lens. Written by William E. Scheuerman, this second edition delves into Schmitt’s complex ideas about law and their impact on broader debates about the rule of law. The book highlights how every aspect of Schmitt’s political thinking was fundamentally influenced by his legal reflections. It also critically examines his Nazi-era writings without minimizing their significance.

In addition to analyzing Schmitt, Scheuerman provides insightful studies on postwar US political thinkers Friedrich Hayek and Joseph Schumpeter, illustrating how Schmitt’s ideas permeated their influential theories. This edition underscores the contemporary relevance of Schmitt’s work in light of current political challenges such as counterterrorism, emergency governance, and the rise of authoritarian populism.