Carl Schmitt — Theory of the Partisan

Theory of the Partisan is one of Carl Schmitt’s major works devoted to the transformation of warfare and the emergence of the irregular combatant within modern political and military conflicts. The author examines the origins and development of the partisan, his relationship with revolutionary warfare, and his role in new forms of political and military confrontation.

Schmitt analyzes the distinctive characteristics of the partisan —mobility, irregularity, territorial connection, and political dimension— distinguishing them from traditional forms of warfare. The work also explores the changing relationship between war, politics, and the state, as well as the consequences of modern forms of conflict for traditional categories of international law and political theory.

A significant work for the study of political theory, international law, military history, strategy, political philosophy, and contemporary history, and an important contribution to Schmitt’s later intellectual production.