Ernesto Laclau on Political Theology: A Comparison with Schmitt and Derrida

Abstract

There has been increasing worldwide attention to Ernesto Laclau’s work, but his views on political theology remain understudied. Since Laclau is often read in connection with Schmitt and given that he acknowledges the influence of Derrida, we compare their thoughts on this subject to show formal similarities, common analogies, and contrasting political implications. Like Schmitt, Laclau invokes secularized theological concepts to address the political and, as does Derrida, invokes mystic logic to deconstruct traditional thought. However, unlike Schmitt, Laclau denies a metaphysical foundation for the political and the possibility of a stable order. Also, unlike Derrida’s detachment from more practical or concrete considerations, Laclau offers an explicit defense of political hegemony. Despite some conceptual tensions in Laclau’s reading of the apophatic tradition, his analogical exercise shows how political theology remains a fruitful field of interest for political theorists.