Italian philosopher Giorgio Agamben presents an account of the political upheavals that ensued as the COVID-19 pandemic brought his country—and with it his countrymen's personal liberties—to a crashing halt. While controversial, Agamben’s reflections on the transformation of Western democracies hold implications far beyond any present crisis. Reviews: An on-the-spot study of the link between power and knowledge. — Christopher Caldwell, The New York Times A fascinating intervention on the encroaching state of biosecurity we are witnessing before our very eyes. — Colby Dickinson, Loyola University Chicago Fear makes thinking harder, yet there is an urgent need to think and to question every aspect of our current situation. The philosopher, which Agamben truly embodies, is a figure that must be heeded. — Nina Power, Roehampton University Agamben's book title emphasizes a vital but all too often unappreciated question. By way of answer, he worries that we are collectively and individually in a very dangerous place that, contrary to popular opinion, has little to do with a virus or pandemic." — T. Allan Hillman, University of South Alabama Agamben is right that our rulers will use every opportunity to consolidate their power, especially in times of crisis. That coronavirus is being exploited to strengthen mass-surveillance infrastructure is no secret. — Marco d'Eramo, New Left Review About the Author: Giorgio Agamben is a contemporary Italian philosopher and political theorist whose original works have gained critical acclaim and have been translated into numerous languages. His most recent books are Creation and Anarchy: The Work of Art and the Religion of Capitalism and What Is Real? Agamben is a frequent contributor to numerous international newspapers and other media. |