This paper examines Carl Schmitt’s notion of pluralism, and as such focuses on his conception of the political. To formulate an answer to this paper’s central research question – ‘Is the Schmittian...Show moreThis paper examines Carl Schmitt’s notion of pluralism, and as such focuses on his conception of the political. To formulate an answer to this paper’s central research question – ‘Is the Schmittian notion of pluralism fundamentally at odds with the concept of the political?’ –, a diverse landscape of arguments had to be traversed. As a first approximation, the results hold that the Schmittian notion is in fact at odds with the concept of the political. Ultimately, these considerations aim to enrich and complement the debate surrounding the theory of the political.Show less
The internal politics of an unrecognised state like Transnistria may seem like a forgone conclusion, as per the common reputation of such states being static, authoritarian "puppets" of Russia....Show moreThe internal politics of an unrecognised state like Transnistria may seem like a forgone conclusion, as per the common reputation of such states being static, authoritarian "puppets" of Russia. However, closer inspection of recent election results reveals a dynamic and unpredictable succession of regime changes that challenges not only our understanding of de facto state politics, but that of the workings and elite struggles of post-Communist "hybrid regimes" in general. Building on existing theory on regime change and democracy in the post-Soviet sphere and in unrecognised states in particular, the author then uses primary resources gained from numerous field interviews in Transnistria and Moldova to evaluate exactly where power lies in the de facto state, how it has shifted over the past election cycles, and what role is played by the mysterious patron, the "dark knight", Russia.Show less
