Critiquing Sovereign Violence: Law, Biopolitics and Bio-Juridicalism

Gavin Rae examines sovereign violence through the perspectives of Benjamin, Schmitt, Arendt, Deleuze and Guattari, Foucault and Agamben, and Derrida, arguing that Derrida's bio-juridical approach provides the most nuanced account.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2021
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Gavin Rae presents a novel perspective on sovereign violence by examining a diverse array of thinkers, which he categorizes into three models. Benjamin, Schmitt, Arendt, Deleuze, and Guattari represent the radical-juridical perspective, while Foucault and Agamben adopt the biopolitical approach. Rae contends that Derrida's bio-juridical model offers the most comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the subject matter.

Introduction:
Gavin Rae's approach to sovereign violence is unique in its exploration of a wide range of thinkers. By organizing these thinkers into three models, Rae offers a fresh perspective on the topic. The three models are the radical-juridical perspective, the biopolitical perspective, and the bio-juridical perspective. Each model brings its own set of insights and perspectives, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of sovereign violence.

The Radical-Juridical Perspective:
The radical-juridical perspective is represented by thinkers such as Benjamin, Schmitt, Arendt, Deleuze, and Guattari. These thinkers emphasize the role of law and legal institutions in the exercise of sovereign violence. They argue that law is not just a set of rules but a powerful tool that can be used to justify and perpetuate violence. Benjamin, for example, argues that the rule of law is a means of preserving the power of the ruling class and that the legal system can be used to repress and control dissent.

The Biopolitical Perspective:
The biopolitical perspective is represented by thinkers such as Foucault and Agamben. These thinkers focus on the relationship between power and life and how it is governed and controlled. Foucault, for example, argues that power is not just a political or economic phenomenon but a biological and social one. He explores the ways in which power is exercised and reproduced through technologies, institutions, and practices such as surveillance, discipline, and biopower.

The Bio-Juridical Perspective:
The bio-juridical perspective is represented by thinkers such as Derrida. This perspective emphasizes the role of biology and genetics in the exercise of sovereign violence. Derrida argues that the body is not just a physical entity but a complex system of relations and processes that are shaped by cultural, social, and political forces. He explores the ways in which the body is used as a site of resistance, control, and exploitation, and how it can be transformed and subverted.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Gavin Rae's approach to sovereign violence offers a valuable contribution to the study of the topic. By examining a wide range of thinkers and categorizing them into three models, Rae provides a comprehensive and nuanced account of sovereign violence. The radical-juridical perspective emphasizes the role of law and legal institutions in the exercise of sovereign violence, while the biopolitical perspective focuses on the relationship between power and life. The bio-juridical perspective, on the other hand, emphasizes the role of biology and genetics in the exercise of sovereign violence. Rae's approach encourages us to think critically about the ways in which power is exercised and reproduced and to consider the potential for resistance and transformation.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 154 x 233 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474445290