Thinking Antagonism: Political Ontology after Laclau

Abstract

Discover Ernesto Laclau's theory of antagonism and how it contributes to political and cultural thoughtErnesto Laclau (1935-2014) was one of the major theoretical voices on the Left. His concept of antagonism is the cornerstone of his theory of hegemony and the organising concept in his political ontology. Oliver Marchart presents the main features of this ontology and tracks the development of antagonism from German Idealism via Marx to today's post-Marxism. In doing so, he demonstrates Laclau's significant contribution to the current 'ontological turn' in political thought. By carving out the philosophical implications of antagonism, Marchart proposes a new theory of 'thinking' as a collective, political and conflictual practice.Key FeaturesThe most in-depth engagement with Laclau's thinking so farThe first systematic and genealogical treatment of antagonismFollows the reception of Laclau's thought in political philosophy, human geography and cultural studies Presents a complete picture of Laclau's theories of hegemony, discourse and populismContributes to the current 'ontological turn' in political theory by proposing a never-before developed systematic ontology of the politicalCritically engages with conflict theories, including Foucault's 'polemology'

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