The Dark Future of Constitutionalism

28 Pages Posted: 20 Mar 2015

See all articles by Dennis Patterson

Dennis Patterson

Rutgers University School of Law, Camden; University of Surrey - School of Law

Date Written: March 19, 2015

Abstract

This essay is a review of Alexander Somek’s book "The Cosmopolitan Constitution" (OUP, 2014). After summarizing the main argument of the book, the essay pursues two lines of criticism. First, it contends that Somek’s treatment of legal pluralism relies on an insufficiently articulated distinction between law and politics. Second, it maintains that Somek overstates the negative effects of global capitalism on nation-state democracy. The essay concludes that the future of constitutionalism is less dark than Somek would have it, but also – these criticisms notwithstanding – that this is a remarkable book that no one can ignore.

Keywords: constitutionalism, pluralism, law and politics, capitalism and democracy, Alexander Somek

Suggested Citation

Patterson, Dennis, The Dark Future of Constitutionalism (March 19, 2015). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2580783 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2580783

Dennis Patterson (Contact Author)

Rutgers University School of Law, Camden ( email )

Camden, NJ 08102-1203
United States
856-225-6369 (Phone)
856-751-8752 (Fax)

University of Surrey - School of Law ( email )

United Kingdom

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