The conflict and the institution: Claude Lefort, reader of Niccolò Machiavelli
Abstract
The aim of this article is to investigate how Lefort’s interpretation of Machiavelli’s works, during the period 1950-1972, influences his later writings. This will be done through a double objective: Firstly, Lefort gives an account of the relationship that exists between his theory of modern democracy –and the indeterminacy that is consubstantial– and the Machiavellian notion of the Republic; and, onthe other hand, how the importance of personal leadership for Machiavelli to think the political regimes is occluded. This double objective is crossed by the following reading hypothesis: Machiavelli is a fundamental contribution to reflect on the lefortian theory of democracy, both for what Lefort takes from Machiavelli and for what he dismisses.
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