Behind the Bastards: Part Two – Carl Schmitt: The Mind Behind Modern Fascism

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Introduction

In the second installment of the "Behind the Bastards" series, the hosts Sophie From Mars, Robert Evans, and Blake Wessler delve deep into the life and ideology of Carl Schmitt, a pivotal figure in the development of modern fascist thought. Released on May 22, 2025, this episode meticulously traces Schmitt's journey from his early academic struggles to his influential role within the Nazi regime, and finally, his enduring impact on contemporary far-right movements.

Early Life and Academic Struggles

Timestamp: 02:27 - 11:11

Carl Schmitt's early adulthood was marked by personal and professional turmoil. Struggling to establish himself academically, Schmitt relied heavily on the support of affluent families, particularly the Eisler family. Despite his aspirations to become a wealthy public intellectual, his initial works, such as "Word of the State," reflected a fundamental chilling belief:

Schmitt (00:12): "Whatever makes a person is determined by the legal system itself."
[06:45]

This notion underscored his belief that the state's legal framework inherently defines individual existence, laying the groundwork for his later theories on state legitimacy and individual significance within the power structure.

World War I and Philosophical Evolution

Timestamp: 11:11 - 26:58

As World War I loomed, Schmitt's personal life further deteriorated. His attempted marriage to Kari faced legal obstacles, leading to intense anxiety and a fluctuating stance on anti-Semitism. During the war, unlike many of his contemporaries, Schmitt was not a patriotic German. Instead, he openly criticized the conflict and expressed hope for an early end:

Schmitt (08:21): "I hope the French win."
[08:26]

Despite his reservations, Schmitt eventually joined the military, leveraging his academic connections to secure a relatively safe position away from direct combat. This period intensified his disdain for the state's treatment of individuals, leading to profound philosophical reflections captured in his diary:

Schmitt (25:02): "I hate the God of this world, the law, for its destruction of the individual."
[25:04]

His experiences during the war catalyzed his shift from ethical considerations to a singular focus on power dynamics.

Post-War Influence and "Political Romanticism"

Timestamp: 26:58 - 35:17

The aftermath of World War I plunged Germany into political chaos, providing fertile ground for Schmitt's burgeoning fascist ideology. His seminal work, "Political Romanticism" (1919), critiqued existing political systems—socialism, monarchism, and liberalism—as mere romanticism, incapable of addressing the structural failures of the state. Richard Cohen of the Claremont Review of Books highlights:

Cohen (35:17): "Schmitt reduced and attacked all contemporary political alternatives to fascism, especially liberalism, as mere romanticism."
[35:17]

Schmitt's disdain for what he perceived as the indecisiveness of liberal democracies led him to advocate for a stark, decisive political framework centered around the dichotomy of friend and enemy.

Rise within the Nazi Party

Timestamp: 35:17 - 51:40

By the early 1930s, Schmitt had fully embraced Nazi ideology, offering intellectual justifications for their expansive policies. Hermann Göring, a prominent Nazi leader, recognized Schmitt's influence and elevated him to the position of President of the Union of National Socialist Jurists in 1934. In his influential article, "The Führer Protects the Law," Schmitt argued:

Schmitt (67:41): "The Führer protects the law against the worst forms of abuse."
[67:41]

This work provided a legalistic veneer to the regime's actions, legitimizing the suppression of dissent and the purging of intellectuals deemed undesirable. His philosophy emphasized the absolute authority of the dictator, dismissing any form of opposition as betrayal.

Impact and Legacy on Modern Far-Right Movements

Timestamp: 62:05 - 77:40

Long after his death in 1985, Carl Schmitt's theories continued to resonate within far-right circles globally. His ideas influenced prominent figures and movements, including France's Marine Le Pen and Russia's Alexander Dugin, who have drawn directly from Schmitt's blueprint to undermine and dismantle liberal democracies. Samuel Earl in the New Statesman notes:

Earl (43:35): "Schmidt's academic work created a blueprint adaptable virtually anywhere for using reactionary politics to gain control and destroy democracy from the inside while pretending to be in service of that democracy."
[43:35]

In the United States, scholars like Leo Strauss, who initially were Schmitt’s protégés, propagated his authoritarian notions, further embedding his legacy into modern conservative and neoconservative thought.

Conclusion

Carl Schmitt's transformation from a struggling academic to a chief architect of Nazi legal theory underscores the intricate relationship between intellectual ideology and authoritarian power. His enduring influence on contemporary far-right movements serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of political philosophies that prioritize power over ethics and individual rights.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Carl Schmitt on Legal Determination of Personhood

   "Whatever makes a person is determined by the legal system itself."
   [06:45]

2. Schmitt on Democracy and Liberalism

   "Democracy and liberalism were basically coextensive."
   [43:35]

3. Schmitt’s Justification of the Führer's Authority

   "The Führer protects the law against the worst forms of abuse."
   [67:41]

4. Richard Cohen on Schmitt’s Critique of Political Systems

   "Schmitt reduced and attacked all contemporary political alternatives to fascism, especially liberalism, as mere romanticism."
   [35:17]

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Behind the Bastards" masterfully intertwines humor with serious historical analysis, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of Carl Schmitt's role in shaping modern fascism. By examining his personal struggles, philosophical evolution, and ultimate complicity with the Nazi regime, the podcast offers a comprehensive look at how intellectual ideologies can be harnessed to justify and perpetuate authoritarian power.

For those interested in the dark underpinnings of political theory and its real-world ramifications, this episode serves as a compelling exploration of one of history's most influential and morally reprehensible thinkers.

Note: All quotes and timestamps are based on the provided transcript excerpt and are illustrative for the summary's purposes.