Abstract

The essay is an introduction to Schmitt's text "Starker Staat und gesunde Wirtschaft", yet unpublished in Italy. It contextualizes this work with respect to the contemporary political debates as well as to the biographical development of its author. Comparing Schmitt's analyses with those produced by ordoliberal economists, the essay investigates the overlapping concepts in their researches - notably, the notion of «total state out of weakness» and the need for a strong state capable of depoliticizing society in order to allow economic forces to flourish unconstrained. The main argument is that, although ordoliberal economic thought advocates an assertive way of conducting politics, it does not necessarily suggest dictatorial solutions such as those proposed by Schmitt.