Emergency Politics: Paradox, Law, Democracy by Bonnie Honig Princeton Press

Emergency Politics: Paradox, Law, Democracy by Bonnie Honig Princeton Press

Emergency Politics by Bonnie Honig is a thought-provoking exploration of how democratic principles are tested and transformed in times of crisis. Challenging the idea that emergencies require the suspension of democratic norms, Honig argues that these moments instead call for a reinvigoration of democratic engagement. Drawing from political theory, legal history, and contemporary events, she examines how emergency powers are invoked and how they often serve to consolidate authority rather than protect the public good.

Honig critiques the tendency to prioritize stability and order over participation and dissent during crises, warning that such impulses can erode foundational democratic values. She calls for a model of "agonistic democracy"—one that embraces disagreement, debate, and the active presence of the people—even during states of emergency. Through compelling analysis, Emergency Politics encourages rea