The first comprehensive account of the politics of exceptions and emergencies in the history of the United States, States of Exception in American History weaves together historical studies of moments and spaces of exception with conceptual analyses of emergency, the state of exception, sovereignty, and dictatorship. Combining theory and history, this book spotlights the remarkable number of instances since the Founding in which the protections of the Constitution have been overridden, held in abeyance, or deliberately weakened for certain members of the polity.

During this event, Gary Gerstle and Joel Isaac will discuss the book’s overarching themes, methodological contributions, and relevance for our current moment. A Q&A session will follow, with questions taken in advance. To submit a question please e-mail it to statesofexception@gmail.com

States of Exception in American History edited by Gary Gerstle and Joel Isaac, will be published by University of Chicago Press in October 2020.