Out of Line

This collection of essays examines the politics of boundaries, exploring themes of international relations, subjectivity, and security, while linking contemporary issues to crises in political life and the need for critique. Out of Line is essential for students and scholars in related fields.

Out of Line is a thought-provoking collection of essays that delves into the intricate politics of boundaries, examining a diverse array of cases that encompass geographical, legal, and more abstract practices of inclusion and exclusion. The book opens with an exploration of the divide between modern Western international relations and the various factors that exist outside this framework. It further investigates the interplay between subjectivity and security, the relationship between security and nature, and the dynamics of social movements within the context of global politics. Additionally, it addresses the politics surrounding spatiotemporal dislocation.

Two chapters focus specifically on the works of Thomas Hobbes and Max Weber, highlighting their contributions to understanding the connection between boundaries and the formation of modern political structures. Each chapter not only addresses particular boundary practices but also examines the limitations that have influenced contemporary politics, especially in relation to concepts of spatiality, temporality, sovereignty, and subjectivity. This analysis reveals a prevailing scalar order that informs the traditional distinctions between internal and external realms.

Furthermore, Out of Line offers a critical assessment of the relationships among internationalism, imperialism, and exceptionalism, shedding light on how spatiotemporal dislocation impacts notions of democracy. The book connects contemporary discussions about boundary transformations to the perceived crises in political life, emphasizing the need for innovative critiques. Updated with a comprehensive introductory essay and a reflection on political judgment post-9/11, this work is an essential resource for students and scholars in politics, international relations, political theory, and political sociology.