Call for Book Chapters: "Off-Pacifism. Conflict, Hegemony and Peace in Modern Philosophy"

Vernon Press invites book chapter proposals for the forthcoming edited volume titled “Off-Pacifism. Conflict, Hegemony and Peace in Modern Philosophy” edited by Laureano López.

The essential challenge of pacifism lies in combating the widely held belief that violence is the most effective means to achieve social and political change. In stark contrast, the ultimate realization of the Leviathan in Thomas Hobbes takes on a curious form through an authoritarian government that exercises absolute control over its populace to maintain peace and social order. While pacifism seeks harmony through dialogue and nonviolence, the Leviathan embodies the imposition of peace through the coercive power of the state. Peace is not the same as pacification, just as concord is not synonymous with hegemony. Both concepts, though opposing in their approaches, raise profound questions about human nature and the appropriate means to attain peace and stability within society. ‘Off-pacifism’ not only questions the absolute principles of traditional pacifism but also allows for reflection on the political, ethical, and social implications of peace, hegemony, and conflict. ‘Off-pacifism’ invites a critical reconsideration of the limitations of a conventional pacifist approach, exploring its possible contradictions and contexts.

Our research seeks to offer an interpretation of politics, sovereignty, and the modern concept of the nation by examining texts that bridge the Renaissance and Early Modern periods, from Niccolò Machiavelli to Baruch Spinoza. We ask: Is it possible to grasp an alternative evolution of the political body from the 16th century onward, one that does not inevitably lead to sovereign power and the rise of absolutism? This question invites us to critically examine whether Early Modern Political Thought holds overlooked frameworks or principles that might allow for a more pluralistic, less centralized conception of political authority. Could there be alternative paths that suggest forms of governance distinct from the consolidation of sovereignty that came to dominate European political structures? By exploring these possibilities, we aim to shed light on the potential of Renaissance and Early Modern ideas to inform contemporary debates about the nature of power, collective identity, and politics.

We are also interested in proposals that address alternatives to the consolidation of Modern Political doctrine, with the aim of deeply examining fundamental notions from the critical heritage, such as sovereignty, power, and nation, as well as other equally strategic concepts like indignation, subversion, and disobedience. Our goal is to identify a pivotal moment associated with the pursuit of peace that signifies the lost origins of modern pacifism.

We are also interested in proposals that explore the problematic juxtaposition of the concept of non-national sovereignty in relation to the roots of absolutism. Additionally, it may be of great interest to support certain lesser-known doctrines or discourses that present a critical and contemporary perspective on the imperialism that began taking shape in the 16th century.

We are committed to tracing and illuminating the subterranean connections within Early Modern Political thought, offering insights that bridge the gaps between the Renaissance and the Age of Reason, extending to the most elaborate and consolidated doctrines that emerge around the discourse of peace in Political Philosophy. This exploration seeks to elucidate an alternative to political sovereignty through pacifism, while also encouraging reflections in the realm of contemporary philosophy.

Keywords: Pacifism. Conflict. Authority. Hegemony. Sovereignty. Political Body. Indignation. Disobedience.

A non-exhaustive list of topics that can be considered:

• Political philosophy
• Early Modern philosophy
• Modern intellectual history
• Theory and doctrines of power
• Humanism
• Pacifims
• War & Peace
• Contemporary philosophy

Abstract submission datelines January 31, 2025.

We invite scholars and researchers from all academic fields to send an abstract (500-word max.). and a short biography (approx 200 words) with author information (name, affiliation, email address) in PDF format to Laureano López at laureano.lopez@unimi.it

Applicants will be informed by January 31, 2025, about whether their abstract has been fully accepted, tentatively accepted, or declined. The final draft or chapter is expected by April 30, 2025, and will undergo a peer review process. Contributors are expected to address all feedback from the blind review process.

The final draft should be at least 6,000 words in length.