Pandemic, Exception and the Law: Notes on the Shattered Nomos of Europe

In this article I propose a critical evaluation of the current European politico-legal landscape that unfolds under conditions COVID-19 pandemic. My aim is to off an analysis symbolic status legality in context and reflect on its historical trajectory, by introducing it longer timescale than usually proposed as well insisting specific nexus between emergency legislation authoritarian ideologies within Europe. doing so new genealogy state exception apt articulate relationship force law, legal normativity, ideology modern capitalism. The thesis defend here simple one: ongoing pandemic has operated acceleration understood medium articulates power symbolically public ostensible manner, not able catch up with. To substantiate thesis, venture first take stock existing theories, analyses narratives relation shall focus fi traditional constitutional law accounts Italian philosopher Giorgio Agamben’s criticism responses Following analysis, move towards situation sphere multiple crises befalling Europe have become visible since 2015. At stage draw attention manifold layers states been sapping liberal democratic nomos putatively defended third move, embark synoptical clarification history class struggle. fourth last intervention intend assess pandemic, form dissolution nomos.