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Fraenkel's 'Dual State': Echoes of Nazi Lawlessness Today

3/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Ernst Fraenkel's *The Dual State* examines the Nazi regime's blend of capitalism with lawlessness and violence.
He defines the "normative state" as conventional law and the "prerogative state" as a realm of unrestrained authority.
This dual state enables selective repression while most citizens experience normalcy.
The analysis draws parallels to the Trump administration, indicating a potential emergence of a dual state in the U.S.

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Story summary

Ernst Fraenkel's *The Dual State* examines the Nazi regime's blend of capitalism with lawlessness and violence.
He defines the "normative state" as conventional law and the "prerogative state" as a realm of unrestrained authority.
This dual state enables selective repression while most citizens experience normalcy.
The analysis draws parallels to the Trump administration, indicating a potential emergence of a dual state in the U.S.