This work investigates the fundamental question of whether a political philosophy is still possible in a post-metaphysical era. The authors, Jean-Luc Nancy and Philippe Lacoue-Labarthe, utilize their extensive backgrounds in deconstruction and continental philosophy to examine the limitations of traditional political categories. They argue that the modern political sphere has become detached from its ontological foundations, necessitating a re-evaluation of how we conceptualize the state, community, and the political act itself.

Experts recognize this text as a significant contribution to late 20th-century political philosophy, often noted for its dense, rigorous, and challenging prose. It is frequently cited in academic circles as a foundational text for those studying the intersection of deconstruction and political theory.