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The State of Exception

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Australian Imperialism

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Abstract

Neocolonial sovereignty is embedded in the expanding power of the geopolitical state and the violence structured in its relations with society and the rest of the world. Australia’s imperialist state is structured in the existence of the state of exception, exercising power over bare life. The imperialist nature of the state dominates and manages the life of a growing population. The power of the state of exception is largely captured by an expanding and secretive national security state in alliance with the private domestic and foreign power of corporations. These frame the matrix for the profitable operation and reproduction of an unsustainable capitalist mode of production and consumption, expanding military engagement in the US imperial project. It creates contradictions between the state’s democratic and egalitarian claims and a deepening ecological crisis. These generate tensions and anxiety between claims of freedom and democracy against the reality of rising authoritarianism, creating subjects and human capital, and an inegalitarian society prone to violence at home and overseas.

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  1. Department of Peace and Conflict Studies (DPACS), University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Dr. Erik Paul

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Paul, E. (2021). The State of Exception. In: Australian Imperialism. Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-1916-8_1

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