This book constitutes a timely and highly original intervention in contemporary political theory. In the first full-length study of Merleau-Ponty's political thought to be published since the rise of poststructuralist theory, Diana Coole brilliantly demonstrates Merleau-Ponty's continuing significance as a resource for political theory today. Merleau-Ponty and Modern Politics After Anti-Humanism fruitfully moves us beyond the now-stale debates about humanism and anti-humanism, modernity and postmodernity.

Sonia Kruks, Robert S. Danforth Professor of Politics, Oberlin College; author of Retrieving Experience

Coole's study of the contributions of Maurice Merleau-Ponty to philosophy and political theory reflects a remarkably deep and thoughtful engagement with his ideas. Coole demonstrates in a very readable way that he was a profoundly political thinker. Her approach to situating and reading Merleau-Ponty as a political thinker is no less than masterful....Highly recommended.

., Choice Reviews

[Coole] shows how Merleau-Ponty's later work, which was to some extent imbued with anti-humanism, provides us with the basis for a renewed humanism and - consequently - a more progressive, transformative politics. Without doubt this is a highly impressive book....timely and ground breaking.

Political Studies Review

In this lucid and accessible book, Diana Coole allows us to appreciate Merleau-Ponty anew. Some readers indebted to Gilles Deleuze, Judith Butler or Michel Foucault may find things to challenge in her readings of them. But by placing Merleau-Ponty into sustained discussion with these thinkers, by excavating neglected affinities between the early and late Merleau-Ponty, and, especially, by exploring his engagement with 'the flesh of the political', Diana Coole makes a fresh and indispensable contribution to contemporary political thought.

William E. Connolly, Johns Hopkins University, author of The Fragility of Things: Self Organizing Processes, Neoliberal Fantasies, and Democratic Activism