The American political scientist Seyla Benhabib presents a reconstruction of Hannah Arendt's political theory, approaching her work from the perspective of her lesser-known writings. In doing so, Benhabib succeeds in uncovering traces of an alternative genealogy of modernity. Through the examination of the tension between totalitarianism analysis, the influences of existential philosophy, and Arendt's genuine method, Benhabib finds a critical access to her writings that also highlights their relevance to current debates. This relevance is evident wherever issues of civil and human rights, civil society, and political public life are concerned.