Politics is about the existential struggle for power from "summary" of The Concept of the Political by Carl Schmitt
The essence of politics lies in the fundamental struggle for power. This struggle is not merely about gaining and exercising power, but about the very existence and survival of the political entity. In the political realm, power is not a means to an end, but an end in itself. It is the ultimate goal that defines the nature of politics. The existential nature of this struggle for power is what distinguishes politics from other spheres of human activity. In politics, there are no neutral or objective standards by which to judge the legitimacy of power. The only criterion that matters is the ability to assert and maintain power over others. This relentless pursuit of power is what drives the political process and shapes the dynamics of political life. The struggle for power is not confined to the realm of domestic politics. It extends to the international arena, where states compete for power and influence on the global stage. In the international realm, power is the currency of politics, and states must constantly strive to enhance their power and protect themselves from threats posed by other states.- Politics would lose its vitality and become a mere exercise in governance. The concept of the political reminds us that politics is ultimately about power and the relentless quest for power that defines the political realm.
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