The enemy is anyone who threatens the state from "summary" of The Concept of the Political by Carl Schmitt
The concept that the enemy is anyone who threatens the state is a fundamental principle in understanding the political. This idea, as put forth by Carl Schmitt, highlights the existential nature of enmity in the realm of politics. According to Schmitt, the distinction between friend and enemy is crucial for defining the essence of the political. In the political realm, the enemy is not merely a competitor or adversary, but rather someone who poses a serious threat to the very existence of the state. This concept emphasizes the high stakes involved in political conflicts, where the enemy is seen as an existential danger that must be confronted and defeated. By defining the enemy in this way, Schmitt underscores the inherent conflictual nature of politics. In his view, the friend-enemy distinction is a key aspect of political identity and plays a central role in shaping political dynamics. The enemy is not just a theoretical construct, but a concrete reality that must be reckoned with in the pursuit of political goals. Schmitt's concept of the enemy as anyone who threatens the state also highlights the importance of sovereignty in politics. The state, as the highest authority in a political community, has the power to determine who constitutes an enemy. This authority to identify and confront enemies is a crucial aspect of state sovereignty and plays a central role in shaping political decision-making.- Schmitt's concept of the enemy as anyone who threatens the state provides valuable insights into the nature of political conflicts and the role of enmity in shaping political identities. By highlighting the existential dimension of enmity, Schmitt underscores the high stakes involved in political struggles and the crucial role of sovereignty in defining and confronting enemies.
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