The political is about defining who belongs to the community from "summary" of The Concept of the Political by Carl Schmitt
The essence of the political lies in the very act of defining who belongs to the community. This act is not merely a theoretical exercise, but a practical and existential one that shapes the very nature of political life. It is through this defining process that individuals are categorized as either friends or enemies, insiders or outsiders, allies or adversaries. In this sense, the political is not about abstract ideas or universal principles, but about concrete distinctions and boundaries that delineate the boundaries of the community. It is in the act of inclusion and exclusion that the political comes to life, as individuals are placed into categories that determine their status and position within the community. Moreover, this defining process is not a passive or neutral one, but a dynamic and contested one that involves struggles over power, identity, and belonging. Those who are able to define who belongs to the community also hold the power to shape its direction and determine its values. At its core, the political is about drawing lines and making judgments about who is part of "us" and who is part of "them." It is about creating a sense of identity and solidarity among those who are deemed to belong, while also creating a sense of otherness and opposition towards those who are deemed to be outsiders. In this way, the political is not just a matter of governance or administration, but a fundamental aspect of human existence that shapes our relationships, our identities, and our sense of belonging. It is through the act of defining who belongs to the community that we come to understand ourselves and our place in the world.
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