The political is about protecting the collective identity of the state from "summary" of The Concept of the Political by Carl Schmitt
The essence of the political lies in the protection and preservation of the collective identity of the state. This concept is fundamental to understanding the nature of politics and the role of the state in society. The state, as the embodiment of the political, is tasked with safeguarding the interests and values of the community it represents. The collective identity of the state is not merely a sum of individual identities, but rather a distinct entity with its own character and purpose. It is through this collective identity that the state asserts its sovereignty and exercises its authority over its citizens. In times of crisis or conflict, the state must act decisively to defend its identity and maintain order within its borders. The political is not a matter of personal opinion or individual preference, but a question of existential significance for the state and its people. The state exists to ensure the security and well-being of its citizens, and it is through the political that this goal is achieved. The political is therefore inseparable from the state, as it is through the state that the political is realized. The protection of the collective identity of the state requires a strong and decisive government that is willing to make tough decisions in the face of adversity. In times of war or civil unrest, the state must be prepared to take whatever measures are necessary to preserve its identity and maintain order. This may involve the suspension of civil liberties or the use of force to quell dissent, but such actions are justified in the name of protecting the state and its people.- The political is about the survival and continuity of the state as a political entity. The state must be willing to defend its identity against internal and external threats, and to assert its authority over its citizens in order to maintain order and stability. In this sense, the political is a matter of life and death for the state, and it is through the protection of its collective identity that the state ensures its own survival.
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