The political is not a universal concept but is specific to each state from "summary" of The Concept of the Political by Carl Schmitt
The political, according to Carl Schmitt, is a concept that cannot be universally defined, but rather, it is contingent upon the specific context of each state. Schmitt emphasizes that the political can only be understood within the framework of a particular political entity, as it depends on the specific configuration of power and authority within that state. In Schmitt's view, the political is not a fixed or predetermined concept that can be applied universally across different states. Instead, it is shaped by the unique historical, cultural, and social conditions of each state. This means that what constitutes the political in one state may differ significantly from what constitutes the political in another state. Schmitt argues that the political is inherently tied to the idea of sovereignty, which is the ultimate source of power within a state. Sovereignty is what defines the political order of a state and determines how political decisions are made and implemented. Without a clear understanding of sovereignty, it is impossible to grasp the nature of the political within a particular state. Moreover, Schmitt contends that the political is characterized by the presence of an enemy, which serves to delineate the boundaries of the political community and create a sense of solidarity among its members. The existence of an enemy helps to define what is at stake in political conflicts and provides a sense of purpose and direction to political action.- Schmitt's concept of the political underscores the importance of recognizing the specificities of each state when trying to understand its political dynamics. By acknowledging the uniqueness of each state's political order, we can gain a deeper insight into the nature of power and authority within that state and appreciate the complexities of its political life.
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