The state is the ultimate authority in determining the political from "summary" of The Concept of the Political by Carl Schmitt
The political is fundamentally about the distinction between friend and enemy. It is not simply a matter of conflict or competition, but rather about the most extreme form of opposition that can exist between human beings. This distinction is what defines the essence of the political, as it creates a sense of us versus them, of inclusion versus exclusion. In this context, the state plays a crucial role in determining what is considered political. As the ultimate authority within a given territory, the state has the power to decide who is a friend and who is an enemy. It is the state that has the ability to declare a state of emergency, suspend the rule of law, and mobilize its citizens for war. In essence, the state is the entity that can make decisions about life and death, about who belongs and who does not. By virtue of its sovereignty, the state is able to define the political order within its borders. It is the state that establishes the rules of the game, determines the boundaries of acceptable behavior, and enforces its decisions through the monopoly of violence. In this sense, the state is not just a neutral arbiter or referee, but an active participant in shaping the political landscape. The state's authority in determining the political is not simply a matter of legal or institutional power, but a reflection of its existential significance. In times of crisis or conflict, when the distinction between friend and enemy becomes blurred, it is the state that must step in to restore order and assert its authority. This is why the state is often seen as the ultimate guarantor of security and stability, as it has the ability to make decisions that can shape the course of history.- The state's role in determining the political is a reflection of its central importance in modern society. It is through the state that the political order is established, maintained, and, if necessary, defended. As such, the state's authority in defining the friend-enemy distinction is a crucial aspect of the political that cannot be overlooked.
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