Carl Schmitt The Concept Of The Political Pdf
Carl Schmitt is a well-known figure in the field of political philosophy, known for his controversial views on sovereignty and the state. His most significant contribution to the discipline is his book, 'The Concept of the Political,' published in 1932. This work is still considered to be one of the most important texts in political theory and remains relevant today. In this article, we will explore the concept of the political as presented by Carl Schmitt in his book and the implications it has for our understanding of politics in the modern era.
The Concept of the Political
The central thesis of Schmitt's book is that politics is defined by the distinction between friend and enemy. The concept of the political, according to Schmitt, arises when a group of people band together and acknowledge a common threat that is external to their community. This perception of an external threat is what creates the basis for all political action, and the friend-enemy distinction is what defines the political relationship between different groups.
Furthermore, Schmitt argues that the political cannot be reduced to other categories such as law or morality, as it is a distinct sphere that exists independent of these concepts. This means that political decisions cannot be based on rational or moral considerations alone, but must take into account the friend-enemy distinction and respond accordingly. Schmitt also claims that democracy is not a necessary feature of politics, and that the state's sovereign power is what ultimately determines political decisions.
The Implications of the Concept of the Political
Schmitt's concept of the political has significant implications for our understanding of modern politics. First and foremost, it challenges the traditional liberal notion that politics should be based on universal principles of justice and equality. Schmitt argues that the friend-enemy distinction is essential for the existence of politics, and that attempting to eliminate this distinction through moral or legal means is a futile endeavor.
This perspective can be seen in the rise of modern right-wing populist movements, which emphasize the importance of national identity and the exclusion of perceived threats to that identity. These movements reject liberal universalism and instead prioritize the friend-enemy distinction as the basis for political action.
Schmitt's concept of the political also has implications for international relations, as it challenges the assumption that cooperation and mutual interest can overcome political differences. According to Schmitt, the friend-enemy distinction is a necessary feature of politics, and international relations are no exception. This leads to a more confrontational approach to foreign policy, where the state's sovereign power is prioritized over any obligation to international norms or institutions.
Conclusion
Carl Schmitt's 'The Concept of the Political' is a controversial and influential book that challenges traditional liberal assumptions about the nature of politics. The friend-enemy distinction, according to Schmitt, is the foundation of all political action and cannot be eliminated through rational or moral means. This perspective has significant implications for modern politics, including the rise of right-wing populism and the prioritization of sovereignty in international relations.
