The Concept of the Political by Carl Schmitt

Description

The Concept of the Political by Carl Schmitt is a foundational work in political theory that explores the nature of politics and sovereignty. Originally published in 1932, Schmitt’s analysis centers on the idea that politics is fundamentally defined by the distinction between friend and enemy. He argues that all political actions and identities ultimately revolve around this binary opposition, which determines the legitimacy of authority and the formation of state power. Schmitt critiques liberalism for attempting to depoliticize the state by emphasizing ethics, economics, and legal norms over the realities of power and conflict. He contends that liberalism’s emphasis on compromise and procedural democracy fails to acknowledge the inevitability of existential conflict in politics. For Schmitt, sovereignty is rooted in the ability to make decisions in moments of crisis—especially in the power to declare a state of exception, where legal norms are suspended for the sake of order and survival. This work has had a profound impact on political philosophy, influencing thinkers across ideological spectrums. While controversial due to Schmitt’s association with authoritarianism, The Concept of the Political remains a crucial text for understanding the dynamics of power, state authority, and the limits of liberal democracy.