Adversaries Quote by Giorgio Agamben
“Modern totalitarianism can be defined as the establishment, by means of the state of exception, of a legal civil war that allows for the physical elimination not only of political adversaries but of entire categories of citizens who for some reason cannot be integrated into the political system”
About This Quote
Source Book: Homo Sacer, 1995
State of exception creates a legal war allowing elimination of undesired groups, blurring law and violence.
In simple terms: Exceptional laws let states target certain people.
Key Takeaway
Beware of laws that suspend rights for some.
Themes
political theory
human rights
law
state power
Mood
critical
cautious
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- humanitarian work
- legal reform
- civil rights advocacy
Key Concepts
sovereignty
biopolitics
exceptionality
Questions to Reflect On
- How do societies protect security without eroding rights?
- Can emergency powers be limited?
A Different Perspective
The concept may oversimplify complex security needs.
![“The [liberals] consider profits as objectionable. The very existence of profits is in their eyes a proof that wage rates could be raised without harm to anybody. They speak of profit without dealing with loss. Profit and loss are the instruments by means of which the consumers keep a tight rein on…” quote by Ludwig von Mises](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b1d/ludwig-von-mises-364_abolish_the-liberals-consider-profits-as-objecti_187906.jpg)
