ANALYSIS OF SCHMIDT’S “FRIEND AND ENEMY” CONCEPT AND ITS APPLICATION IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Abstract

This paper focuses on Schmidt's concept of “the political”, which is a concept that represents a complex system of interconnected ideas (the essence of which is political). He claims that “the political” cannot exist without an enemy (who, when and why becomes an enemy). And to have an enemy, you must have sovereignty (what does sovereignty mean for Schmidt and who has it). What is the nature of domestic affairs in the sovereign society? Sovereignties tend to clash with one another since they do not recognize anyone else’s will as superior to theirs (What kind of conflict is there between the sovereignties? What is the highest level of such conflicting situations?) How is liberalism perceived (Is it possible to avoid conflicts between sovereignties?) Nowadays, his contribution is an essential element of the political education at western universities. The interest in his work is rapidly growing in the east as well. As a result of such interest, the following questions arise: Could the elements of his theoretic concept be recognized in the contemporary international relations? How often are they found in practice?Do national interests always remain the most important ones in such a concept? What kind of paradigm is dominant in international relations nowadays?

Key words: the political, friend and enemy, war, sovereignty, state