Podcast Summary: This Guy Sucked – Carl Schmitt with Dr. Jonathan Fein (Patreon Preview)

Episode Information:

• Title: This Guy Sucked
• Host: Dr. Claire Aubin
• Guest: Dr. Jonathan Fine
• Episode Title: Carl Schmitt with Dr. Jonathan Fine (Patreon Preview)
• Release Date: May 8, 2025

Introduction and Context

Dr. Claire Aubin opens the episode by welcoming listeners to a Patreon preview of "This Guy Sucked," a podcast dedicated to critically examining historical figures. She introduces the guest, Dr. Jonathan Fine, a Germanist with expertise in comparative literature and intellectual history. The conversation begins amidst a contemporary backdrop of economic turmoil, referencing President Trump's import tariffs and their immediate impact on stock markets.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Carl Schmitt's Background and Nazi Affiliation
2. Schmitt's Concept of the State of Exception
3. Decisionist Sovereignty and the Friend-Enemy Distinction
4. Schmitt's Legacy and Influence

1. Carl Schmitt's Background and Nazi Affiliation

Dr. Fine emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Carl Schmitt's unwavering Nazi allegiance. He states:

"Carl Schmitt was a Nazi. And that is the fundamental fact that you really should take away." (03:56)

Schmitt joined the Nazi Party in 1933 and remained a staunch supporter until his death in 1985. Unlike other intellectuals like Martin Heidegger, who went through denazification, Schmitt never renounced his beliefs. His antisemitism was deeply ingrained, with early writings describing Jews as "insects" and continuing unabated through the Third Reich era.

2. Schmitt's Concept of the State of Exception

Dr. Aubin seeks to clarify the concept of the "state of exception," prompting Dr. Fine to elaborate:

"He sees it as his task to set that into order to determine what was wrong and to set the world right." (03:56)

The state of exception refers to the suspension of laws and norms in response to extreme situations, allowing leaders to assume greater control. Schmitt was particularly focused on Article 48 of the Weimar Republic's constitution, which empowered the President to declare emergencies. He advocated for the revitalization of dictatorship as a legitimate political mechanism during times of disorder.

3. Decisionist Sovereignty and the Friend-Enemy Distinction

Dr. Fine introduces Schmitt's theory of sovereignty, highlighting its foundational role in political decision-making:

"The sovereign is the person who decides on the state of exception." (10:19)

Schmitt posits that sovereignty lies in the authority to make decisive actions, especially during crises. This leads to his most significant contribution: the friend-enemy distinction. According to Schmitt, the essence of politics is identifying and opposing enemies, making conflict and survival the core of political life.

Dr. Aubin reinforces this by summarizing:

"He's saying that politics and the political are defined by conflict... the purpose of the political, which is pretty straightforward when you think about it." (14:07)

Schmitt argues that politics transcends everyday institutional activities, focusing instead on the fundamental division between friends and foes. This dichotomy is not merely ideological but involves tangible conflict and, ultimately, violence.

4. Schmitt's Legacy and Influence

Despite his extremist views, Schmitt's theories have left a lasting impact on both right and left-leaning thinkers. His ideas on sovereignty and the nature of politics continue to be referenced in contemporary political theory.

Dr. Fine points out that Schmitt was influenced by and engaged with thinkers like Thomas Hobbes, particularly regarding the inherent violence in human nature and the role of the state in mediating this violence.

"He is always asserting these distinctions, these binary distinctions... it's either black or white in basically everything that he writes." (15:02)

Schmitt’s uncompromising binary worldview has been both influential and controversial, underpinning various political ideologies and strategies throughout the 20th century and beyond.

Conclusion

In this episode, Dr. Claire Aubin and Dr. Jonathan Fine delve into the complex and often troubling legacy of Carl Schmitt. They dissect his role as a Nazi intellectual, his theoretical contributions to political science, and the enduring relevance of his ideas on sovereignty and the friend-enemy distinction. The discussion underscores the importance of critically examining historical figures, recognizing their impact on present-day political thought, and understanding the ethical implications of their actions and ideologies.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Claire Aubin:

  "It's a show that proves no matter how long you've been dead, it's never too late to have haters." (00:00)

• Dr. Jonathan Fein:

  "Carl Schmitt was a Nazi. And that is the fundamental fact that you really should take away." (03:56)

  "The sovereign is the person who decides on the state of exception." (10:19)

  "He is always asserting these distinctions, these binary distinctions... it's either black or white in basically everything that he writes." (15:02)

Final Thoughts:

This episode serves as a compelling exploration of Carl Schmitt's ideology and its ramifications. By unpacking his theories and contextualizing his actions within the broader framework of Nazi Germany, Dr. Fine provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of why Schmitt remains a contentious figure in historical and political discourse.

For those intrigued by this preview, full access to the complete conversation and deeper analyses can be obtained by subscribing to Patreon.