Die Gewaltfähigkeit des modernen Staates: über das Verhältnis von Staat und Krieg

Abstract

In the centre of this reflection stands the radical change of the state in the modern age. We argue that the ability of the state to use power in its external relations has been distorted in a particular manner, and a new form of power appears as a signature of the modern age. This ability is to be described as a new category of the political. Hence, our argument will revolve around the following question: to what extent the connection of state and war can be led back? The following criteria must be considered: the forms of the organisation of violence, the means of violence, and finally the specific consciousness of violence.