States of exception
Nature
A "state of exception" refers to a situation in which normal legal frameworks are suspended by authorities, often in response to perceived emergencies or threats. This concept, theorized by thinkers like Carl Schmitt and Giorgio Agamben, poses a significant problem as it grants extraordinary powers to governments, potentially undermining democratic norms, civil liberties, and the rule of law. The ambiguity and potential for abuse inherent in states of exception raise concerns about their use as tools for political repression, the erosion of constitutional safeguards, and the normalization of emergency measures beyond their original justification.
Background
The global significance of states of exception emerged prominently during the 20th century, as governments increasingly suspended legal norms in response to crises such as wars, terrorism, and civil unrest. Scholarly attention intensified after World War II, with critical analysis expanding following the use of emergency powers in Latin America, the Middle East, and post-9/11 Western democracies. This phenomenon’s recurrence has prompted ongoing debate about its implications for human rights and constitutional order.
Incidence
States of exception have been declared in numerous countries across all continents, often in response to perceived threats such as terrorism, civil unrest, pandemics, or natural disasters. These measures, which suspend normal legal protections and grant extraordinary powers to authorities, have affected millions of people worldwide, sometimes for extended periods. The frequency and duration of such declarations have increased in the 21st century, raising concerns about their normalization and the potential erosion of democratic norms and human rights protections on a global scale.
In 2022, Sri Lanka declared a state of emergency amid widespread protests over economic mismanagement and shortages of essential goods. The government imposed curfews, restricted public gatherings, and granted security forces sweeping powers to detain individuals without charge. This state of exception lasted several months, drawing international attention to the risks of prolonged emergency rule and its impact on civil liberties.
In 2022, Sri Lanka declared a state of emergency amid widespread protests over economic mismanagement and shortages of essential goods. The government imposed curfews, restricted public gatherings, and granted security forces sweeping powers to detain individuals without charge. This state of exception lasted several months, drawing international attention to the risks of prolonged emergency rule and its impact on civil liberties.
Claim
States of exception represent a grave threat to democracy and human rights. When governments suspend laws under the guise of crisis, they open the door to unchecked power, abuse, and the erosion of civil liberties. History shows that such measures, once normalized, are difficult to reverse. Ignoring the dangers of states of exception risks undermining the very foundations of justice and freedom that societies claim to uphold. This is an urgent and critical problem.
Counter-claim
The so-called “states of exception” are vastly overblown as a concern. Governments need flexibility to respond to crises, and temporary measures are a practical necessity, not a threat. Fears about abuse are exaggerated; robust institutions and public scrutiny keep power in check. Worrying about states of exception distracts from real issues—it's a theoretical problem, not a pressing one. Let’s focus on genuine challenges, not hypothetical scenarios.
Narrower
Metadata
Database
World problems
Type
(B) Basic universal problems
Biological classification
N/A
Content quality
Unpresentable
Language
English
D7NID
240511
Editing link
Official link
Last update
Feb 16, 2022