Modern State as a Source of Legitimized Violence; Dilemma of Sovereignty and Violence

Abstract

Elimination of violence and establishment of sustainable peace have been among the longest-standing human ambitions. Violence with its paradoxical picture, however, has been an inseparable part of human history. Regarding different aspects and forms of violence, it could be defined as something to do with a change in the “normal” state of affairs. According to mentioned definition of violence, a comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon is tied to proper understanding of political life. As a result of the main characteristic of modern state, “ the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force in the enforcement of its order”, violence could be classified in legitimate and illegitimate. In other words, modern state by introducing itself as sovereign, which is considered as natural, for-granted and even necessary to keep order and maintain security, has the right to define “normal state”, make decision on “the state of exception” and accordingly legitimize violence in different scales. To explain the role of modern state in legitimized violence, I employed the concept of camp, which is according to Giorgio Agamben the fundamental biopolitical paradigm of modern societies. Hence, illustrating the similarities between variety camps in states with different political, economic and ideological structures, could disclose the real violent face of modern state. Suspension of the state of law and dehumanization are two common processes that are employed by state in camps to legitimize violence against people.