An approach to the concept of "Raison d’Etat" in Giovanni Botero from Carl Schmitt's political theory

Abstract

This article analyzes the concept of Raison d’Etat in the works of the Italian theologian Giovanni Botero, in the light of Carl Schmitt’s political theory. The analysis will put special emphasis on those concepts in Botero’s thought which later Schmitt will describe as essential notes in the Modern state formation process: the idea of sovereignty, the idea of political enemy and the establishment of order in front of a state of exception. Using these Schmitt’s concepts, the author looks for a deeper comprehension of the process followed by Botero to define the idea of Raison d’Etat in the light of the political, social and religious problems of late sixteenth century.