Agamben's State of Exception

Giorgio Agamben's concept of the "State of Exception" refers to a situation where governments suspend normal laws and democratic processes, often citing emergencies such as war or disaster. In this state, authorities can exercise extraordinary power, limiting rights and freedoms. Agamben argues that this state can become normalized, leading to a permanent situation where exceptional measures are justified. He suggests that this ongoing suspension of the rule of law poses a threat to democracy, as it enables the erosion of civil liberties and can create a society governed by fear and control.