Politics

Politics Analyzed

This book introduces the comprehensive and current study of Politics which is designed for use as students take courses in any field of discipline.

You will learn:

• the nature of politics,
• approaches to political analysis,
• the central role of government and the machinery, and
• processes through which public policy is formulated and implemented.

Core Content:

1. Defining Politics:

• Politics is the activity through which people make, preserve, and amend the rules under which they live.
• It is linked to conflict and cooperation, arising from diverse opinions and limited resources.
  • Explanation: It is helpful to distinguish between two broad approaches of arena-based (behavior becomes 'political' because of where it takes place, like government) and process-based behavior (political behavior exhibits distinctive characteristics, such as peaceful debate).

2. Politics as the Art of Government:

• Classical definition: Politics is exercising control within society through collective decisions.
• It focuses on the state and the exercise of authority.
  • Explanation: Politics happens within a polity, involving formal decisions that plan action for the community.
  • Explanation: It's like politicians maneuvering in cabinet rooms or legislative chambers.

3. Politics as Public Affairs:

• Moves beyond the state into "public life," distinguished from the "private sphere."
• Politics is an ethical activity aimed at creating a just society.
  • Explanation: The state is 'public', responsible for collective community organization while civil society is 'private', set up and funded by individual citizens.
  • Explanation: For this perspective, politics broadens to consider the economy as part of the "public" realm and is not only restricted to the state and public bodies.

4. Politics as Compromise and Consensus:

• Politics is resolving conflict through compromise rather than force, "the art of the possible."
• It necessitates balancing differing interests through conciliation and negotiation.
  • Explanation: This view is rooted in liberal-rationalist ideals, emphasizing debate, discussion, and a belief in societal consensus.

5. Politics as Power:

• Broadest view: Politics is found in all social activities, concerning the production, distribution, and use of resources.
• Politics is essentially about a struggle over scarce resources.
  • Explanation: For example, radical feminists believe that society is patriarchal, so women are systematically subjected to male power. *Radical feminists redefine politics in terms of power, control and domination.

Q&A:

Q: What are the two perspectives for defining politics?

A: Arena-based (where politics happens) and process-based (how political behavior is identified).

Q: What is politics as the "Public act"?

A: Ethical governance aimed at a just society, distinct from private affairs.

Q: Who are the supporters of "Politics as the process of Power"?

A: Feminists and Marxists.