Examination of Issues: Politics

Examination of Issues: Politics​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 21st Sept. 2017

Of late there is a rise in spate of issues or criticism of the Government often accredited to the ‘slowdown’ and attributed to a few governance measures. Like Demonetization and implementation of Tax reforms being cited as resulting in slowdown and resultant lack of ‘growth’. While the right to criticism cannot be denied to anyone especially in a democracy however if the criticism is to be widely published, then it should not be basis merely ‘who’ factor. The commercial news media should make a point to understand the substantive nature of the criticism and present information in a cogent manner as to why such criticism is being ‘aired’. That is if there are ‘implementation’ issues being criticized or there are issues ‘within’ the policy itself, which are being challenged.

Not that there has not been issues, but different persons may be turned by different issues. Like the author’s take on demonetization could be that it has not resulted in substantial move towards cash-less. Some other might want to look at the impact on their businesses, jobs, credit etc. Not that demonetization by itself was a good measure for such a delivery of cash-less or job/income-growth, however quite a few such arguments were cited besides many others and they may not have fructified and so some criticism on account of examination of the claims should come up in a healthy democracy. Then comes the GST but I guess that this might be a bit too early to pronounce any jury on the same. There has been no studies on reduction in cost of compliance and struggle around improving ‘ease of doing business index’. To the contrary, one may want to examine some of the flagship schemes like the Make or Stand-up regards the new units that may have come or increased business/employment substantially as a result of such measures.

Basically many substantive policy decisions in the government have faltered and that remains so in spite of the claims. Like as a country, India has invested tremendously on English language and most of our policy decisions taken have been around supporting or maintaining the same either consciously or unconsciously. However, we have failed to have any Education tourism or Medical tourism on account of the same and whatever little developments may have happened, would have been most after the rise of the IT industry which itself was quite late in the 70 years journey. That we could not attract students in journolism despite claims of a liberal and free media or in Film making in spite of being second largest industry probably speaks volumes. While we may been climbing ranks on Medical tourism frontier lately, the bottlenecks around Education tourism still remains to be deciphered and in spite of all the high skills, low cost manpower with English training to support this. And talking about the skills of native population about English language or any benefit that they may have gotten on account of various debates around ‘native languages’, have nothing to bring home for sure. There is little debate around these factors, though the commercial news media would love issues hurled up by either politicians or business like Labour reforms, or Land reforms and would continue to downplay Reforms required in business on account of defaults, Tax leakages etc.

The commercial news media would remain bent to keep politics mostly a two way street with the population to be focused of the two options only. So we have one side defending dynasts and the other side attacking the same with all gusto as they hurl charges on one another and all this with very little debate. The fact remains that instead of fighting dynastism, the Netas just want to be the new Dynasts else they would allow media to share their conduct in public, which presently doesn’t seem to be the case. On its own the commercial news media has very little interest to reveal so may be the onus lies on the dynasts themselves for such a move and probably that should actually silence some criticism of them at least on this count. It may debate ‘factors market’ but not some of the factors highlighted in the article besides many other such contradictions. The lack of focus towards basics, has been one arena on account of which ‘execution’ has mostly faltered. The political Netas have kept such debates off public view and it remains so. Let’s see the ‘Game’ evolve…

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

Examination of Issues: Politics​

Politics, in its broadest sense, is the process by which groups of people make decisions. It involves the allocation of resources, the exercise of power, and the resolution of conflicts within and between societies. The study of politics is essential for understanding the dynamics of governance, social change, and human interaction. This article delves into several key issues within the realm of politics, including democracy, authoritarianism, global governance, and contemporary challenges such as polarization and misinformation.

Democracy and Its Challenges​

Democracy, derived from the Greek words "demos" (people) and "kratos" (power), is a system of government where the people have the authority to choose their governing legislation. The principles of democracy include political equality, popular sovereignty, and political freedom. However, the reality of democratic governance is often more complex and fraught with challenges.

1. Electoral Integrity: One of the most pressing issues in modern democracies is the integrity of elections. Threats to electoral integrity can come from various sources, including voter suppression, gerrymandering, and foreign interference. Ensuring that elections are free, fair, and transparent is crucial for the legitimacy of democratic institutions.
2. Civil Liberties: Democracies are built on the foundation of civil liberties, including freedom of speech, assembly, and the press. However, these liberties are often under threat, particularly in times of crisis or when governments seek to exert more control. Balancing security and freedom is a constant challenge for democratic societies.
3. Political Polarization: In recent years, many democratic countries have experienced a rise in political polarization. This phenomenon, characterized by increasing ideological divisions and a lack of consensus, can undermine the functioning of democratic institutions and make it difficult to address complex issues. Polarization can lead to gridlock, social unrest, and a decline in trust in political leaders and systems.
4. Economic Inequality: Democracy is also challenged by economic inequality. When wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few, it can lead to the erosion of political equality. Wealthy individuals and corporations can exert disproportionate influence over political processes, leading to policies that favor the elite and marginalize the majority.

Authoritarianism and Its Implications​

Authoritarianism is a form of government in which power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group, and political opposition is often suppressed. While authoritarian regimes can provide stability and efficiency in governance, they come with significant risks and negative implications.

1. Human Rights Abuses: Authoritarian regimes often violate human rights, including freedom of expression, association, and the press. Dissent is frequently met with repression, and civil liberties are curtailed. This can lead to widespread discontent and social unrest.
2. Lack of Political Accountability: In authoritarian systems, leaders are not held accountable to the public. This lack of accountability can result in corruption, mismanagement of resources, and poor governance. Without the checks and balances provided by a free press and independent judiciary, authoritarian leaders can act with impunity.
3. Economic Stagnation: While some authoritarian regimes have achieved economic success, many have struggled with economic stagnation and inefficiency. The absence of political competition and the suppression of innovation can hinder economic growth and development.
4. Social Cohesion: Authoritarianism can initially promote social cohesion by suppressing dissent and enforcing uniformity. However, over time, the lack of political freedom and the suppression of diverse voices can lead to a loss of social trust and a weakening of community bonds.

Global Governance and International Cooperation​

In an increasingly interconnected world, global governance and international cooperation are essential for addressing transnational challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and economic instability.

1. Climate Change: Climate change is one of the most pressing global issues, requiring coordinated action from all nations. International agreements like the Paris Accord aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. However, the effectiveness of these agreements depends on the willingness of nations to cooperate and implement policies.
2. Pandemics: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of global health governance. Effective response to pandemics requires international cooperation in areas such as vaccine distribution, sharing of medical research, and coordinated public health measures. However, nationalist and protectionist tendencies can hinder such cooperation.
3. Economic Instability: Global economic instability, including trade wars and financial crises, affects all nations. International organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank play a crucial role in promoting economic stability and development. However, these organizations are often criticized for imposing conditions that can be detrimental to the economic sovereignty of developing nations.

Contemporary Challenges: Polarization and Misinformation​

In the digital age, politics is increasingly influenced by social media and the internet. While these technologies have the potential to democratize information and increase political participation, they also pose significant challenges.

1. Political Polarization: Social media platforms can contribute to political polarization by creating echo chambers where users are exposed only to information that reinforces their existing beliefs. Algorithms designed to maximize user engagement often prioritize sensational and divisive content, exacerbating societal divisions.
2. Misinformation and Disinformation: The spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media can have serious consequences, including the erosion of trust in institutions, the manipulation of public opinion, and the incitement of violence. Combating misinformation requires a multi-faceted approach, including regulatory measures, public education, and the promotion of media literacy.
3. Digital Divide: The digital divide, or the gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who do not, can exacerbate political and social inequalities. Ensuring equal access to digital resources is crucial for promoting inclusive and participatory governance.

Conclusion​

Politics is a multifaceted field that touches on every aspect of human society. While democracy and international cooperation offer the promise of more equitable and just governance, they are not without their challenges. Authoritarianism, while providing stability, comes with significant risks to human rights and social cohesion. In the digital age, new challenges such as political polarization and misinformation require innovative solutions to ensure that political processes remain fair, transparent, and inclusive. Understanding and addressing these issues is essential for building a more resilient and responsive political system that can effectively serve the needs of all citizens.