Thomas Hobbes, an influential philosopher of the 17th century, shaped ideas about society, freedom, and government. His thoughts on the human condition, order, and power laid the foundation for much later philosophy and political science. In his famous work, Leviathan (1651), Hobbes presents ideas that are both groundbreaking and controversial. Some see his views as…
The article critiques the inadequacy of nationalism by highlighting how the nation-state, initially seen as a cohesive and unifying structure, has devolved into a source of separatism, conflict, and economic imperialism. It argues that nationalism has fostered aggression and division among nations, undermining the ideals of self-governance and equality. The text advocates for internationalism as…
The article discusses the principle of self-determination, asserting that each nationality should form its own state, encapsulated in President Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points from 1918. This principle advocates for justice and equality among nations, emphasizing that governance should be based on the consent of the governed. Historical context includes the Atlantic Charter from 1941, which…
Nationalism and sovereignty are interlinked, with a strong sense of national identity serving as the foundation for the emergence and maintenance of sovereign nation-states. The clarity in defining these concepts is essential to avoid confusion and misunderstanding in discussions about political identity and governance. Here are the key points: Nationalism Self-Determination: Nationalism is rooted in…
The evolution of the State has varied significantly due to natural and cultural differences across regions, resulting in diverse forms of government. The article emphasises that understanding these stages of evolution is crucial for comprehending the development of the State. Evolution of the State: The State is neither the result of an artificial creation nor…
The article explores the political, social, economic, and religious life of ancient Greece, particularly during the Homeric Age (c. 1200-800 B.C.). The overall system of Greek civilization: Highlights the complexity and richness of ancient Greek civilization, illustrating its political structures, social dynamics, economic challenges, and profound religious beliefs. Political Life: Greek tribes were led by…
The article discusses the evolution and destruction of Cretan civilization, the subsequent occupation of Greece by various Indo-European groups, and the influences that shaped Greek culture. Around 3500 B.C., the Minoan civilization flourished on Crete, spreading its influence across the Aegean and into Asia Minor until it was eventually destroyed by the Greeks around 1200…
The Greeks, known as Hellenes, were not the first civilization to establish culture and society; long before them, Egyptians, Mesopotamians, Indians, and Chinese laid significant foundations. However, the Greeks excelled in developing their culture by wisely learning from these earlier civilizations, incorporating their advancements in religion, philosophy, and the arts, notably adopting the Phoenician alphabet….
In the UK, political parties do not receive state aid for election campaigns but are funded for parliamentary work through systems like “Short Money” and “Cranborne Money.” While parties can access free postage and meeting venues for elections, they largely rely on membership and donations from companies and unions for campaign funding. The Committee on…
The article “Value of Political Thought” discusses the criticisms and merits of political theory. Critics argue that political theory often produces barren results, leading to confusion and stagnation in practical politics, as noted by thinkers like Burke and Stephen. They claim that political philosophy tends to ignore reality and relies on abstract concepts. However, proponents highlight…
