Before we engage in the in-depth study of any topic we must
first clearly understand the definition of the topic itself. Although it can be
argued that there is no precise definition of “Politics” that holds
universally, and there is some truth to this statement, we must develop a
definition that then satisfies the context in which we will be defining
Politics for this course.
It is true that the concept of Politics, as defined by
Andrew Heywood in his book Politics, ultimately boils down to “the phenomena of
conflict and cooperation”. The question then arises that between which parties
do we define this cooperation and conflict as Politics? Should it be confined
to the government, as Bismarck calls it the art of government, or should it be
regarded as the exercise of power that takes place anywhere, even in private
life, as argued by radicals?
When people generally speak of politics they refer to either
the dialogue between two or more nation states, the dialogue between competing
parties within a state or the relations the government in power has with the state
it rules. Therefore, in my opinion, the definition of Politics as a field of
study should be the interaction between states, political parties
within a state and the ruling government and the general public.
4 comments:
For purposes of academic study, politics should be defined within a certain spectrum. Your definition misses certain crucial aspects in its study such as independent power brokers (King makers), civil society and other non-state actors that can influence actions of the state.
So now we know that Adam is partisan to a more narrow definition of politics. There is no right or wrong answer here, but it's good to know your perspective.
I believe that the spectrum of Politics is wider than what was discussed in the response above. Politics boils down to power struggle and practically, that exists not only in interactions of the three institutions mentioned above but in almost all areas where there exists a hierarchy of power. It is therefore necessary that we engage in a thorough study of this discipline because of its presence in all social interactions in society.
In my perspective, politics cannot be so narrowly confined. We may not realize it, but to a certain extent it even influences our everyday social life. The non-state personnel fail to escape its bounds.
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