Modern Political Ideas

What is Politics

Politics is the process through which groups of people make collective decisions, often involving power dynamics, governance, and influencing public policy. It encompasses various activities related to the governance of communities and states.

• involves power, governance, and decision-making

John Locke – Second Treatise of Government (Ch. 1, 2, 5, 7-13)

A foundational text in political philosophy that outlines Locke's theories on natural rights, the state of nature, and the social contract, arguing that government is established to protect individual liberties.

• Political power is derived from the people, not from God or heredity.

• A limited government must protect rights with the consent of the governed.

• Locke argues that individuals possess inherent rights to life, liberty, and property, which the government must protect.

• He emphasizes that individuals have the right to revolt against any government that fails to secure these rights.

• Locke's ideas influenced democratic thought, advocating for government accountability and individual freedoms.

Natural Law

A theory in moral and political philosophy asserting that certain rights and moral values are inherent in human nature and discoverable through reason.

State of Nature (John Locke)

. A concept in John Locke's philosophy denoting a hypothetical condition before the establishment of government, where individuals are free and equal but face risks of conflict over resources.

Political and Property Rights (John Locke)

Locke's theory that individuals have inherent rights to own property and that these rights must be protected by government. He argues that the right to property is a natural extension of individuals' labor and efforts.

Role for Government (John Locke)

Locke's view that the government's primary function is to protect individuals' natural rights, including life, liberty, and property, and to maintain social order.

The Social Contract (John Locke)

A political theory proposing that individuals consent to form a government in exchange for protection of their natural rights. This contract legitimizes governmental authority and outlines the responsibilities of both the rulers and the governed.

James Madison – Federalist No. 51

• Advocates for checks and balances to prevent tyranny.

• Human nature makes institutional constraints necessary to control government power.

  • “If all men were angels)

James Madison – Federalist No. 10

• Warns about the danger of factions (interest groups).

• A large republic helps control factional influence by diluting power across many representatives.

Fowler & Schreiber – "Biology, Politics, and the Emerging Science of Human Nature"

• Examines genetics in political behavior.

• Suggests biological predispositions influence political ideology, participation, and trust in institutions.

Mancur Olson – The Logic of Collective Action

• What is Collective Action? → Individuals working together for a shared goal.

• Collective Action Problems → Free-rider problem (some benefit without contributing).

• Larger groups struggle more with cooperation than smaller, organized groups.

 Elinor Ostrom – "Analyzing Collective Action"

• Challenges the idea that only the state or markets can manage resources.

• Studies local governance models that successfully handle common-pool resources.

• Emphasizes self-organized institutions that enforce rules without government intervention.

• common-pool resources never run out

Jean-Jacques Rousseau – The Stag Hunt

The Stag Hunt is a philosophical concept used by Rousseau to illustrate the conflict between individual interests and the collective interest of a group. In this metaphor, two hunters face a choice: they can either work together to hunt a stag, which requires trust and cooperation, or they can go for a hare individually, which is a safer bet but offers less reward. The Stag Hunt highlights themes of social cooperation, trust, and the challenges inherent in collective action.

 Mark Salter (2024) – "Anarchy, Scarcity, Nature: Rousseau’s Stag Hunt and the Arctic Walrus Hunt"

Salter links Rousseau's Stag Hunt to the Arctic Walrus Hunt, exploring how the natural environment shapes collective action in resource management and emphasizing cooperation to address environmental challenges.

• Connects collective action dilemmas to survival and resource-sharing.

Leeson, Smith, and Snow (2012) – 'Hooligans'

This study explores the phenomenon of football hooliganism using economic theory to unpack the motivations behind group violence in sports settings. It analyzes the social dynamics, including the role of incentives, peer pressure, and identity, that lead individuals to engage in violent behavior during sporting events.

Mancur Olson (1993) – 'Dictatorship, Democracy, and Development'

In this work, Olson examines the relationship between political systems (dictatorships versus democracies) and economic development. He argues that dictatorships may offer stability but often lack the incentives for long-term economic growth due to the absence of accountability and competition. Conversely, democracies tend to foster economic development by encouraging citizen participation, accountability, and innovation. Olson discusses how political institutions impact economic outcomes and highlights the importance of inclusive governance for sustainable development.

Roving Bandit

A type of bandit who moves from place to place, extracting resources without establishing a stable governance structure. Roving bandits often prioritize immediate wealth and may destroy the systems that produce it, leading to short-term gains at the expense of long-term development.(Dictatorship)

Stationary Bandit

A concept introduced by Olson to describe a bandit who controls a specific territory and, unlike the roving bandit, has an incentive to maintain and improve the economy within that area. By establishing a stable environment, stationary bandits can extract resources continuously over time, which aligns their interests with those of the citizens. (Democracy)

Agriculture and the Origins of the State in Ancient Egypt

The ability to produce surplus crops led to population growth, the establishment of social hierarchies, and the need for organized governance to manage resources, labor, and trade. This agricultural foundation supported the formation of a complex society, enabling the rise of political authorities and the early state as a means of consolidating power and regulating economic activities.

Anarchism

is a political philosophy that advocates for a society organized without hierarchical structures or authority, emphasizing voluntary cooperation and mutual aid among individuals.

Robert Bates – Prosperity & Violence: The Political Economy of Development

In this examination, Robert Bates delves into how economic development interacts with political violence, particularly focusing on the protection of property rights. He asserts that inadequate economic policies can exacerbate conflicts over resources and lead to violence. Bates emphasizes that the state's ability to enforce property rights and maintain order is essential for fostering an environment conducive to development and prosperity.

 George Akerlof (1970) – "The Market for Lemons"

Akerlof discusses the phenomenon of asymmetric information in markets where sellers have more information than buyers, often resulting in market failures. This discrepancy leads to a lack of trust among buyers, which can reduce overall market efficiency, allowing poor-quality products to drive out good ones. Akerlof suggests that government intervention, such as warranties and regulations, can help restore trust in the market and improve its functioning.

 United States Declaration of Independence (1776)

• Asserts natural rights → Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

• Justifies overthrowing oppressive governments when rights are violated.

 Declaration of Rights and Sentiments (1848)

• Modeled after the Declaration of Independence but advocates for women’s rights.

• Expands the concept of universal human rights to include gender equality.

Emma Goldman – Anarchism and Other Essays (Chapters 2 & 3)

• Defends anarchism as a path to true individual freedom.

• Criticizes state oppression and argues for direct action and self-governance.

 Ayn Rand – "Man’s Rights" & "The Nature of Government"

• he only legitimate rights are individual rights, which protect people from coercion.

• There is no such thing as "group rights"—only individuals have rights.

• Markets should self regulate