The Importance of Politics and Political Science

Introduction

Politics is broadly defined as the activities associated with governing a country or area, including making laws, setting policies, and managing resources. Political science, meanwhile, is the systematic study of politics, which includes analyzing power structures, institutions, decision-making processes, and political behavior. This article examines why politics and political science are important by considering their role in maintaining civil society, protecting human rights, shaping democracy, influencing international relations, and guiding public policy.

Role of Politics in Maintaining Civil Society and Protecting Human Rights

Civil society refers to the non-governmental organizations and social movements that exist between the state and the individual. According to a report by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), “politics provides the framework for civil society to develop, to be held accountable and to contribute to the advancement of human rights.” This means that political decisions play an essential role in creating the conditions necessary for civil society to thrive and for individuals to enjoy their human rights.

For example, a 2016 study conducted by the Council on Foreign Relations found that states with more democratic systems of government generally have higher levels of civil society participation. This indicates that democracy, which is shaped by political decisions, creates an environment where it is easier for individuals to organize and join together to fight for their rights. Similarly, a 2017 report from Amnesty International found that countries with strong civil society networks tend to have better records of protecting human rights.

Political Science and Democracy

Political science has long been used to analyze and understand the different forms of democracy. For instance, a 2016 study conducted by the University of Oxford examined the impact of different types of democracy on economic development. The researchers concluded that “democracy is positively associated with economic performance,” suggesting that political science can help us better understand how democracy affects economic outcomes.

In addition, political science has also helped us to understand the importance of rule of law when it comes to democracy. A 2017 report by the World Bank found that countries with strong rule of law tend to have higher levels of political stability and economic growth. This further demonstrates how political science can be used to inform our understanding of democracy and its effects on economic development.

Influence of Political Systems on International Relations

Political systems, such as democracy, authoritarianism, and totalitarianism, have a significant impact on international relations. For instance, a 2018 study published in the journal International Studies Quarterly found that democracies are more likely to cooperate and negotiate peacefully than other types of political systems. This suggests that political systems shape the way countries interact with each other and can even affect the likelihood of war or peace.

Furthermore, political systems can also have an effect on trade. A 2019 report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that countries with more democratic systems tend to have higher levels of trade openness, suggesting that political systems can influence how international trade is conducted.

Political Science and Public Policy

Political science also plays an important role in understanding public policy. According to a 2014 study published in the journal Public Administration Review, “political science is essential to understanding public policy because it provides insights into the underlying dynamics of political decision-making.” In other words, political science helps us to understand how political decisions shape public policy and how public policy affects our lives.

For example, a 2018 report by the Brookings Institution found that political decisions can have a significant impact on health care policy. The researchers concluded that “there is an important role for political science in informing debates about health policy,” indicating that political science can help us to better understand how health care policy is formed and how it affects people’s lives.

Conclusion

This article has explored why politics and political science are important by looking at their role in maintaining civil society and protecting human rights, the influence of democracy on economic development, the impact of political systems on international relations, and how political science shapes public policy. It is clear that politics and political science are essential for understanding how societies function and for creating a better world.