Politics Archives

Applying Michael Sandel’s Philosophy of Justice

What is Michael Sandel’s philosophy of justice? What are the key tenets of Sandel’s communitarianism? In Justice, Michael Sandel advocates his philosophy of justice and how he thinks it can create a more moral world—”communitarianism.” Communitarianism argues that the goal of the state is to create and preserve a community of citizens by promoting public engagement, kinship, and a sense of belonging. To show how communitarianism works in practice, Sandel offers the following examples of how governments can create and preserve a community of citizens.

Oil and Politics: How the Silk Roads Became the Oil Roads

Why does everyone fight over oil? How does this struggle affect the balance of power in the world? In ancient times, Persia was prized by the great powers of the world for its wealth and location. In modern times, the area is prized for its oil. The discovery of this commodity altered the world’s political landscape forever. Continue reading for a historical overview of oil and politics.

Understanding Democracy: 3 Takeaways From Francis Fukuyama

Is there a “recipe” for democratic government? Is democracy contingent? Can political decay be reversed? To understand the pressures on democracy in the 21st century, it’s important to understand what modern democracy is and where it came from. Francis Fukuyama aims to build that foundation in his book The Origins of Political Order. Continue reading for the book’s takeaways on understanding democracy in the world today.

Michael Sandel: What Is Communitarianism?

What is communitarianism? How does communitarianism differ from liberalism and utilitarianism? Communitarianism is a political ideology that prioritizes the connection between the individual and the community. According to political philosopher Michael Sandel, communitarianism is the best principle for organizing human societies. Keep reading to learn about communitarianism, according to Michael Sandel.

The Russian Empire vs. the British Empire: Clash of Interests

How far did the Russian Empire extend? How was it a threat to the British Empire? Did this clash lead to World War I? The rise of the Russian Empire began in the early 1800s, and its eventual expansion posed a threat to the interests of the British Empire. The clash between these two powers impacted the world for years to come. Keep reading to learn about the Russian Empire vs. the British Empire.

The Importance of Accountability in Government: A History

How is government accountability important to democracy? What can we learn from the history of democracy in England? One piece of the puzzle that makes up a modern liberal democracy is accountability—a state’s commitment to the rights and needs of the people it governs. In The Origins of Political Order, political economist Francis Fukuyama examines how government accountability evolved in England. Keep reading to learn about the history and the importance of accountability in government.

A History of Democracy in England: Local Politics & the Rule of Law

What difference did the Magna Carta make? Why was medieval England particularly disposed to democracy? In the Middle Ages, England stood out from the rest of Europe. Political economist Francis Fukuyama discusses the Magna Carta, English society’s long-standing organization around local politics, and its emphasis on the legal system as the source of political legitimacy. Keep reading for a brief history of democracy in England that shows how it was unlike any other nation of its time.

The Impact of the Crusades: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

What were the Crusades about? What impact did they have on the world? Muslim conquests in Asia, Africa, and Europe—and threats of further conquests—sounded the alarm for the Christian Byzantine Empire. The emperor asked Western European Catholics for help. The resulting Crusades would shape the world in ways that we see still today. Keep reading to learn about the impact of the Crusades.

Limitations of the Rule of Law: Examples From History

Are democracies safe as long as they respect the rule of law? What does history tell us? A major component of modern liberal democracies is the rule of law—the belief that the state is constrained by some higher standard of conduct. However, the rule of law is not a complete safeguard of democracy. Continue reading to learn about the limitations of the rule of law.

Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? By Michael Sandel

What is Michael Sandel’s Justice about? What is the key message to take away from the book? Justice is Michael Sandel’s exploration of the philosophical perspectives on justice and morality. To this end, Sandel examines how philosophers throughout the ages have tackled political dilemmas with ethical implications, offering his own critiques along the way. Below is a brief overview of Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? by Michael Sandel.