Politics Archives

Utilitarianism vs. Libertarianism: What’s the Difference?

What is the difference between utilitarianism vs. libertarianism? Can the two be reconciled? To what extent should government restrict personal freedoms to ensure public safety and well-being? Utilitarianism states that government should only concern itself with maximizing public welfare. Libertarianism, on the other hand, says that government should only concern itself with maximizing personal freedoms. Michael Sandel explores the difference between these two ideologies and how their views apply to real-life political questions.

Global Balance of Power: 20th-Century Empires & Superpowers

How did the global balance of power shift in the 20th century? How did these balances shape wars, and how did wars shape them? In The Silk Roads, historian Peter Frankopan identifies Central and Western Asia as the battleground where the great empires of history rose and fell. He argues that understanding the East is crucial to our understanding of the world—particularly for Westerners who have lost this global perspective. Keep reading for Frankopan’s discussion of the global balance of power in the 20th century.

The Origins of Political Order by Francis Fukuyama: Book Overview

How and when did government develop as an institution? How are governments held accountable? What makes a democracy stable? The Origins of Political Order by Francis Fukuyama explores the development of political systems from prehistory to the eve of the American and French revolutions in the late 18th century. Fukuyama is interested in how and why contemporary liberal democracies emerged. Keep reading for an overview of the book.

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.