Introduction In political theory, the act of speaking is often treated as the essence of participation. Democratic legitimacy is thought to rest on the voice of the people, expressed in deliberation, protest, or voting. Silence, by contrast, has long been relegated to the margins, dismissed as apathy, repression, or exclusion. Yet history and theory suggest … Read more
For much of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, the international community operated under the assumption that armed conflict, while inevitable, could be governed by agreed standards. Central to this framework were the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, which codified principles of distinction, proportionality, and protection of civilians. These rules of war were meant … Read more
Introduction: A Theory Ahead of Its Time In 1971, American philosopher John Rawls revolutionized modern political thought with A Theory of Justice, a work that sought to answer one of humanity’s most enduring questions: what does it mean to create a just society? At its heart lies the notion of “justice as fairness” a vision … Read more
In a world teeming with elections, political campaigns, and constitutional frameworks, one would imagine democracy to be thriving. Yet, the irony of our times is that while the external forms of democracy remain intact, its moral and psychological foundations are weakening. This foundational concern, political legitimacy, lies at the heart of political theory, but is … Read more
Introduction: Redefining Dictatorship In popular discourse, ‘dictatorship’ often refers to the oppressive rule of a single leader or a small clique, where power is concentrated in the hands of a few. However, Marxism offers a different interpretation of the term, especially in the context of the ‘dictatorship of the proletariat.’ For Marxists, any state power … Read more
Introduction The Marxist theory of revolution, deeply rooted in the philosophy of dialectical materialism, offers a comprehensive analysis of societal change and the inevitable clash between opposing forces. This model asserts that revolutions are not only necessary but essential for the evolution of human societies. According to Marxist thought, these transformations are driven by contradictions … Read more
IntroductionDevelopment, in essence, is a positive phenomenon. It signifies progress and the improvement of human life across various spheres. However, when we shift our focus to the economic domain, certain unintended consequences of development emerge, often casting a shadow on its benefits. The relentless drive for economic growth brings with it the exploitation of natural … Read more
Amartya Sen, a renowned Indian economist and philosopher, has profoundly shaped the field of welfare economics with his groundbreaking ideas. His work focuses on the pivotal role of freedom in development, emphasizing that true progress involves more than economic growth—it requires enhancing people’s capabilities and expanding their freedoms. The Capabilities Approach: A New Perspective Sen’s … Read more
In contemporary political discourse, civil society is a term with dual meanings. First, it refers to social institutions like schools, churches, and peer groups that support and legitimize the state, aligning with Antonio Gramsci’s theory of civil society as a stabilizing force for capitalism. Second, civil society is understood as public interest organizations and social … Read more
Throughout human history, various forms of state systems have evolved, but none have succeeded in providing lasting peace and security. From the ancient Greek city-states locked in perpetual conflict to the expansive Roman Empire that failed to forge social solidarity among its diverse peoples, the pursuit of stability has been elusive. In the medieval era, … Read more