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
In the vast and complex mosaic that is India, democracy has not just been a political framework it has been a way of life. From the first general elections in 1951-52 to the most recent electoral exercises, India has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to hold together a diverse, multilingual, multi-religious population under one democratic roof. … Read more
“The machines are learning—fast. But are our democracies keeping up?” Democracy today stands at the crossroads of history and innovation. While technology once empowered democratic participation—bringing voices closer to the ballot, information to the citizen, and transparency to the corridors of power—it is now threatening to erode the very pillars it aimed to strengthen. The … Read more
Authority = Power + Legitimacy The Essence of Authority: Power and Legitimacy Authority is fundamentally composed of two interconnected elements: power and legitimacy. While these concepts may seem intertwined, they are distinct in both nature and function, working together to create stable and enduring systems of governance and influence. Power: The Force Behind Command … Read more
In the mid-1950s and 1960s, a significant discourse emerged regarding the status of ideology in the modern world. Intellectuals in Western liberal-democratic societies proclaimed that the age of ideology had ended, viewing it as a tool of totalitarian regimes rather than a feature of open societies. This notion posited that at an advanced stage of … Read more
The essence of democracy lies not merely in its procedural aspects—elections, legislatures, or constitutions—but in its enduring commitment to certain ideals. Among these, liberty, equality, and justice stand as the unshakable pillars upon which the edifice of democracy is built. These principles are not static; they are vibrant forces, constantly interacting, often clashing, and yet … Read more
In the rapidly evolving digital era, technology has played an important role in revolutionising worldwide electoral processes. The influence of technology on electoral changes, from increasing transparency to empowering citizens, cannot be emphasised. As democracies advance, the incorporation of technology promises to address long-standing issues while also opening up new prospects for equality and efficiency. … Read more