ch;11 POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES

ch;11 POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES |political ideology |

 political ideology definition

"Ideology is a form of ideas or set of beliefs related to ethics and a system of

beliefs"

 Defining Ideology

Ideologies are the lenses through which we see the world. Ideas and beliefs about:•

 Human nature (whether humans are driven by emotions or reason; self-centered or cooperative; good or evil; etc.);

• Society and social bonds (how human beings relate to each other, equality and inequality,

individuals’ different social positions, etc.);

• Authority and the state (views about why people accept/do not accept authority and about the

role of the state), etc.

Ideologies provide a vision of how the world should be like and propose avenues to

achieve this vision of a better world on the basis of ideas about:

• whether the world is fair or unfair;

• whether inequalities are natural or should be challenged;

• whether everybody should have respect for social norms or whether social norms should not

be imposed on individuals, etc.

Visions about how the world is and how the world should be shape politics, ideas about the

rights that have to be protected, views about the functioning of the economy, etc.

Ideologies traditions in their historical context

Ideology

Everything you believe about how the world should work.

Political Ideology

➢ A weapon of the mind.

➢ It can smash opposing creed of political beliefs.

➢ Ideology as a political doctrine.

➢ A coherent set of ideas that provides a basis for organized

political action.

Abriel M. Nebres

According to him, he defined political ideology as:

➢ It is a political and economic theory that characterizes the

thinking of a group or nation.

➢ The study of nature and origin of ideas and the body of

doctrines that can inspire people for collective behavior to

institute change in the political life of a nation.

➢ It has a big role to the political arena to institute change.

➢ Political analyst think that an ideology relies greatly on faith

and belief.

➢ Are logically related and identified with principles and values.

 

Political Ideologies.

 

1.  Liberalism 
2. ,Fascism,
3. Nationalism, 
4. Nazism

 Liberalism 

liberalism could best be described as a political ideology that...

The origin of political ideologies came from the ideas of liberalism. Liberalism

in truth was both the political and economic ideas of the industrialized west.

At times, liberalism is viewed as "meta ideological" which is capable of

integrating a broad aspects of rival beliefs. Essentially, liberalism is a political

dogma that in later stage developed into an economic idea in the nineteenth

century.

Economic liberalism

The system of free enterprise and set aside all

mechanism of state control and intervention.

"welfare reform and economic intervention" - a centerpiece of

contemporary liberalism.

There are six characteristics of liberalism and these are:

1. Freedom
2. Equality
3. Individualism
4. Reason
5. Consent
6. Toleration

Freedom

is the centerpiece value of liberalism. This emanates from the

belief that man by nature is free and has the desired to do things that would

make him happy. Liberals advocate civil liberty but under the "rule of law", as

they caution and warn that unrestrained liberty may breed licentiousness

among individuals exercising it. Thus, they espoused freedom of individuals

with due regard to the rights and liberties of others.

Equality

All men are born equal, at least in their moral sense but

differences lie on their abilities to perpetuate richness, wealth, and influence.

Liberals advocate equality before the law and political equality. While they

understand that equality of skills, talent, and resources are impossible liberals

nevertheless refuse to adhere to social equality or equality of income instead

advance the people's equality of opportunity that gives each person an equal

footing to actualize his differing position in regards to others.

Individualism

Liberals judge that man is unique unto himself, that man

is essentially supreme

over and above any collective body. Human being is regarded rational and

moral individuals capable to enrich themselves but only through lawful and

rightful means. The goal of liberal community is to build a liberal society where

individuals can develop and mature, each pursuing a good act unto their best

interests.

Reason

Liberals also consider that man as a rational being is endowed of

intellect and reason, a judgement of a good act or a bad act. Liberals are

therefore inclined to tap their trust in the ability of a person to choose or prefer

wise decisions and judgments in his acts, being in this reason men are best

adjudicators of their own interests. Men ergo may resolve their conflicting

differences through sincere dialogues if not debates.

Consent

Liberals agree that any human relationship should be founded on

trust, willingness and consent. "Government must therefore be based on the

consent of the governed. This is a doctrine that encourages liberals to favor

representation and democracy". In the same vein, any association of human

polity as much as possible should be merged through contracts or agreements

(social contract theory) entered into without the use of force, coercion or

intimidation.

Toleration

Liberals consent that people should allow others to think, act

and speak in ways of which they oppose or differ. They believe that pluralism

in the form of cultural, political, and moral diversity is democratically

encouraging and conflicting beliefs are tried and evaluated in an open

exchange of ideas.

There are two types of liberalism namely:

1. Classical Liberalism
2. Modern Liberalism

Classical Liberalism

• Liberals advocate atomism,
•  a belief that society is made up of a set of largely set self-sufficient individuals who owe little or nothing to one another. 
• Liberals therefore argue that state intervention in people's economic activities can only be justified whenever the government assumes a minimal role over their economic liberalism within their guiding belief that both the market and wealth work best when left alone by the state.
• Economic market under classical liberalism suggests a self-regulating economic enterprise fashion naturally to address public prosperity, and opportunities for all.

Modern Liberalism

• Contemporary liberalism postulates a liberal participation of the state over the economic affairs of the people.
•  It allows interventionism by the government. 
• Usually understood to comply with intervention in the economic management and social regulations in the event of market imbalances or failures. 
• Liberals recognized state intervention as a mechanism of control particularly in the form of social welfare provision that can protect liberty and thereby enjoy the fruits of freedom by safeguarding people from social setbacks.

Fascism

● If socialism was the first frontal assault on liberalism in the 20th century, fascism was the

second. Conservatism is phasing out.

● Fascism is designed to show the flaws associated with the nature of a world based on

liberal principles.

● Primarily a European phenomenon. Developing between WWI and WWII.

● Early 1920s in Italy - fizzles out in early 1940s.

Pillars of Fascism

● The core consideration is the concept of the....

 <nation.= The self identification (caring, a part of who and what you are) of a given set of individuals based upon some common attribute.

1.) Hyper-nationalism -

 Indicative of the fact that one can never understand the quality and

importance of any single actor without its unity with other actors. Hitler would compare.....

<true German individuals= to being a link in a chain.

 What value does a link have on its own? The link only has value when joined with others, forming a chain, or the German nation. 

This is what they strived to grasp. Mussolini - Pickets/picket fence.

Hyper-nationalism is manifested in the promotion of national glory through

self-assertion. Both externally and internally. Externally - aggressive tendencies toward

others (conquireing, establishing superiority).

 The promotion that your people are superior to that of other people.

The world is <us= and <them=. <they= are the enemy

Internally - 

Weeding out any adversaries to the promotion of glory for the nation. If you

are not with us, you are against us.

2.) Racism -

 The nation is an organism that is being threatened by parasites and illnesses.

Whatever is not the <ideal human= is a parasite that needs to be removed.

3.) Totalitarianism -

 The complete control of the government over citizen9s social, economic,

and political lives. With the government pulling in or letting go of the reins when needed.

4.) Mass-mobilization -

 Consistent effort while coming to power and while in power to

mobilize troops. Demonstrations and furtherance of the cause of the nation. 

Parades and rallies designed to meld together as strongly as possible what is believed to be...

 <our nation= and to use these gatherings to galvanize consistent support for that nation.

 If there is any opposition, throw the opposes out. That is indicative of trying to demote what we

are trying to further the most: the people. If they refuse to leave, you use violence if need

be to make them leave.

5.) Leadership principle - 

In any social element, there will always be leaders and followers.

Often, from the elites there will invariably emerge an elite of the elites that can see the

vision for the nation the likes of which other superior human beings cannot.

 Japan -Emperor is the elite among the elite with semi-God like qualities. 

The absolute leader among the elites to see where the nation should be headed.

Economics in a Fascist State

State corporatism - built upon peak associations.

Three frontiers to any economy -

1.  laboring force,
2.  agrarian component, and
3.  manufacturing component.

Within each section, you have peak associations whereby the leaders of each section coordinate

the economic productivity for the nation through the state. The state is not determining what is

taking place, the peak associations are. This is done to ensure that nothing detrimental is being

done to the wellbeing of the nation.

Politics in a Fascist State

• State = Party.
• Germany/Italy: State = Nazi Party
• No alternative parties. 

These are the parasites that are trying to draw away the beneficial qualities

of the nation as a whole.

Autocratic - Ruled by one.

How Fascism is Different

● Attack on the tenets of the Enlightenment

- Humanism - All of us as humans should be valued as humans. – The story of

humanity is humans exploiting other humans. Slavery. Aristocrats exploiting

peasantry. Captains of industry exploiting workers.

- Rationalism - The ability to make decisions using logic. Separates us from

animals. – What explains, then, an individual's tendency to base much of what

they do on superstition?

- Secularism - The non-religious way of doing things. Going with science. –

Religion is neither true nor false, but useful. Religions writ large tell people that

when they suffer in this life, they should push through because they will be in the

good life in eternity. Take it away and life would be miserable with nothing to

look forward to.

- Progressivism - Over time, things are getting better for human beings. Oftentimes

because we are using science (not religion) to de-mystify ideas for humanity. –

Modernity brings with it more exploitation, more horrifying interactions between

human beings, violence, and a less quality of life for humanity. The best thing we

can do is move backward to a simpler time where humanity interacted in ways

that were associated with their natural interactions as early human beings.

- Universalism - Something has to tie us all together w/in an ideology. Liberalism -

Rationality. Conservatism - Being part of a community. Socialism - Creative

labor. – Differences between ourselves and others that provide us with a simpler

way of thinking as to who we are, who others are, and how an interaction will be

with others.

Nationalism

I. Introduction

A. Definition of Nationalism- 

definition of nationalism refers to

 "a political ideology that emphasizes the interests and cultural identity of a nation." 

Nationalism can be understood as ...

"a belief in the importance of the nation, its people, and its culture."

B. Overview of the dual character of nationalism - 

In this section the idea of the dual character  Nationalism can be understood as having both positive and

negative aspects, which can create tension and conflict in some cases. 

The positive character of nationalism emphasizes national unity, identity, and cultural preservation,

 

while the negative character of nationalism emphasizes national superiority, exclusion, and violence.

C. Importance of understanding the dual character of nationalism -

 In this section, we can emphasize the importance of understanding the dual character of nationalism. 

Nationalism is a powerful force that has shaped the political, social, and cultural landscape of many nations.

 An informed understanding of nationalism is important in order to understand its impact and to promote positive nationalism while limiting negative nationalism.

II. The Positive Character of Nationalism

A. Definition of the positive character of nationalism

it emphasis on national unity, identity, and cultural preservation. 

This aspect of nationalism promotes national pride and seeks to

preserve the nation's cultural heritage.

B. Emphasis on national unity and identity-

 In this section, we can discuss how the

positive character of nationalism emphasizes national unity and identity. Nationalism can help to

create a sense of belonging and a shared sense of purpose among the people of a nation.

C. Promotion of national pride and cultural preservation- 

 this section discuss

how the positive character of nationalism promotes national pride and seeks to preserve the nation's

cultural heritage. Nationalism can help to raise awareness of the importance of the nation's cultural

heritage and promote efforts to preserve it for future generations.

D. Example: Civic nationalism in the United States-

 Civic nationalism in the United States emphasizes the rights and duties of citizens and the concept of shared national identity,

rather than shared ethnicity, culture, or history.

III. The Negative Character of Nationalism

A. Definition of the negative character of nationalism- 

definition of the negative character of nationalism, which refers to the emphasis on national

superiority and exclusion. This aspect of nationalism promotes division and conflict, rather than unity

and cooperation

B. Emphasis on national superiority and exclusion- 

the negative character of nationalism emphasizes national superiority and exclusion. Nationalism can

be used to justify discrimination against people based on their ethnicity, religion, or other

characteristics, and to create a sense of superiority among the people of one nation over those of

other nations.

C. Promotion of violence and conflict- 

 the negative character of nationalism can promote violence and conflict. Nationalism can be used to justify wars of conquest or to fuel ethnic or sectarian conflict within a nation.

D. Example: Nazi German nationalism- 

 an example of the

negative character of nationalism, such as Nazi German nationalism. Nazi German nationalism

emphasized the superiority of the "Aryan" race and led to the persecution and extermination of

millions of people during the Holocaust.

IV. Balancing the Dual Character of Nationalism

A. Overview of the challenge of balancing the dual character of nationalism-

In this

section, we discuss the challenge of balancing the dual character of nationalism. On one hand,

nationalism can promote national unity and identity, while on the other hand, it can lead to exclusion

and conflict.

B. Strategies for promoting positive nationalism while limiting negative nationalism- 

In

this section, we can discuss strategies for promoting positive nationalism while limiting negative

nationalism. For example, promoting a shared national identity that recognizes and celebrates

diversity, promoting inclusive policies and institutions, and encouraging critical examination of

nationalism's impact on society.

C. Example: Multiculturalism in Canada- 

an example of a

strategy for balancing the dual character of nationalism, such as multiculturalism in Canada. In

Canada, the government promotes a policy of multiculturalism that recognizes and celebrates the

diverse cultural identities of its citizens, while also promoting national unity and a shared national

identity. This helps to balance the positive and negative aspects of nationalism and creates a more

inclusive and harmonious society

Nazism

• Nazism (National Socialism) 
• 
  
• Nazism or National Socialism has nothing to do with Communism.
• 
  
•  It is term used for Fascism as it was witnessed in Hitler’s Germany. 
• 
  
• Thus Nazism is nothing but a type of  fascism.

Basic tenets of Nazism: 

 Following can be listed as some of the basic tenets of Nazism: 

1) Against Socialism/Marxism/Communism: Although Hitler after 

coming to power was able to improve the conditions of workers, the term socialism in National Socialism was used by the Nazis only to attract the workers to their party. 

2) Extreme Nationalism: 

Nazism was described as a way of life dedicated to the rebirth of the 

nation. Nazism requires that all classes must be united to restore nation’s 

greatness or pride. Thus the class differences must always be secondary to the national 

interest. 

3) Single Leader: There is need for a single leader in which the whole 

nation believes so he is able to lead the country to glory. The cult of personality is thus promoted 

through systematic propaganda. The leader makes thrilling speeches and promotes a 

heroic public themselves to the service of the Fuhrer (the leader). 

4) One Party System: This was so because only the Nazis can restore the 

German pride and therefore all parties especially the communists must be eliminated. 

5) Totalitarian Government: A Totalitarian government with high focus 

on efficiency in organization of all aspects of life of the masses. The interest of the individual 

was to be always second to the national interest. A high role of propaganda was 

recognized to popularize this message among the masses. 

6) Military Strength: The nation must be strong militarily. The entire 

state must be organized on a military footing. This was so because the war was viewed as a tool for 

restoring greatness of the nation. 

7) Race Theory: This was a unique and a very important part of Nazism. It 

argued that the whole mankind can be divided into two groups viz the Aryans and the NonAryans. The 

Aryans were the Germans. They were tall, blue eyed, handsome and a master 

race who were destined to rule the world. The Non Aryans like Slavs, Asians, Coloured 

and especially the Jews were destined to be slaves. They were inferior and greedy. 

Differences between Nazism and 
Fascism 

Fascism can be called as vague compared to Nazism as there is more clarity 

with respect to principles espoused by Nazism. 

Another point of difference is regards to the policy towards Jews. Italian Fascism was not anti-Jewish or racist until 1938 when Mussolini adopted Hitler’s anti-Semitic policy. 

There were also some differences in how Hitler and Mussolini put Fascism into 

practice and the growth of fascism in respective countries. 

These differences can be listed as: 

1) Nazism spread much more deeply and widely in Germany than Fascism in 

Italy. 

2) The German Nazi system was more efficient and successful with respect to 

the goal of economic self-sufficiency and Hitler was able to eliminate unemployment. In 

contrast, unemployment increased in fascist Italy and thus failed to achieve economic 

self sufficiency. 

3) Nazis were more brutal in their oppression and violated the human rights to

a much greater extent. The concentration camps were setup by Hitler for systemic execution of

Jews and even non-Jewish population of Poland was sent to these camps. In the camps 

the people would labour for free and were not given food. Many died of starvation and 

many were sent to poison gas chambers. In contrast, there were no such mass atrocities in 

Italy. 

4) Mussolini was more successful in his policy towards Church. He was able to 

reach an agreement with the pope in 1929 to withdraw the Church from political 

domain and in return enjoy freedom in religious domain. Hitler on other hand was impatient 

for such diplomacy and did not want any influence of the Church in the society. He 

followed a very harsh policy towards the Church and many members of the clergy were killed 

in the Nazi attempt to suppress the church. 

5) Constitutional positions of Hitler and Mussolini were different. In Italy, the 

monarchy had continued exist and the King played an important role in the end of Mussolini’s 

rule by ordering his dismissal in 1943. In contrast, there was no authority above Hitler 

in Germany to constitutionally dismiss or arrest him

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