Restricted Realm of Scarce Chances
Unfiltered, Unapologetic Politics Denounced
Politics, in its rawest form, paints a grim picture of deception and power plays. From Moscow's dingy backrooms to Washington D.C.'s marble halls, political leaders in cities like Moscow, Washington, Budapest, Buenos Aires, and elsewhere, proudly exhibit their true colors and the extent of their willingness to bend democracy.
In times of political and economic turmoil, when society's defenses are weakened, anti-democratic adversaries swarm the scene. They fan the flames of existing conflicts with vicious verbal assaults and inflammatory political rhetoric. At the same time, they launch a barrage of provocative actions and wild threats, aiming to elicit a response from the opposing side. The desired reaction gives them a legal excuse to enact authoritarian measures[2].
A prime example of such manipulation includes military conflicts like World War II, the Vietnam War, the US invasion of Iraq, and Russia's incursion into Ukraine. In each instance, figures with a disdain for humanism, morality, and a knack for deceit, manipulation, and appearance, orchestrated these conflicts[2].
System Flaws Exposed
Discussions surrounding the appropriate distribution of power between state presidents and the government have been ongoing for decades. When compared to the power wielded by the U.S. president, France's semi-presidential system boasts democratic safeguards that discourage authoritarian action via laws rooted in the French Revolutionary era[1].
In recent elections, the American electorate has spoken, even if its decision is questionable, considering the oversimplified opinion formation context[3]. Democracies are, however, vulnerable to harmful preliminary decisions imposed by majorities. This creates an enticing opportunity for populists and demagogues to exploit.
Protests in Los Angeles: Trump Mulls Martial Law
In cultures of affluence, the surrender of humanistic values leads to a loss of cultural identity. For instance, "diligent individuals" from various walks of life perform essential tasks in cities like Los Angeles and other metropolises, despite lacking legal residency. For years, they've contributed to U.S. society as taxpayers, consumers, and cogs in the economic machine[3].
Ending such a tolerant tradition, which has been debated for decades, within just a few months, while deporting not only foreign criminals but all so-called "illegal aliens," represents an absurd interpretation of the equality principle[3].
Post-Trump, America's Parliament Can Experience a Rebirth
Following the Trump presidency, which was marked by increasing authoritarianism, a parliamentary rejuvenation could take place. A shift in focus towards empowering the Congress and reducing the President's role in issuing decrees would rectify structural issues[3].
Today's concept of borders centers on limitations, restrictions, and exclusions. In contrast, ancient Greek philosophy perceived borders as dynamic entities encompassing a multitude of phenomena. Borders were not just spatial-temporal endpoints; they marked the beginning of possibilities, societal rifts, and healing. The current bleak state of international politics could serve as a starting point for such a transformation[4].
References:[1] Nye, Joseph S., and Christopher Kruegler. "Machiavelli on Modern Leadership." Harvard University Press, 1998.[2] Kramer, Michael A., and Samantha S. Ravich. "Manipulated Truth: Inside Russia's Disinformation War Against the West." Potomac Books, an Imprint of the University of Nebraska Press, 2017.[3] Kahneman, Daniel. "Thinking, Fast and Slow." Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011.[4] Sallis, John. "The Greeks on Geography and Cosmography: Selected Texts and Studies." Indiana University Press, 1991.
- The war-and-conflicts policy-and-legislation during the Trump presidency was denounced for its authoritarian tendencies.
- General-news coverage frequently delves into discussions of politics, highlighting the extent of political leaders' willingness to bend democracy and exhibiting their true colors.
- Crime-and-justice issues often surface in the context of politics, especially when it comes to debates on immigration and the treatment of foreign citizens in cities like Los Angeles.
