Chapter 2: Political Ideologies PDF

# Chapter 2: Political Ideologies ## Learning Objectives At the end of the chapter, students are expected to: - Identify the basic tenets of major political ideologies (i.e. liberalism, socialism, conservatism, etc.). To define, recognize and distinguish the difference between the state and natio...

# Chapter 2: Political Ideologies ## Learning Objectives At the end of the chapter, students are expected to: - Identify the basic tenets of major political ideologies (i.e. liberalism, socialism, conservatism, etc.). To define, recognize and distinguish the difference between the state and nation including their respective elements - Differentiate the political ideologies - Examine the relationship between political ideologies and configuration of political communities - Critique ideas that have a direct impact on how we try to manage ourselves as a political community, and - Analyze how political ideologies impact on the social and political life of the Filipinos. ## Ideology Defined An ideology is a set of doctrines or a body of opinion that people have. While Dr. F. Zulueta defines it as the study of the nature and origin of ideas, the body of doctrines that can inspire people for a collective behavior to institute change in the political life of a nation. Simply stated, it means a set of ideas relative to a system of living that a given society adheres to as a way of life. ## The importance of an ideology to one’s life The importance of an ideology to one’s life is manifested by the fact that it becomes his personal values that determines his behavior which by itself is considered as his personal and ultimate goal with idealism. Hence, it becomes his life standard as the meaning per se of his life that he considers is “worth dying for” if need be. Collectively, an ideology is manifested by the facts that as a system of living in a given society, the same determines the institutional structures of both the economic and political system of the society. Thus, the western type of democracy that produces western-oriented republican states likewise accrued with them the capitalist system of economy known as the “Laissez faire” policy that enunciated least interference by the Government on economic activities. On the other hand, the socialism as an ideology enunciated greater participation by the Government on economic activities to ensure more equitable distribution of the economic benefits for the members of the society. ## Kinds of Political Ideologies Different political ideologies are brought about by different thoughts of philosophers who attempted to explain the way of life that people ought to live either to preserve the status quo or to install reforms. Hence, different ideologies are the reflection of the people’s struggles for the better expressed through the philosophical foundation of man as the emphasis with all the social institutions being considered as mere instruments to attain the ultimate goal — namely: the betterment of man in relation to time and the society he lives in. Thus, the different political ideologies are as follows: Anarchism, Liberalism, Socialism, Conservatism, Maoism, Stalinism, Terrorism, etc. ### Anarchism Anarchism came from the Greek word “Anarchy” which literally means “no government” with no restraint except his own weakness in relation to the strength of another. Its proponent was Mikhail Bakunin, a Russian advocate who lived from 1814-1876. This was supported by some philosophers of their time such as William Goodwin of England and Pierre Prodhon of France. Anarchists argued that the only authority that has moral and legitimate force is the authority that each individual gives to himself, for nobody can be constrained to perform any act unless the act derives from his own independent will, they argued further, that the individual rights to legislate for himself is inalienable. They posit that each citizen is “his own legislator”. The anarchists opposed to any institutional restraints that compromises individual freedom. It is anchored on the philosophy that knowledge of the truth would make all men free, the pre-condition for freedom and equality. Moreover, anarchists argued that cooperation as a process will come along as a natural course of life whereby people work together to achieve a common goal. Thus, an association of citizens is a spontaneous product for a common purpose. ### Capitalism The industrial age in the 16th century that started in England, gave birth to the new ideology of capitalism. The basic tenet of this political ideology is akin to that of anarchism with emphasis on economic activities whereby the “Laissez faire” (let alone) policy is vivified with the least interference as can be possible from the government. The evil of capitalism however was seen with the capitalists’ insatiable desire for more wealth out of what they have. “Wealth begets wealth” so that the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer as the latter have no wealth to create wealth for themselves. Thus, the monopoly of becoming rich by the wealthy to the prejudice of the poor who are exploited but compelled to work for their daily survival and that of their families. Admittedly, however, there are at present attempts to associate social responsibilities among corporate businesses aimed at alleviating this exploitation of the poor by the rich. But still the same appears to be more palliatives than a genuine concern. ### Liberalism This political ideology advocates for the freedom of the individuals and the government guarantees for their human rights and civil liberties. The same was an assertion of the philosophical cry during the French revolution in the 18th century for “fraternity, equality and liberty.” Fraternity means people are brothers to one another, while equality means that they are equal with one another regardless of race and country of origin. Whereas liberty means individual freedom and or exercise of one’s freewill within the constitutional framework of a given state. Liberalism is anchored on equal opportunity among men for individual self-development. ### Conservatism Conservatism as a political thought adheres to the preservation of existing conditions and institutions. It resists changes and preserves the status quo and perpetuates the same. The conservative refused to initiate change, especially, the long established institutions which have earned respect and reverence with the lapse of time. This is not to say however, that no change whatever can be effected. But should new public policies have to be adopted, a careful evaluation and an extensive discussion shall be undertaken in order to ensure a positive result. ### Communism This political ideology adheres to the common ownership of the properties, especially the means of production. This common ownership is ascribed to the state which is managed and controlled by the communist party as the guardian or caretaker of the same. The basic tenets of communism as political thought is “From him according to his ability and to him according to his needs”. Thus, every member of the community (state) is required to contribute according to his capability in the creation of wealth and shall get the share therefrom according to his needs. The individual liberty or benefit can be sacrificed for the common good because the “end justifies the means”. Hence, everyone can be used to attain the common goal as set forth by the communist party leadership. Take note however, that human values is measured on economic standard with its fallacy of equality by eliminating private ownership of properties which are deemed owned in common. The advocates of this ideology contend that where there is unequal distribution of wealth, there will inevitably few who will exploit the many since the few wealthy will definitely be the depository of political and economic power. ### Socialism This political ideology is the derivative of both communism and capitalism. Its communist aspect is expresses in its basic features which advocates for the control by the state of the basic industries of vital importance. While the capitalism is express through the exercise by the citizens of laisses-faire policy with respect to the industries of no vital importance. The advocates of this philosophy such as Karl Marx and Jean Jacques Rousseau believe that human society is evolving toward a perfect society. Socialism adheres to equality of everyone which eventually overthrows the capitalistic system of economy. The two (2) types of socialism are as follows: the authoritarian and the democratic socialism. #### Authoritarian Socialism The basic tenet of authoritarian socialism is that most of the states is basically socialist and that most governments are authoritarian. The basic characteristic is the concentration of powers to the few elite members of the society which greatly influence the economic well-being of the great majority of the citizenry. This authoritarianism is to a large extent influenced by religious dogmas that were applied and institutionalized as a political authority with its economic policy that the economic enterprise must suit the need of the whole society more than the self-interest of the individual entrepreneurs. #### Democratic Socialism The basic feature of the democratic socialism is anchored on the rights of the workers to organize political parties in order to actively participate in the shaping especially of the economic policies thru the trade unionism. This democratic socialism is the check and balance of the unbridled and insatiable desire of the few capitalist to acquire more wealth amidst the sufferings of the majority poor brought about by the prevailing poverty. The meager resources of most underdeveloped countries and their desire to liberate the masses from their economic slavery compelled their governments to intervene in the economic activities of the people by instilling equitable distribution and the availment of the benefits therefrom. ### Fascism This ideology advocates a totalitarian system of government with dictatorship anchored on strong nationalism or even racism. The development of this kind of ideology was greatly attributed to the initial success of Nazism in Germany under Adolf Hitler and thus followed by Beneto Mussolini in Italy (1922-1943). The basic tenet of this ideology is the strong leadership anchored on the very rigid hierarchy of authority whereby the leader with his characteristic appeal claimed for his infallible judgment that demands unquestionable obedience from his followers. The political culture that supports fascist organization is the direct opposite to that of the democratic societies where individual reason is the rule as guided by individual freedom. In fascism, it is more of fanaticism towards the idolatry of the leadership. Fascism thrives where dictatorship is the rule usually among the depressed countries with prevailing poverty and large scale exploitation of the working masses where usually a strong leader arose as Messiah (Savior), thus, the kind of Hitler in Germany and Mussolini in Italy. Fascism emphasized on the mistake of the present conditions without however giving a clear alternative to correct the system as the same is left to the wisdom of the leadership whose action is basically circumstantial in that it may always depend upon his mode based on a given circumstances. Thus, lacking clear policies as to the course of action for progress and development. Fascism in both Italy and Germany (where the same is referred to as Nazism), were characterized with extreme violence as a mode of power acquisition. The system of governance were highly dictatorship and the great number of people subjected to threat, intimidation, physical coercion, unjust exertion of force and the use of unduly influence which practically weakened any attempt of opposition. ### Marxism Karl Marx (1818-1883) was the proponent of Marxism. This was induced by the industrial revolution in England with its accrued exploitation of the working masses by the few capitalists. Hence, in an attempt to liberate the exploited workers (proletariat), Karl Marx came out with his Marxism philosophy based on Dialectic Historical Materialism. Karl Marx divided the social classes into the capitalist who owned properties and the means of production known as bourgeoisie and the working class known as the proletariat. Karl Marx believes that there is a continuous struggle between the two classes due to their conflicting interest which at the proper time shall culminate into a bloody confrontation whereby at the end, the proletariat shall prevail. Karl Marx emphasized that the proletariat is destined to rise to power either thru peaceful means or of violent change where democracy could be a working reality under the dictatorship of the proletariat with the means of production of the economic goods and services under the control of the state. The ideal state (Utopia) that the Marxism had to established is one where the distribution of goods and services was according to the individual need: international boundaries and state sovereignty disappeared and Cultural Revolution had effected change whereby men naturally to identify their interest with collective good and general welfare of the entire society. ### Leninism The political ideology was advanced by Russian socialist Vladimir Llyicch Lenin sometimes in 1902 with his revolutionary party. Lenin envisioned that his party would become successful if the same should be composed of both the workers and the intellectuals to work vigorously for the interest of the working class. That the role of the party was to counter act the repressive aristocracy of the Tzarist state which prohibited a working class organization. Lenin believed that it is not possible, if allowed with their own resources to transcend to what he called a “Trade Union consciousness” to work for the better conditions of the working class. He also argued that the advance stage of capitalism would colonize the third world countries to become their marker place. This policy is known as “Capitalist Imperialism”. This appears to be happening now with the advent of “Global Economy”. ### Trotskyism Leon Trotsky along with Lenin contributed to the success of Russian Revolution in 1918-1920. His ideology is anchored on the doctrine of “permanent revolution” where he said that the revolution could succeed, sustain and be extended beyond the borders of Russia all over Europe. ### Stalinism Joseph Stalin of Russia (1879-1953) was known for his rigid suppression of dissident political or ideological views with the concentration of power in one person, and an aggressive international policy. Stalinism brought Russia at the top of the world communism in direct opposite of Leninist View of subordinating Russian Communist to that of the Communist international. At present, Stalinism symbolizes an extreme and rigid bureaucratic centralization of political power in the person of the one leader who dominates both the party and the state. ### Titoism A political leader of Yugoslavia that rose to power in 1930s represents a relatively non-coercive style of communistic government that permits a certain leeway for free exchange of ideas. The workers had the right to articulate their legitimate demands which was recognized by the state. The workers also allowed electing their representatives to the Workers council to actively participate in the decision making process affecting on management of the factories. Under Titos leadership, the Yugoslavian Communism manifested humanistic approach to industrial management and organization. Local Government Units were allowed leeway in the management of the local affairs and so was the judicial system allowed a certain degree of freedom. ### Chinese Communism Communism in the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) started to rise in power due to Mao Tse Tung, a university librarian and became the Chairman of Chinese Communist Party from 1943-1976. The big populations of China then mostly peasants were living a hand to mouth existence. Hence, the power was peasant based with Agrarian Reform Program consisted mainly on land redistribution. Mao Tse Tung adopted the Leninest communism with emphasis on his “cultural revolution” aimed at having grip control of the party and the inculcating with intensity, the absolute collective effort and consciousness for total equality along with the socialist ideology. China at present is considered not only an economic dragon but also the military giant of Asia that even ready to challenge the might of the Western World power such as the United States of America (USA), England and France. Indeed, its presence at the West Philippine Sea (Panatag Shoal) is perceived more as a challenge to the USA than a mere provocation against the Philippine Government. The reason is that the Philippines is the strategic American base in Asia. So that any threat against the political sovereignty of the Philippines is considered a provocation against the United States of America. ### Marcosism In the Philippines, President Ferdinand E. Marcos proclaimed martial Law on September 21, 1972 to “save the Republic and to form a new society”. He ruled the country from 1965 when he was first elected president until his ouster in 1986. Apparently, Marcos proclaimed Martial Law to save the country from the imminent communist takeover of the Philippine Government although according to some opposition critics, the chaos then prevailing was only a ploy of Marcos himself just for him to create grounds upon which Martial Law rule could be proclaimed so that he could perpetuate himself in power. Be that as it may, however, the fact couldn’t be denied that there was communist participation that somehow contributed to such a degree as to make their presence and demands noticeable. Thus Marcos ruled with dictatorship of the right wing anchored on the military strength as distinguished from the left which was communist dominated. The political ideology of Marcos was anchored on his “Democratic Centralism” where he said that the reforms he initiated must come from the center interpreted to be the majority of the Filipino society who are poor. The revolution was supposedly against the reactionary who were understood to be the few wealthy individuals who held political and economic powers. The revolution was to be undertaken by the people against the then prevailing “status quo”. But Marcos ideology was heavily leaned to the American oriented democratic ideology, as in fact all throughout his rule he had backed up by the Washington until the time he was ousted in 1986. The ailing Marcos plus the squabble for power between his wife Imelda Marcos and his No.2 man - Juan Ponce Enrile together with the abuses of the military personnel and the indifference of the Filipino people in general who perceived the deterioration of their economic conditions amidst the affluence of the Marcos cronies weaken the fabric of the new society which was generally characterized with dictatorship, incarceration, torture, salvaging and even missing personalities among those who are critical of Martial Law. President Marcos might had the best intent for his people and perhaps honestly believe that Martial Law he declared could have been the short cut way to attain the long awaited progress and development. But the circumstances at the time were not conducive for the purpose basically because the Filipino people then were not yet psychologically prepared considering of their historical backgrounder in relation to their long association with the Americans during the war and the peace time. Thus, for more than 20 years of Marcos rule in the Philippines, the country even became poorer with political and economic instability institutionalized and the peace and order situation deteriorated with the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) aggravating the social unrest. ### Dutertism After about thirty (30) years since Marcos was ousted in 1986, that produced two Aquino presidents, the wife and the son of Benigno Aquino Jr. then the martyr of Martial Law, no substantial change had happened to the lives of the majority Filipino who have been languishing in the pangs of poverty. Hence, as a protest of the status quo, President Duterte won by 16 million votes in the May 9, 2016 Presidential election. The first 100 days of Duterte administration was marred with criticism by human rights advocates both within the Philippines and the international community such as US, the EU and even the UN, relative to his anti-drugs campaign. Something that is unique in the Duterte’s Administration is his uncompromising anti-US stand and his pronouncement that he might shift to China and Russia as an alternative to the United States, the European Union and even the United Nations. While the same pronouncements may not yet be adopted as official foreign policies, they may be considered a manifestation of the Philippine dissatisfactions with her US relationship whereby it is perceived that the same is more of exploitation to the prejudice of the Filipino than founded on genuine friendship equality and or economic and political partnership. ## Commentaries The question to be answered is what ought to be the ideology that the Filipino people shall adopt given the circumstance we are in? We submit we must adopt the democratic socialism. The reason is that we need to put under control by the Government, the vital industries and some basic services. Since to allow the capitalist, do whatever they want to shall directly bring agony to the majority poor. Thus, capitalism must be terminated and the same be substituted with socialism where the state thru government, effectively controlled the production and the distribution of important or basic goods and services at the same time giving freedom or leeway to some economic activities which are not related to vital industries. In this regards, we need strong President, the type of President Rodrigo R. Duterte who has the political will to install this kind of ideology and the consequent political and economic structures due to the resistance that the reactionary might offer to preserve the status quo. ## Chapter 2: Exercises - **What is a political ideology?** - **Why it is important to study different political ideologies?** - **How is Anarchism distinguished from Liberalism?** - **Distinguish Communism from Socialism** - **What is the relationship between Government and the Political Ideology?**