Module 2 Subject 1 PDF

univ_fyba_pol_sc/1 20 The state:- INTRODUCTION In 21st Century, State is ever where. It is touching, directly or indirectly, all aspects of human existence. It has become omnipotent. This was not the case a few centuries age. Back then state had limited role. It was primarily concern...

univ_fyba_pol_sc/1 20 The state:- INTRODUCTION In 21st Century, State is ever where. It is touching, directly or indirectly, all aspects of human existence. It has become omnipotent. This was not the case a few centuries age. Back then state had limited role. It was primarily concerned with (i) law and order and (ii) revenue collection. From this very small role to today‟s all pervading role, the role of state has been expanding. Definitions and Nature of State :- Many scholars have defined state in various ways. Even today modern day scholars attempt to define state taking into account its modern functions. In 4th century B.C. Aristotle, who is regarded as `Father of Political Science‟ had defined state. According to him, state is a union of families and villages having for its end a perfect and self sufficing life, by which we mean a happy and honorable life. According to some scholars, this definition is so comprehensive that it can hardly be improved upon. Aristotle‟s definition communicates the primary objectives of the state however we must study some more definitions of the State. Holland:- State is a Politically organized people of a definite territory. Prof Woodrow Wilson, `State is a People organized for law within a definite territory.‟ Though these two definitions are short, they are inadequate also. Hence we must look at some more definitions Dr. J.W.Garner, `As a concept of Political Science, the State is a community of persons more or less numerous, permanently occupying a definite portion of territory, independent or nearly so, of external control and possessing an organized government to which the great body of inhabitants render habitual obedience.” Prof. Harold Laski, `The State is a territorial society divided into government and subjects claiming within its allotted physical area, a supremacy over all other institutions. If we analyse the two definitions, we can identify four elements which are essential to make a State. These are (i) Population (ii) territory (iii) government (iv) Sovereignty. Today we live in them of globalization and an age of international politics. Hence we must consider definition given by Philimore which takes into account the perspective of international law. According to him, `State is a people permanently occupying a fixed territory, bound together by common laws, habits and customs into univ_fyba_pol_sc/1 21 one body politics exerting through the medium of an organized government, independent sovereignty and control over people and things within its boundaries, capable of making war and peace and of entering into all international relations with the countries of the world.” This definition extends the scope of state. The earlier Scholars focused on four elements. This definition adds the fifth dimension to international relations, war and peace etc. (b) Elements of the State :- As noted State has four constituent elements (i) Population (ii) Territory (iii) Government (iv) Sovereignty Each of these element needs to be studied property. (i) Population – We cannot imagine a State without population. How much population is an issue that can be debated. For example, India is over populated State whereas Austria is under populated State. This issue has engaged the attention of scholars from time immemorial. Aristotle was talking of optimum population small enough to be well governed and big enough to be self sufficient. But there is no denying the fact that without population, there is no State. (ii) Territory – Like without population, we cannot think of a State without territory. A State can exercise its authority over well defined territory. Fixed Territory is necessary for legal purpose. For emotional purpose, people need to have a fixed territory which they call mother - land or father - land. Territory is so important that normally there are disputes over borders between two states. For example, India and Pakistan have dispute about Kashmir. India and China has dispute about Arunachal Pradesh. Fixed, well defined territory is also necessary for legal purpose. A State has control over land, water, mineral wealth and air space. However, there are some exceptions to the importance of territory as a constituent element of state. Some nomadic tribes wander from region to region. They have no fixed territory. Similarly the Jewish people had no territory of their own till 1948. These are exceptions, not the rule. (iii) Government – government is that agency which steers the ship of the State. Without government, state will be univ_fyba_pol_sc/1 22 directionless. Here the form of government does not matter. It could be Presidential System, one party rule or even dictatorship, there has to be a government. In other words, government is nothing but the implementing arm of state. Government is that system through which state expresses its will. The government makes law, punishes law breakers, promotes welfare of people. (iv) Sovereignty – scholars believe that sovereignty is the soul of state. Before 15th august 1947, India had territory, population and government. But it did not have sovereignty. It shows the importance of sovereignty. It has two aspect (i) internal and (ii) external. In internal sovereignty, the state has ultimate, unlimited power within its territory. It enjoy final control over all people, associations and other things. Under external sovereignty, it means a state is free from external control. It can enter into international treaties. Some scholars believe that after UNO was formed in 1945 and more specifically after the age of globalization began in 1991, the scope of external sovereignty has shrunk considerably. We have discussed in detail the four constituent elements of state. STATE AND GOVERNMENT Quite often even well read intelligent people tend to use state and government as if they are synonymous words. In today‟s political Science, they carry vastly different meaning. Hence it is necessary to understand their meanings. Government:- By now it is clear that government is one of the four ingredients of the state, However it has been specifically defined by various scholars. Prof Gettel defined it “It consists of all those people who are engaged in implementing the will of the state.” In other worlds it is the implementing are of the State which covers civil services, armed forces and police forces. For implementing the will of the state, the government is given all powers, resources, men and material. It must get obedience of its subjects. It must also have the necessary power to enter into international treaties etc. J.W.Garner has summed it well. He says `Government must be organized and it must possess the powers and necessary resources so that it can enforce its authority, command respect and obedience. It should be able to maintain peace, order and perform international obligation under the international law. Distinction between State and Government State Government univ_fyba_pol_sc/1 23 1] State has Four Constituent 1] It is an agency of the State Elements 2] State enjoys original and 2] Powers of the government are unlimited Power limited and delegated 3] State is an abstract idea 3] Government is a solid reality 4] Territory is an essential element 4] There can be government Of state without territory 5] State is permanent 5] Government is temporary 6] State is a universal Phenomenon 6] Form of government can change with fixed Elements - Dictator- ship, one party rule 7] State covers all citizens Including 7] Government is made up of only those who are part of those who work for government. Government 8] A person cannot have rights 8] A Person can have rights against Against the state government STATE AND CIVIL SOCIETY Having discussion `State‟, “Government”. Now we will discuss the broader concept of `Society‟, Today Scholars believe that this concept can be used while discussing non human living creatures. But it is in the case of human because, as was observed by Aristotle „man is a social animal.‟ Society is nothing but a web of social relationships. Hence it is observed that by nature as well as by necessity man is a social animal. Hence the relationships between man and man have multi dimensions. These relationships cover not only political relationships but social, religious relations relationships also. Nature of Society :- It is clear by now that society is a much broader concept compared to State and government. However a bunch of people does not become society. Similarly a crowd is also not a society. In fact, today society is a big complex of all types of associations and communities. It has become essential to human existence as through society only, a man can fulfill his needs and dreams. Similarly in a society there are rules, regulations, initiations which regulate the relationships between people. Association :- It has been defined as an organization of people operating with some fixed rules and has been formed for some specific purpose. These rules are normally written but in rare cases, they could be unwritten. If we compare an `association‟ with a mob it will become clear that `mob‟ has no common specific purpose and has no organization. The comparison between mob and `association‟ bring forth four elements of an association 1] A group of people 2] Definite rules and regulations univ_fyba_pol_sc/1 24 3] Specific purpose. 4] Co-operation among the members. In today‟s society one can find all kinds of associations such as social, economic, cultural, sports, political. All these associations are created by people and for the people etc. But we must keep in mind that `State‟ is the supreme association, which can be called association of associations. While other associations are man made, State is regarded as the natural outcome of man‟s nature. Community :- Community covers a whole area of social life. It could be a village, city, Province or a country. Hence the focus is on discussion of common life being lived by people. Hence people relate to each other freely. This common way of life exhibit common social characteristics. This discussion brings to surface two essential elements of community – 1] Locality area – Community covers a specified territory. e. g., village, town state. Normally a good community would be settled on a particular piece of land. This habitation on land creates strong emotional bonds towards the land. 2] Common Social Characteristics :- Whether it is a village community or town community, one can identify some common social characteristics. Like social customs, religious festivals, etc. These create a sense of belonging, oneship among the members. Quite often we see `community‟ is being used to communicate a group of people of a particular faith. For example, Sikh Community, Jewish Community. But Such use is regarded as `unscientific‟. Institution – It is nothing but well established and recognised forms of relationship between social beings. In the case of `institutions‟, what is important is recognised form of relationship. But in case of association and communities they deal with body of people. In other word, society is a huge complex of many kinds of associations, groups, communities and institutions. Historically, we find that for thinkers like plato, Aristotle, there was no distinction between state and society. Since the city states of Greek era, were small in size and number, there was no distinction between state and society. Similarly we can also quote Hegel, a German Philosopher who had projected the idea of `State-society‟. In modern times however, we believe that state and society are two different bodies. univ_fyba_pol_sc/1 25 This distinction can be understood through their comprehensive definitions `State is a community of people, more or less numerous, permanently occupying a definite portion of territory, independent or nearly independent of external control, having an organized government which is obeyed by maximum people‟. As discussed earlier, analysis of this definition brings four element 1] Population 2] Territory 3] Government 4] Sovereignty. Similarly we must also discuss definition of `Society‟. It is the whole community of mankind, just as much as a small social group or a village‟. There is always a web of relationship covering not only political relationships but also social, relations, economic relationships etc. While discussing State and Society it is essential to understand which come first? Society or State? Scholars believe that society come first. Much before state became a reality, there existed some kind of social organizations. In the earliest phase of humanity, there were hunters, fishermen, fruit gatherers who had some social groups. There was no State then. State evolved over a period of time. Even today, we have Eskimos who have no semblance of State. In other words, out of Society comes State. It is not just the issue of who come first state or society, it is also the issue of scope of the two. It is clear that the scope of society is much larger than the State. In case of State it is just a system created for enforcing discipline, law and order, tax collection, ensuring internal and external security. But society covers lot of ground. In a society various kinds of associations exists. These care social, cultural, economic, religious, sports and entertainment associations. We can sum up by saying State is single - purpose body whereas society is multi - purpose body. Also in terms of structure, society encompasses state. Similarly we should also understand one more aspect about state and society. State is allowed to use coercion, force to implement its orders, programmers, schemes, etc. But society cannot use force. It uses persuasion, forces of tradition. In rare case, it can use `social boycott‟. But more often than not, it believes in persuasion. In addition to above differences, one must conclude by highlighting one more difference. It is about territory. A State must have well defined territory, where as society can be borderless. For example, the Red cross society have branches all over the world. While discussing the difference between state and society, one must also take into account the agency of government. As noted before, `government‟ is a constituent element of state, whereas univ_fyba_pol_sc/1 26 `government‟ has no role in the formation and functioning of the society. Historically society came first and then came `government‟. STATE AND MARKET Today we hear a lot of discussion about market. `Market – driven policies‟ `Market has collapsed‟, this idea has no market etc. In short, today market is everywhere. In economics, market was always an important concept. After India has adopted the, New Economic policy in 1991, market has assumed political colours. In a the conventional sense, market is a place where goods, services are bought and sold. It is a place where buyers and sellers come together voluntarily. Hence we hear. `Fish Market‟, `Flower market‟, `Share Market‟ etc. In modern times, Economics and political Science are merging. Today role of the state in a market place has become quite important. In the days of classical liberalism, the scholars recommended a minimum role to the state. Later came modern liberalism which gave state an omnipotent role in market Place. In Marxism, state has all the important functions, to perform production, pricing, distribution, selling price etc. all are decided by the state. Since the collapse of USSR in 1991, the role of state in market, again become a debating point. Today the debate covers following aspects 1] degree of intervention in various areas like price fixation, sanctioning licenses, etc. 2] Nationalization of creation industries and services liking banking and insurance. 3] Taxation Policy and 40 Non interference of the State in the economic activities of the commodities or services. The relationship between market and state has witnessed ups and downs. (a) Free Market Concept – here it is assured that State shall have no role, no intervention in the market. Market Forces will be allowed a free hand. A seller can sale his goods or services at any price he wants. There shall not be any `Maximum retail Price‟ (MRP). (b) State intervention through nationalization- This is one of the tool by which State assumes an important role. It involves nationalizing some activities. For example, in India important banks were nationalized in July 1969. It means after nationalization the ownership, control and management of the banks would be in the hands of government. In marxist countries like China, Cuba all important goods (like coal, deference production, etc.) and services (like insurance, banking, railways, etc.) are nationalized. univ_fyba_pol_sc/1 27 © Mixed Economy model – This Is a mix of capitalist mode and market model. In capitalist model, all important goods and services are in the hands of private ownership. In Marxist model, all important goods and services are owned and managed the State. In mixed economy, some important industries like mines, airports, etc are run by state Whereas. non important industries would be allowed to be run by private sector. Similarly in case of some industries like transport, both will operate and compete with each other. It must be noted that right from independence, India has adopted the `mixed economy model‟. Market state relationship after the NEP, 1991. India adopted the New Economic Policy (NEP) and New Industrial Policy (NIP) in 1991. This was done in the era of globalization. As a result Indian economy was liberalized and privatized. In other words, those sectors which were reserved for public sector are now open to private sector. The NEP also meant disinvestment from government companies which are popularly known as Public Sector under - takings (PSI‟S). Indian government sold public sector companies like Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd (VSNL), Modern Food Ltd to private owners like Tata, Birla. The NEP also involved de licensing. Now owners, private sector need not have to apply for a license to set up a company. Earlier Indian economy was known as `Licence Permit Raj‟. In the era of globalization, we cannot keep out foreign investment, in fact according to NEP, the foreran Direct investment (FDI) can come into India but only upto 51%. Not only we are now talking of FDI, we are also encouraging latest technology to come to India. In case of New Industrial Policy (NIP), it involves reduction of import duties, tariffs, canceling laws like monopoly and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, etc. Globalization – The main aim of the NEP/NIP was to ensure smooth integration of Indian economy with the world economy. However conceptually we must understand what globalization stands for. The international monitors Fund (MF) defines globalization as, “the growing economic interdependence of countries world wide through increasing volume and variety of cross border transaction in goods and services, free international capital flow, quick spread of technology. It is clear that globalization is possible only when economy is liberalized by removing tariffs, quotas and licenses. It also means allowing free movement of capital, labour, technology, trade, technological know how etc. So far we have discussed globalization through the perspective of economists. Now let us look at it through the perspective of a univ_fyba_pol_sc/1 28 political philosopher. Some scholars, believe that `globalization means steady erosion of state governance‟. Globalization is lowering the borders between nations. As a consequence, economy of a nation is becoming part of global economy. Hence we are living in `global society‟ where discussion is about global enemies like religious terrorism, contagious diseases like swine flu, global disasters like Tsunami etc. In other words, as in economics, so in polities, globalization has created new challenges, new opportunities. Whether we like it or not globalization is an irreversible process. QUESTIONS 1. Explain the term „State‟ 2. Discuss essential elements of the State. 3. Define „Civil Society‟ and discuss its importance in modern political systems. 4. Discuss the interrelationship between State, Market and Civil Society. 5. Discuss the term Market and examine its relationship with the State.  4 MODULE IV MEANING AND TYPES OF : POWER, AUTHORITY, LEGITIMACY Objectives:- To understand the political phenomenon like power, Authority, Legationary in applied sense. Introduction:- Students of politics often argue the correct meaning and scope of the study of politics. Two board view points of normative and empirical investigation reflect in such arguments. Normative approach advocate idealism of what „should be‟ and empirical approach supports what „is‟. Twentieth century study of politics stressed to look at the political phenomenon from realistic angle and hence emphasized more on the methods of science to rely upon to understand the actual nature of politics. Hence study of „politics‟ becomes „political Science‟. Such realism eventually leads to understand the political phenomenon in applied sense.