New Poltics For New People
New Poltics For New People
New Poltics For New People
STATE
MATRIC NO:
INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………..2
WHAT IS POLITICS?............................................................................................................3
CONCLUSION………………………………………………………………………………15
BIBLIOGRAPHY……………………………………………………………………………16
1
INTRODUCTION
“New politics” for “new people”, what is politics?, what does it entail? what are it’s
essential characteristics?, Niccolò Machiavelli , Étienne de La Boétie, and some other notable
political Philosophy of prominent philosophers enshrined in their various works like The prince
and Discourse on Voluntary servitude respectively, is the underlying basis for the analysis of this
seminar topic, in this work I will discuss how the political philosophical thoughts of this men
can be synthesized to bring about the idea of a new politics for new people. These work takes the
In this work, by using the term ‘New People’, I am referring to the peoples and cultures
of this present millennia, although it is noteworthy to point out that in our present age there are
diverse cultural practices and diverse technological innovations, so it is possible that the concept
of new politics that I will attempt to bring about from the synthesis of the various political
philosophical thoughts of the aforementioned philosophers may not work very effectively in all
cultures and social conditions because the political theory of these philosophers also sprang up as
a result of the existing political turmoil of their time, however as the famous British writer and
philosopher Aldous Huxley said, 'That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history
is the most important of all the lessons that history has to teach', it is therefore noteworthy for me
to assert that even if these concept of “New politics” may not effectively work in every cultures
of the 21st century, there are still some various facets of these concept of New politics that these
cultures and societies can emulate for the betterment of their society.
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THE CONCEPT OF NEW POLITICS
In this work “New politics” refers to the new political theory that I will attempt to
WHAT IS POLITICS?
From the etymology of the word, Politics stems from the Greek word πολιτικά (politiká)
which means 'affairs of the cities', the most widely used definition of politics was provided by
Easton and he defined politics as the “authoritative allocation of values for a society”.1 Politics,
in essence, boils down to collective decision-making and power dynamics within a group. It is
not just about voting and governments, but also about how individuals interact, influence each
Biography
Niccolò Machiavelli was a Florentine statesman, diplomat, and writer who lived during
the turbulent Renaissance period. He received a humanist education, possibly attending Florence
University, and in 1498, his public life began with a diplomatic appointment for the Republic. He
served Florence for 14 years and travelled far and wide, however in in 1512, the Medici returned
to power, shattering Machiavelli's political career. He was dismissed, imprisoned, and even
tortured for suspected conspiracy. Forced into retirement, Machiavelli turned to writing,
composing "The Prince" in 1513. This controversial treatise, initially intended for Giuliano de'
Medici, sought to regain his favor, the treatise presents a pragmatic, and often ruthlessly realistic,
1
Isaak, Alan C. 1975. Scope and methods of political science, rev. ed. Homewood, IL: Dorsey Press, 20.
3
take on statecraft., It wasn't published until 1532, after his death, he furthermore wrote various
works like, The art of war, Discourses on Livy, which was a a work exploring republican
marked by his active involvement in Florentine politics, followed by a period of forced exile that
THE PRINCE
In his book the prince Machiavelli examined the qualities and methods necessary for a
successful ruler, regardless of morality. The book's frank, pragmatic advice, advocating for
ruthlessness and deception, if necessary, sparked controversy and earned Machiavelli the
Forget about morality. In the real world of politics, power, not virtue, is king. That's the
message Machiavelli delivers in his famous book The Prince and he asserts that:
Power and authority are two sides of the same coin. Whoever holds the reins has the right to
command, regardless of their moral character. Being good doesn't guarantee power, and power
Forget about "shoulds" and "oughts." Politics is about one thing: acquiring and keeping
power. Machiavelli focuses on "maintaining the state," not power itself, but it's all about the
same thing.
Morality is irrelevant. Rulers shouldn't worry about being nice. Fear, not love, is the glue that
keeps people in line. They obey because they're scared, not because they admire you.
2
Nederman, Cary, "Niccolò Machiavelli", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2023 Edition), Edward N.
Zalta & Uri Nodelman (eds.), Retrieved on January 2, 2024 from URL =
https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2023/entries/machiavelli/
3
John M,Najemy. 2011. Machiavelli: A biography. Princeton University Press. 52.
4
Laws are just threats with teeth. They only work because force backs them up. Forget about
"rightful" authority; it's all about who has the biggest stick, and he asserted that "It is far safer to
Machiavelli isn't advocating for tyranny, but rather for a pragmatic approach to politics.
He believes that rulers need to understand the realities of human nature – selfishness, deceit, and
fear – and use these to their advantage. He sees politics as a game of power, and he provides a
playbook for those who want to win. He dismantled the idea of authority as something separate
from power. He argues that might and power makes right, and ‘good guys’ don't always win in
the game of thrones. His focus on raw power and control has been both praised and condemned,
but it remains a powerful critique of how politics, stripped bare, truly operates. 5 Also his brutal
realism exposes the bare bones of politics: power is king, and morality is just a pretty ribbon you
tie around it. He bases his argument on observed human behaviour and political realities, not
idealistic notions. He believes rulers need to understand and wield power effectively to be
successful.6
Furthermore, The Prince criticizes the traditional link between morality and legitimate
political authority. Machiavelli argues that power, not virtue, is the true foundation of authority.
He emphasizes the importance of force and fear as tools for control. Machiavelli argues that
power is the true goal of politics, not morality. His work went on to emphasize the importance of
force and fear in maintaining control. His cynical view of human nature paints a realistic picture
of political life. The prince offers a practical guide to acquiring and wielding power in a ruthless
world. He introduces virtù, a unique blend of skill, talent, strength, and intelligence. This
4
Niccolò Machiavelli. The Prince, Transl. by Harvey C. Mansfield Jr. 2nd Ed. University of Chicago Press, 1998.66
5
Harvey C ,Mansfield. 1996. Machiavelli’s Virtue, Chicago: University of Chicago Press. 129.
6
Nederman, Cary, "Niccolò Machiavelli", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
5
virtuosity allows the prince to adapt to changing circumstances, make ruthless decisions, and
In general Machiavelli offers a brutal but honest analysis of power dynamics. He argues
that morality is irrelevant in the ruthless game of politics, and only those who master the art of
wielding power can truly succeed, however The Prince offers a fascinating, but ultimately
precarious, model of rule, raising questions about its practical applicability and the very
Biography:
lasting mark on the world through his unwavering commitment to freedom and human dignity.
He studied law and became a counsellor, navigating the turbulent political landscape of 16th-
century France. He actively sought tolerance and understanding, aligning with the policies of the
chancellor Michel de l'Hôpital. His personal beliefs remain a subject of debate, with some
suggesting a possible connection to Marrano Judaism. His wok titled Discourse on Voluntary
Servitude, became a landmark defence of human dignity and freedom, he died in the year 1563.7
7
"La Boétie, Etienne de ." Encyclopaedia Judaica. Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved on January 2, 2024, from
.https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/la-boetie-etienne-de
6
In his work La Boétie boldly addresses the question of why people willingly submit to
oppressive rulers even when they have the power to resist., challenging the legitimacy of
tyranny. He argues that tyrants have no inherent power over us; our consent and obedience fuel
their strength. He proposes that recognizing the voluntary nature of servitude is the first step
His work offers offers insights into the nature of power, freedom, and the human
Voluntary Servitude: The essay's central thesis is that tyranny only exists because people
choose to obey it. La Boétie argues that tyrants have no inherent power over us; their strength
The Illusion of Benefits: People often justify their obedience by citing the "benefits" offered by
the tyrant, such as protection or order. La Boétie exposes these benefits as mere illusions, arguing
that tyrants only provide a semblance of security while stripping away true freedom and dignity.
The Corruption of Habit: Obedience, over time, can become a habit, a comfortable routine that
blinds us to the chains that bind us. La Boétie emphasizes the importance of questioning and
Breaking the Chains: La Boétie offers no easy solutions, but he suggests that the path to
freedom begins with awareness. Recognizing the voluntary nature of our servitude is the first
8
Murray Rothbard, 1975. Introduction to The Politics of Obedience: The Discourse of Voluntary Servitude by Étienne
de la Boétie, Transl. by Harry Kurz, New York: Free Life Editions.167.
9
De La Boétie, Estienne (1942). Anti-dictator: the Discours sur la servitude volontaire of Étienne de La Boétie. Edited
by Harry Kurz.New York: Columbia university press. 67
7
The Power of Unity: La Boétie emphasizes the importance of unity and solidarity in resisting
tyranny. When people come together and refuse to obey, even the most powerful tyrant can be
overthrown.
Nature vs. Custom: La Boétie draws a stark contrast between our natural state of freedom and
the artificial constraints imposed by tyranny. He argues that living under a tyrant is unnatural and
He believes that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and that
Collective Action: While the essay focuses on individual responsibility, La Boétie recognizes the
importance of collective action. He suggests that the only way to effectively resist tyranny is
through solidarity and shared awareness. He encouraged individuals to withdraw their support
and refuse to collaborate with the oppressive regimes, suggesting that a collective refusal to obey
Also, La Boétie's arguments are based on several key observations which are:
Human Nature: He believes that humans are naturally inclined towards freedom and self-
The Nature of Power: Tyranny relies on deception, manipulation, and the threat of force. It is
not a natural order, but a system imposed on people by those who seek to control them.
The Importance of Individual Choice: La Boétie argues that each person has the choice to
resist or submit. True freedom comes from recognizing and exercising this choice.10
10
De La Boétie, Estienne 1942. Anti-dictator: the Discours sur la servitude volontaire of Étienne de La Boétie. 79.
8
In general, La Boétie argues that any tyrant remains in power while his subjects grant him
that, therefore delegitimizing every form of power. The original freedom of men would be indeed
abandoned by society which, once corrupted by the habit, would have preferred the servitude of
the courtier to the freedom of the free man, who refuses to be submissive and to obey.11
Biography
Born in Geneva in 1712, Jean-Jacques Rousseau's early life was marked by family
(servant, musician, tutor) and developing his love for music and literature. In 1749, Rousseau's
contrarian essay on arts and sciences won him fame and sparked lifelong controversies.
his 1755 "Discourse on Inequality." Music remained a passion, with his opera Le Devin du
Village a success and his views on melody influencing music discourse. Reclaiming his Genevan
citizenship and reconverting to Calvinism, Rousseau published seminal works like the novel
Julie and the philosophical treatises Emile and The Social Contract in 1762.
These works brought both acclaim and condemnation, leading Rousseau to flee
persecution and seek refuge in England. Plagued by paranoia and mental instability, he spent his
later years writing autobiographical pieces like the Confessions, exploring political theory, and
pursuing his love for botany and music. Rousseau died in 1778, but his legacy as a champion of
11
Murray Rothbard, 1975. Introduction to The Politics of Obedience: The Discourse of Voluntary Servitude by
Étienne de la Boétie.201
9
individual liberty, social critique, and natural virtue continues to influence political and
philosophical thought.12
His work on the social contract focused on the concept of the general will, for he believed
that legitimate authority is based on the collective will of the people and individuals should
submit to the general will for the common good. His central doctrine in politics is that a state
freedom and state authority coexist? He argues that humans, once able to live independently,
have reached a point where cooperation is crucial for survival and well-being.
Furthermore Rousseau, in The Social Contract, proposes three levels of will: Private
Will: Individuals pursue their own selfish interests. General Will: Citizens, identifying with the
collective, desire laws promoting universal freedom and equality. Corporate Will: Subgroups
for its emphasis on individual freedom and the general will. However, one of the least persuasive
aspects of his thought for later thinkers is his doctrine of sovereignty and representation.
Rousseau rejects the idea that a people's legislative will can be vested in some group or
individual that then acts with their authority but rules over them. Instead, he argues that to hand
over one's general right of ruling oneself to another person or body is a form of slavery, and that
12
Bertram, Christopher, "Jean Jacques Rousseau", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer 2023 Edition),
Edward N. Zalta & Uri Nodelman (eds.), Retrieved on January 2, 2024 URL =
https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2023/entries/rousseau/
13
Canon, J.S., 2022. Three General Wills in Roussea. Review of Politics, 84: 35.
10
to recognize such an authority would amount to an abdication of moral agency. Rousseau
alternative for this is direct self-rule by the entire citizen body. He believes that this is the only
way to ensure that laws are truly representative of the general will. However, he also recognizes
The tension between the sovereign and the government: One of the key distinctions in The
Social Contract is the tension between the sovereign and the government. The sovereign,
composed of the people as a whole, promulgates laws as an expression of its general will. The
government is a more limited body that administers the state within the bounds set by those laws,
Rousseau's political pessimism: Even in the case of the best-designed and most perfect
republic, Rousseau is pessimistic about the prospects for long-term stability. He believes that it is
almost inevitable that the government will eventually usurp the sovereign power of the people
and substitute its corporate will for the people's general will.
Rousseau's views on individual rights: Rousseau rejects the idea that individuals associated
together in a political community retain some natural rights over themselves and their property.
Rather, such rights as individuals have over themselves, land, and external objects, are a matter
of sovereign competence and decision. Individual rights must be specified by the sovereign in
ways that are compatible with the interests of all in a just polity, and Rousseau rejects the idea
14
Masters, R.D., 1968. The Political Philosophy of Rousseau, Princeton: Princeton University Press.164
15
Williams, D.L., 2014. Rousseau’s Social Contract, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.167.
16
Bertram, Christopher, "Jean Jacques Rousseau", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
11
Rousseau's exclusion of women: Rousseau's commitment to the freedom and equality of
citizens is marred by the fact that he envisages those citizens as exclusively male. Women are
subject to the authority of the state but have no voice in the determination of the general will. 17
While it has been criticized by later thinkers for its impracticality and its exclusion of women, it
the general will and the need for citizens to be actively involved in their own governance is still
relevant today.
Recall from my clarification of concepts that “New People” in this body of work refers to
the people of the 21st century, and now through the synthesis of the political philosophical
thoughts of Machiavelli, La Boétie, and Rousseau, I will now bring about a possible theory of
The 21st century society, marked by diverse cultures and rapid technological
advancements, presents unique challenges and opportunities for shaping a "new politics." By
synthesizing insights from Machiavelli, La Boétie, and Rousseau, onee can envision a political
landscape that fosters freedom, collaboration, and justice in this complex new context.
Beginning from Machiavelli, his pragmatism offers a valuable starting point. His
emphasis on understanding "real world" power dynamics and human nature can be applied to
17
Rousselière, G., 2021, Rousseau’s Theory of Value and the Case of Women. European Journal of Philosophy, 29:
285.
12
navigate the intricate power struggles within and between nations in the 21st century. Learning to
wield power effectively, not succumbing to naivety or idealism, is crucial for ensuring the well-
on "maintaining the state" should be balanced with the other elements of this synthesis.
Also, from his political thoughts one can envision effectiveness over morality this means
that priority should be given to the effectiveness of political actions in achieving desired
Furthermore, his idea of Virtù which is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances,
make difficult decisions, and navigate complex situations, should be one of the characteristics of
any leader of a government because this is essential for navigating the uncertainties of the
modern world.
Secondly La Boétie's critique of tyranny serves as a vital reminder of the dangers of blind
obedience and the importance of active citizenship. In a diverse society, where differing
ideologies and identities collide, La Boétie's message about questioning authority and resisting
oppression resonates powerfully. Recognizing the voluntary nature of servitude and fostering
critical thinking can empower individuals and communities to push back against unjust systems
between power and authority. This idea of a “new politics’ that I am proposing following his
insights moves beyond traditional power structures and creates a more participatory and
equitable system.
13
Rousseau's concept of the "general will" provides a framework for forging a collective
vision for the future. By actively participating in shaping laws and policies that reflect the needs
and aspirations of all citizens, regardless of background, gender or belief, one can strive towards
a society that is not only just but also truly united. However, Rousseau's ideal of direct self-rule
by the entire population needs to be adapted to the realities of large, complex societies in the 21st
century. Effective forms of representation and participatory democracy become crucial for
The synthesis of these three perspectives suggests a "new politics" for “new people”, that is
for the people of the 21st century built on several key pillars:
Active Citizenship: Citizens are not passive subjects but engaged participants in shaping their
political fate, both questioning established power structures and advocating for positive change.
Global Perspective: Recognizing the interconnectedness of the world and the impact of our
actions on others, fostering international cooperation to address shared challenges like climate
participation in the political process, while simultaneously guarding against its potential for
Cultural Sensitivity: Embracing the richness of diversity and building a society where different
ways of life are respected and valued, fostering dialogue and understanding across cultural
divides.
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Focus on the Collective Good: Balancing individual rights and freedoms with the needs of the
broader community, striving for policies that promote the well-being of all rather than just the
privileged few.
Rousseau's social contract: Freedom and responsibility are intertwined. These New politics
promotes individual freedom within the framework of a just society where everyone contributes
to the common good and it aims at promoting laws and policies that reflect the true needs and
Direct democracy: “New Politics” also explores ways to increase citizen involvement in
concentrated in the hands of a few and through the insights of La Boétie's it recognizes that
tyranny thrives on one’s consent and obedience, so one must actively resist the temptation to
surrender one’s agency and critically examine power structures. E.g the #ENDSARS movement.
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion, the "new politics" for “new people”, envisioned through the synthesis of
prioritize active citizenship, global perspective, technological literacy, cultural sensitivity, and
the collective good, by balancing effectiveness with ethics, questioning authority, and pursuing
the general good, we can move beyond traditional power structures and forge a politics of
participation, collaboration, and global responsibility. This is not a utopian ideal, but a
framework for continuous dialogue and action. It emphasizes the balance between individual
rights and responsibilities, the importance of direct democracy, and the unwavering pursuit of
15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
transcripts-and-maps/la-boetie-etienne-de
Alan, Isaak. C. 1975. Scope and methods of political science, rev. ed. Homewood, IL: Dorsey
Press.
Philosophy (Summer 2023 Edition), Edward N. Zalta & Uri Nodelman (eds.),
https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2023/entries/rousseau/
Canon, J.S., 2022, Three General Wills in Roussea, Review of Politics, 84: 350–371.
De La Boétie, Estienne (1942). Anti-dictator: the Discours sur la servitude volontaire of Étienne
Duke.L. Williams. 2014. Rousseau’s Social Contract, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Machiavelli Niccolò. The Prince, Transl. by Harvey C. Mansfield Jr. 2nd Ed. University of
Masters, R.D., 1968. The Political Philosophy of Rousseau, Princeton: Princeton University
Press.
16
Murray Rothbard, 1975. Introduction to The Politics of Obedience: The Discourse of Voluntary
Servitude by Étienne de la Boétie, Transl.by Harry Kurz, New York: Free Life
Editions,
Nederman, Cary, "Niccolò Machiavelli", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2023
Edition), Edward N. Zalta & Uri Nodelman (eds.), Retrieved on January 2, 2024
Rousselière, G., 2021, Rousseau’s Theory of Value and the Case of Women. European Journal of
17