Introduction to Political Science (IRE 101) Week 4 Political Ideologies

What is ideology? Ideology is a belief system. A plan how to improve society and how it should work. Ideologies are not supposed to be calm and even rational. All states require some degree of ideology – something to believe in, something to strive for. All ideologies contain wishful thinking, which can collapse in the face of reality.

What is ideology? Economic needs: food, shelter, employment, trade. Social needs: health care, welfare, education. Legal needs: law and order, national defense. All this needs some kind of organizing principle – an ideology.

Major ideologies: Liberalism Marxism Social Democracy Fascism Feminism Environmentalism Non-Western Ideologies

Liberalism Basis of Liberalism – the individual has personal and distinctive qualities and this makes each individual valuable. Liberalism is an ideology which advocates equality of opportunity for all within the framework of a system of laws. In the economic sphere, non-interference (Laissez-Faire) in the economic activities of individuals by government. The market can self-regulate. Modern Liberalism – government has more significant role and at times should intervene. Minimum wage enforcement. Safety net programs.

Marxism Key Tenets: For human beings to survive from generation to generation, it is necessary for them to produce and reproduce the material requirements of life. It’s a theory about the dynamics and logic of capitalism. The idea that capitalist mode of production gives birth to two classes in society, the owning bourgeoisie and the working proletariat Universal ideology. No separation of nationalism. Capitalist globalization and class conflict would determine the fate of the modern world.

Marxism Underestimated the crucial importance of nationalism, the state and war. Marxism however is still relevant as a critique of capitalism.

Social Democracy Instead of state ownership of industry, social democrats use welfare measures to improve living conditions: unemployment and medical insurance, generous pensions, and subsidized food and housing. Social interventions to promote social justice within the framework of a capitalist economy. Commitment to curb inequality, oppression of underprivileged groups, and poverty. In times of crises, the state must intervene. Positive examples – Scandinavia. Negative – Venezuela.

Fascism In Italy and Germany, nationalism grew into fascism, one of the great catastrophes of the 20th century. Italy was full of discontented people after the First World War. Socialists threatened Revolution in Italy. Strict central authority and discipline. Fascists hated disorder and chaos so they wanted strong leadership to end it.

Fascism Powerful and continuing expressions of extreme nationalism. Disdain for the importance of human rights. The supremacy of the military/militarism. A controlled mass media. Fraudulent elections.

Feminism International relations has largely neglected the different ways in which women experience world politics. Gender is not only how you are born. But how it is constructed by us humans in real life. The language through which war is justified and legitimized. Men – protectors, militaristic, brave and so on. Women – those on the home front and in need to be protected.