Political Ideologies: A Comprehensive Overview
Recently, I came across a statement that succinctly summarizes many of the issues surrounding the two major political parties in the United States: the Republican Party (GOP) and the Democratic Party (DNC). While the GOP has its flaws, the DNC often presents itself as completely insane to many Americans.
Most politicians in the DNC can be classified as adherents of one type of ideology: they adopt the role of religion. Others are extensions of specific religions. The rarest type of political ideology is based on something other than a religious framework.
To fully understand the landscape of political ideologies, one must grasp that all of them trace their origins back to a common root. Ideologies, in any of their forms—whether anarchism, communism, socialism, or progressivism—share a fundamental characteristic: they are totalitarian. This means that an ideology seeks to establish itself as the ultimate authority in all matters of knowledge, science, and philosophy. The ideology proclaims itself the perfect description of the world, and by extension, the cure for all its ills.
Take, for example, liberalism. While liberalism is often described as a limited political system based on individual liberty, consent of the governed, and equality before the law, what is outside this framework falls outside the scope of liberal thought. This is a stark contrast to ideologically driven systems, which present a grand blueprint for the perfect society. From repressed Christian beliefs in the Garden of Eden to the idea of creating a realm of harmony through pervasive social control, ideology promises a better future but often falls short of its utopian goals.
The core of ideologically driven projects is the aspiration to improve the human condition through large-scale social endeavors, typically led by the state but not exclusive to it. Thinkers like Tolstoy and anarchists, along with hippies, all envision a world where the collective effort and altruism, often requiring sacrifice, are paramount. These ideologies present a utopian vision, but they also create a dichotomy between enemies and allies, with the inevitable liquidation of those deemed adversaries.
Political ideology is essentially a political religion that masquerades as science but functions like a religion. Its proponents project a vision of the future that rejects the past, promoting an abstract and idealized vision of a happier and purer society. The ideologies' success relies on the collective effort of its adherents, who are invited to participate in the grand social experiment. However, this collective effort often necessitates actions that can be drastic and even deadly.
As a political scientist, it's crucial to recognize the continuous evolution and transformation of these ideologies. They represent a blend of church and science, often engaging in a battle of ideas that can be both enlightening and destructive. Understanding the roots and evolution of these ideologies is key to navigating the complex and often polarizing world of politics.