Introduction: The Fundamental Characteristics of Political Science
Before we define Political Science—the systematic study of the state and government—we must first grasp a concept intimately woven into our daily lives: politics.
In reality, humans possess an intuitive awareness of politics, even without memorizing a formal definition. For instance, upon reading a headline like, "The opposition launches a fierce censure debate against the government in Parliament," our instinct immediately registers it as political news. Similarly, if a rumor circulates that a prominent figure (such as Thaksin) directed a political party's strategy via a remote phone call, we instantly recognize it as a matter of political maneuvering rather than a mere personal affair.
These reactions demonstrate that we all possess an internal "political radar." However, when pressed to explicitly answer, "What exactly is politics?" thinkers and philosophers across different eras have offered a variety of profound perspectives:
1. Politics as the Pursuit and Retention of Power: The Machiavellian Perspective
Viewed through the lens of political realism—which examines the world as it is rather than as it ought to be—the Italian philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli defined politics bluntly:
"Politics is the sum of activities directed toward the acquisition and retention of power."
In Machiavelli’s framework, morality, ethics, goodwill, and compassion are not the ultimate ends of politics. Instead, they serve merely as instrumental "tools" or masks that rulers don to secure power and legitimacy. To govern effectively and maintain control, a ruler must be both decisive and adaptable, willing to do whatever is necessary, irrespective of moral absolutes. Metaphorically, a ruler must be prepared to engage in the most endearing acts (such as "kissing babies") to win public affection, yet remain equally capable of executing the most ruthless measures if required to secure their grip on power.
Question for Discussion
This Machiavellian paradigm raises a profound ethical question:
If a ruler deliberately keeps the majority of the population uneducated, impoverished, and dependent on the state to render them easily manipulated and controlled, is this an acceptable maneuver within the realm of politics?
If evaluated strictly within Machiavelli's framework, this is undoubtedly an "effective" strategy for regime survival, even if it flagrantly violates basic human decency.
2. Politics as Process and Activity: John Redekop's Perspective
When examining politics through the lens of behavioral and social dynamics, scholar John Redekop categorizes political activities based on six primary objectives. He argues that any action aimed at the following goals is inherently political:
Altering or influencing political structures and processes: For example, demanding constitutional amendments, bureaucratic reforms, or changes to electoral rules.
Influencing political officeholders: Such as campaigning to elect a specific candidate, or protesting to oust a minister to force a change in personnel.
Influencing public policy formulation: For instance, farmers demanding agricultural price guarantees, or advocacy groups pushing for marriage equality legislation.
Influencing policy implementation: Such as monitoring government officials to ensure that public policies are executed transparently and free from corruption.
Raising public awareness: Organizing panel discussions, public rallies, or social media campaigns to educate citizens about the governance system and awaken them to their civic rights and duties.
Influencing or gaining control of state power: For example, establishing a political party to field candidates, win elections, and form a government to administer the state.
3. Politics as Institutions and Relationships: Jenkin's Perspective
Jenkin clarifies the scope of politics by delineating it into two significant dimensions:
Dimension 1: Politics through "Political Institutions" (The Institutional Framework)
This perspective examines politics through concrete, legally recognized, and socially established entities. Examples include:
Political Parties and Politicians: For instance, the historical People's Power Party, which legally existed and successfully formed a coalition government, or the public acceptance of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat as a legitimate leader elected through the parliamentary (MP) system.
Sovereign States: The Thai State possesses a defined physical territory and recognized global sovereignty. The state executes internal affairs to govern and provide for its citizens.
Activist Groups and International Organizations: This encompasses non-governmental organizations (NGOs), political coalitions (such as the UDD/Red Shirts or the PAD/Yellow Shirts), and global bodies like the United Nations (UN).
Dimension 2: Politics through "Social Relationships"
This perspective views politics as a relational web defined by interdependence, societal duties, and the exercise of power through a hierarchical chain of command. Examples include:
The Exercise of Administrative Authority:
Prime Minister directs Ministers → Ministers issue directives to civil servants → Civil servants implement the policies, which directly impact the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
Interdependent and Delegated Power:
Citizens exercise their voting power to elect Members of Parliament (MPs) → MPs select a Prime Minister to form a government → The government administers the state for the benefit of the citizenry.
Conclusion: The Core Essence of "Politics"
To maintain a focused and concise study of Political Science amid these diverse definitions, we can distill politics down to its narrowest, most definitive essence:
"Politics is the acquisition and exercise of power by political entities."
Therefore, whether we examine politics through the lens of institutions, activities, or social relationships, power remains its foundational backbone and driving force. Simply put, politics is fundamentally about power. Political Science, consequently, is the academic discipline dedicated to rigorously analyzing how this power behaves, how it is structured, and how it ultimately shapes human society.
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