What Is Politics?
Politics is the study of how a country is run and the actions people take to influence government decisions. It includes analyzing how government structures, processes and systems affect citizens’ daily lives, from their access to healthcare and education to their ability to work in the field of science or build homes for their communities.
For centuries, the word “politics” has been associated with power, control and conflict. But politics is not just about power and control—it’s also the authoritative and legitimate struggle for limited resources or precious rights and privileges in a society. These resources may be economic, cultural or social, and the struggle is often characterized by entrenched interests that cannot be easily negotiated into a reasonable accommodation or solution that benefits everyone.
The term “politics” is usually used to describe government decisions, but it can be applied to any group of humans who interact and seek to influence the decision-making process in some way, whether that’s a sports team, a family or a religious community. The most obvious form of politics is when people vote in elections and engage in grassroots advocacy, such as activism, lobbying or community organising. Politics can also be seen in the international arena, as countries form alliances, negotiate treaties and seek to address global issues like climate change and poverty.
Political thinkers like Plato and Aristotle helped shape the classical liberal idea of politics, which focuses on human flourishing and freedoms and argues that a good government protects these rights by enforcing laws, managing the economy and promoting education and culture. More recently, political philosophers have emphasized the importance of narrative and emotion in politics—the ways in which different groups frame policy problems and arguments and how these frames can impact distribution.
Students of Politics learn how to evaluate different forms of governance and democracy around the world and analyze the influence of institutions like parliaments, courts and monarchies. They also study the role of public opinion in policymaking, and learn how individuals and groups can engage with government in a variety of ways through protests, advocacy and social media.
Politics students also explore the structures and strategies behind international diplomacy, including how to negotiate and resolve conflict through alliances, organisations and supranational unions. They also explore the ways that countries can engage with each other in global challenges such as climate change and poverty, examining the importance of multilateralism and understanding the nature of political power.
Graduates with a degree in Politics can find careers in all sorts of areas, from working in research to shaping or analysing policies that impact millions. They can also lead organisations that tackle global challenges and have a real impact on the future of our planet, or teach and publish on political thought, institutions and current affairs. They can also advise companies or governments on geopolitical developments and policy risks.
Politics is the study of how a country is run and the actions people take to influence government decisions. It includes analyzing how government structures, processes and systems affect citizens’ daily lives, from their access to healthcare and education to their ability to work in the field of science or build homes for their communities. For centuries, the word “politics” has been associated with power, control and conflict. But politics is not just about power and control—it’s also the authoritative and legitimate struggle for limited resources or precious rights and privileges in a society. These resources may be economic, cultural or social, and the struggle is often characterized by entrenched interests that cannot be easily negotiated into a reasonable accommodation or solution that benefits everyone. The term “politics” is usually used to describe government decisions, but it can be applied to any group of humans who interact and seek to influence the decision-making process in some way, whether that’s a sports team, a family or a religious community. The most obvious form of politics is when people vote in elections and engage in grassroots advocacy, such as activism, lobbying or community organising. Politics can also be seen in the international arena, as countries form alliances, negotiate treaties and seek to address global issues like climate change and poverty. Political thinkers like Plato and Aristotle helped shape the classical liberal idea of politics, which focuses on human flourishing and freedoms and argues that a good government protects these rights by enforcing laws, managing the economy and promoting education and culture. More recently, political philosophers have emphasized the importance of narrative and emotion in politics—the ways in which different groups frame policy problems and arguments and how these frames can impact distribution. Students of Politics learn how to evaluate different forms of governance and democracy around the world and analyze the influence of institutions like parliaments, courts and monarchies. They also study the role of public opinion in policymaking, and learn how individuals and groups can engage with government in a variety of ways through protests, advocacy and social media. Politics students also explore the structures and strategies behind international diplomacy, including how to negotiate and resolve conflict through alliances, organisations and supranational unions. They also explore the ways that countries can engage with each other in global challenges such as climate change and poverty, examining the importance of multilateralism and understanding the nature of political power. Graduates with a degree in Politics can find careers in all sorts of areas, from working in research to shaping or analysing policies that impact millions. They can also lead organisations that tackle global challenges and have a real impact on the future of our planet, or teach and publish on political thought, institutions and current affairs. They can also advise companies or governments on geopolitical developments and policy risks.