Political

From ancient Greece to modern-day politics, the fate of governments follows a cycle that philosophers have long recognized. Aristotle described a cyclical theory of political change—later termed Anacyclosis by Polybius—in which forms of government follow a recurring sequence of rise, decline, and replacement. Montesquieu, writing centuries later, warned that extreme equality could erode institutions and lead to authoritarianism. Today, these warnings feel more urgent than ever. The rise of … [Read more...] about Aristotle, Montesquieu, and the Future of Modern Democracy

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump began his second term. He has since issued over 50 directives that have already begun reshaping economic, ethical, and social landscapes. As we analyze these directives, it is important to understand their consequences through historical parallels and philosophical perspectives. To that end, I draw on the insights of David Ricardo and Alexis de Tocqueville to evaluate the implications of these edicts. Economic Fallout: The Return of Protectionism One … [Read more...] about Trump vs. Ricardo vs. Tocqueville : The Economic, Ethical, and Social Fallout of Trump’s Directives

Let us attempt to answer this question by looking at how the three determinants of socio-political existence, Wealth, Power and Status are configured today and how these could motivate individuals and groups to vote in 2024. Wealth: For the last 3,000 years of recorded history the world has swung between concentration of wealth and dispersion of wealth. Capitalism concentrates wealth due to differences in human abilities and through the advantage which accrues to the early winner. So, the rich … [Read more...] about Elections 2024: Who do the cards favour?

Their courage unites them. Their worldview divides them. They represent a changing tide in Indian polity. Before the likes of Modi and Kejriwal came on the scene, it was felt that in Indian politics the meek will continue to inherit the world. The genuflectors will be crowned. Note how those in the prime-ministerial fray bowed to the powers that be. Except Rajiv Gandhi who came on a sympathy wave, every prime ministerial aspirant stooped to ascend. Indira Gandhi too was known as the Goongi … [Read more...] about Modi, Kejriwal and Shivakumar: What is common among them? What do they augur for Indian Polity?

If all his political colleagues started taking a strident tone, it would erode the aura of temperance that India is known for in the world. The Medici business family of Italy rose to prominence in the 14th and 15th century. They were well known for their banking prowess and are also credited for funding the renaissance in Italy through their patronage of art and philosophy. But the Medician patronage of the arts was not random. It was thoughtful and targeted. Medici wanted to use art to … [Read more...] about Medici, Modi And Moderation

Machiavelli said, "the ruler's virtuous actions can also bring harm". He cites the example of Pertinax, the Roman emperor who after taking over from his predecessor Commodus, mandated his soldiers to live an honest and Spartan life. These soldiers were accustomed to living licentiously under Commodus. They started hating Pertinax for withdrawing their privileges and he was overthrown and assassinated soon. His army then even auctioned the post of the emperor, bringing the state of affairs to an … [Read more...] about Centre’s move to scrap MP airfare DA draws flak across party lines: Narendra Modi faces side-effects of political reform