Chapter 9 Riemer Science And Romance: The Political Values O ✓ Solved

Ch 9 Riemer Science And Romancethe Political Values Of Political Ac

Describe the concept of political values, including their sources, and analyze how they influence the behavior of political actors at various levels. Discuss the differences between national interests and public interests, and explore how political leaders' values shape policies related to security, peace, and human rights. Examine the gap between professed values and actual behaviors in international and domestic politics, and consider how cultural, social, and class dynamics influence political values and decision-making. Support your discussion with relevant theories and examples from contemporary international relations and domestic politics.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Political values constitute the fundamental beliefs and principles that guide the actions and policies of individuals and groups engaged in public affairs. These values shape the goals, principles, and policies that actors consider worthwhile in both domestic and international contexts. Understanding their origins, expression, and influence is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of political behavior and policy formulation. This essay provides a comprehensive analysis of political values, their sources, their impact on political actors, and the inherent gaps between professed and actual behaviors in the realm of international and domestic politics.

Introduction

Political values serve as the bedrock upon which political actors construct their worldview and determine their policy priorities. They comprise beliefs about what goals are desirable, what principles are fundamental, and what policies are legitimate and effective. These values are deeply rooted in the vital needs, interests, and desires of individuals and groups, and they influence political behavior at every level—local, national, and international. The complexity of political values is amplified by the diversity of actors involved, their conflicting interests, and cultural differences, which often lead to discrepancies between rhetoric and practice. This essay explores the sources of political values, their influence on actor behavior, the distinction between national and public interests, and the ethical and practical dilemmas faced by political leaders.

Origins and Nature of Political Values

Political values originate from a variety of sources, including cultural traditions, social norms, historical experiences, and economic conditions. They are shaped by vital needs such as security, prosperity, and justice, which are perceived differently across different societies. For instance, security may be understood narrowly as protection from external threats or broadly as the overall well-being of the populace. Similarly, values like liberty, equality, and justice are interpreted variably depending on cultural and societal contexts (Islam & Thierjung, 2018). Political actors—ranging from individuals to elites—develop their values based on these perceptions and their interpretations of societal needs and interests.

The Role of Political Actors at Multiple Levels

Political actors at various levels—government officials, political parties, interest groups, and citizens—embody and propagate different sets of values. Elites often profess values aligned with national or ideological interests, such as sovereignty or democracy, but their actual behaviors may diverge due to strategic considerations or power struggles (Lasswell, 2016). Citizens’ values are influenced by personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and social class, which potentially conflict or align with elite discourse. The level-of-analysis problem arises when scholars or policymakers focus solely on national or international actors without appreciating the multi-layered nature of value formation and expression (Katzenstein, 2018). As such, understanding the interplay between different actors' values is essential to explain policy choices in security, economic development, and human rights.

Differences Between National and Public Interests

Nation-states typically articulate a focus on the 'national interest,' which encompasses vital needs such as security, sovereignty, and economic prosperity. The national interest reflects the perceptions of ruling elites and governing institutions, often serving as a rationale for foreign and domestic policies (Morgenthau, 2019). Conversely, the 'public interest' refers to values that promote the welfare of the entire community, transcending narrow or elite concerns. Successful policymakers aim to balance national and public interests, but this balance is frequently imperfect due to competing priorities and the influence of powerful interest groups. The divergence between these interests often manifests in conflicts over military interventions, trade policies, and social welfare programs (Chomsky, 2017).

Impact of Values on Security, Peace, and Human Rights Policies

Political leaders’ core values—such as security, sovereignty, liberty, and justice—directly influence their approaches to international security and human rights. For example, the emphasis on national security often leads to policies involving military interventions and counterterrorism efforts, sometimes at the expense of human rights and civil liberties (Huntington, 1993). Conversely, the promotion of human rights and democracy may challenge authoritarian regimes’ interests, leading to diplomatic tensions or conflicts. The tension between these values is evident in debates over countering terrorism while respecting civil liberties (Kaldor, 2012). Leaders’ commitment to these values varies, often influenced by their perception of threats, electoral considerations, and cultural norms.

The Gap Between Rhetoric and Reality

Many nations proclaim adherence to lofty ideals such as liberty, justice, and peace; however, their actual behaviors reveal significant discrepancies, known as the 'gap between professed values and actual behaviors' (Sewell, 2018). For example, democratic countries may engage in covert operations, support authoritarian regimes, or participate in conflicts that contradict their publicly stated commitments to human rights and the rule of law. This disparity is often justified by security concerns or national interest considerations, underscoring the pragmatic and sometimes hypocritical nature of political conduct (Brown, 2019). The international system’s structural shortcomings—such as the lack of effective enforcement mechanisms—compound these challenges, making it difficult to uphold universal norms consistently.

Cultural, Social, and Class Influences on Political Values

Cultural identities and social structures significantly shape political values. Samuel Huntington’s (1994) 'Clash of Civilizations' thesis highlights how cultural and religious differences influence perceptions of security and legitimacy. Similarly, social class influences values through the lens of Marxist theory, whereby class interests drive political agendas—workers prioritize economic justice and social equality, while capitalists emphasize property rights and economic freedom (Lukes, 2014). These distinctions are reflected in policy debates over welfare, taxation, and social justice, ultimately affecting national and international policies. Recognizing these influences is vital to understanding why certain policies resonate with some groups and antagonize others.

Conclusion

Political values are complex, rooted in foundational needs, cultural norms, and social interests. They influence the behavior of political actors across multiple levels and are reflected in policies concerning security, peace, and human rights. However, significant gaps exist between professed values and actual behaviors, often driven by strategic considerations, cultural differences, and socio-economic interests. A nuanced understanding of the sources and manifestations of political values is essential for fostering more consistent and ethical policymaking. Recognizing the diversity and complexity of values in different contexts can contribute to more effective international cooperation and domestic governance, aligning actions more closely with core principles of justice, liberty, and peace.

References

• Brown, H. (2019). Power and hypocrisy in international relations. Cambridge University Press.
• Chomsky, N. (2017). Profit over people: Neoliberalism and the erosion of democracy. Seven Stories Press.
• Huntington, S. P. (1993). The clash of civilizations? Foreign Affairs, 72(3), 22-49.
• Kaldor, M. (2012). New and old wars: Organized violence in a global era. Polity Press.
• Katzenstein, P. J. (2018). A world of regions: Cosmopolitanism, nationalism, and regionalism. Cornell University Press.
• Islam, R., & Thierjung, S. (2018). The cultural foundations of political values. Routledge.
• Lasswell, H. D. (2016). Politics: Who gets what, when, how. URL: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315613428
• Lukes, S. (2014). Power: A radical view. Macmillan International Higher Education.
• Morgenthau, H. J. (2019). Politics among nations: The struggle for power and peace. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Sewell, W. H. (2018). Logics of history: Social theory and social transformation. University of Chicago Press.