1.4.1 Political systems
There are two basic philosophies underlying political systems: collectivism and individualism. Collectivism stresses the good of the whole community rather than the good of the individual. There are two types of collectivism in the modern world:
- communism , which is attained by the violent overthrow of the existing social order (for example, Russia after the revolution of 1917, China after the defeat of Chiang Kai Chek's forces in 1949, and Cuba after the defeat of the Batista regime in 1959)
- socialism , which is attained through the existing electoral system (for example, social democrat parties in countries such as France , Germany , Sweden , India and Brazil ).
The other basic philosophy is that of individualism , which emphasises the well-being of the individual as a logical precursor to the wellbeing of society.
Individualism has strong cultural links with the notion of democracy (literally the power of the people). Communism and fascism , on the other hand, are totalitarian concepts which stress the role of strong central governments such as that of the former USSR , China , Cuba , North Korea , Germany under Hitler and Spain under Franco after the Spanish Civil War.
Your textbook (Hill 2005, pp. 46-47) discusses other forms of totalitarianism:
- theocratic totalitarianism, as in the Islamic states of Iran , Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan
- tribal totalitarianism, as in the African states of Zimbabwe and Kenya
- right-wing totalitarianism, as in Taiwan , Singapore and the former military dictatorships of South America
Turn now to your textbook to gain a further understanding of political systems.
In your text
Hill 2005, Chapter 2, pp. 40-47.
Activity 1.4
Think about the system of government in your home country.
In Figure 1.3 plot where your home country would be situated.
Write five key points that support your decision.
Next choose five other countries that include a developed, developing, Middle East , South American and European country, and plot where you believe they are best positioned relative to your home country.
Write down some key reasons to justify your positions
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