Glossary
Authoritarian states
Regimes where political power is concentrated in a single leader or a small group, with limited political pluralism and often suppression of civil liberties.
Example:
In authoritarian states, citizens typically have very limited avenues for political participation and face severe restrictions on their freedoms.
Autonomy
The right or condition of self-government, allowing a region or group to control its own affairs, often sought by groups within a larger state.
Example:
The Basque Country in Spain has a high degree of autonomy, allowing it to manage its own police force and education system.
Beliefs
Fundamental convictions or principles that individuals or groups hold regarding political systems, policies, and societal norms.
Example:
A citizen's beliefs about the importance of free markets might lead them to support a particular economic policy.
Civil Liberties
Fundamental individual rights and freedoms that protect citizens from arbitrary government interference, such as freedom of speech or religion.
Example:
The right to a fair trial is a crucial civil liberty that protects individuals from unjust state actions.
Civil Rights
The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality, ensuring equal treatment under the law and protection from discrimination.
Example:
Laws prohibiting discrimination based on race or gender are designed to uphold civil rights for all citizens.
Civil Society
The sphere of voluntary, non-governmental organizations and institutions that manifest the interests and will of citizens, acting as an intermediary between individuals and the state.
Example:
Environmental advocacy groups and local charities are examples of civil society organizations that allow citizens to collectively pursue shared interests outside of direct government control.
Coinciding cleavages
A situation where multiple social divisions (e.g., ethnicity, religion, class) align and reinforce each other, leading to deeper and more intense conflicts.
Example:
If a country's poorest citizens are also exclusively from one ethnic minority and practice a distinct religion, these coinciding cleavages can make political compromise extremely difficult.
Democratic states
Regimes characterized by popular sovereignty, free and fair elections, protection of civil liberties and rights, and a system of checks and balances.
Example:
In democratic states, citizens have the right to vote for their leaders and express dissent without fear of severe reprisal.
Governmental Authority
The recognized right and power of a government to make and enforce laws, and to command obedience from its citizens.
Example:
When citizens lose faith in their leaders, the governmental authority can erode, making it harder for the state to effectively govern.
Ideologies
A coherent set of beliefs and values that form a general philosophy about the role of government and the nature of society.
Example:
Socialism and liberalism are distinct ideologies that offer different perspectives on economic equality and individual freedoms.
Legitimacy
The belief among citizens that a government's rule is rightful and ought to be obeyed, often stemming from consent, tradition, or effective governance.
Example:
A government that consistently upholds the rule of law and provides public services tends to maintain high legitimacy among its population.
Liberty
The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.
Example:
Protecting freedom of speech is a key aspect of upholding liberty in a democratic society.
Order
The maintenance of peace and stability within a state, often prioritized by governments to prevent chaos and ensure security.
Example:
An authoritarian regime might prioritize order above individual liberties, suppressing dissent to maintain control.
Political Culture
The widely shared beliefs, values, and norms concerning the relationship of citizens to government and to one another in matters of politics and public affairs.
Example:
A country with a strong political culture of civic engagement might see high voter turnout and active participation in local governance.
Political Participation
The various activities by which citizens attempt to influence the selection of government leaders and the policies they pursue.
Example:
Voting in elections, attending protests, and joining political parties are all forms of political participation.
Political and Social Cleavages
Internal divisions within a society, often based on ethnicity, religion, class, or geography, that can become politically significant and lead to tension.
Example:
In Nigeria, the historical political and social cleavages between the predominantly Muslim north and Christian south have often led to political instability and conflict.
Political polarization
The divergence of political attitudes to ideological extremes, where groups with differing interests become increasingly opposed and unwilling to compromise.
Example:
Intense debates over economic policy in a country can lead to political polarization, making it difficult for different parties to find common ground and pass legislation.