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Modern Politics is the study of politics with emphasis on the work of sociologists and psychologists. Modern politics shifts the focus from the long-standing structures of descriptive, legal government and its policies to introduce a behavioural study of individuals and groups participating in public policy-making and execution. In this blog you will get a quick answer to your question-What is Modern Politics?. You will also learn about the Modern Indian thinkers.
Birth of Modern Politics
Table of Contents
Modern politics emerged in Europe due to the social changes introduced in the region by modern political philosophers. They persuaded a society of ignorance to question their political structures and participate in devising public policies.
Who Was the Founder of Modern Political Theory?
The founder of modern political theory was Niccolò Machiavelli. He was also an Italian Renaissance historian, politician, diplomat, philosopher, humanist, and writer. Moreover, Machiavelli also gave the theory of nation-states.
Also Read: 30+ Machiavelli Quotes You Must Read
What is the Modern Political Theory?
Modern Political Theory refers to the study of political thoughts and ideas that emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries.
- This time period witnessed numerous significant intellectual developments that consequently shaped people’s thinking.
- It includes thoughts and studies of many philosophers, political thinkers, and sociologists like Karl Marx, John Rawls, Robert Nozick, Carl Schmitt, Jurgen Habermas, etc.
- However, there are some common problems faced by modern political theory in the 21st century on account of lack of coherence, direction, comparison, and empiricism in the discipline.
- Nevertheless, it has emphasized the realistic study of people’s actual behaviour in political scenarios instead of focusing on the institutionalization of thought.
Also Read: BA Political Science: Syllabus, Subjects, Jobs, Books
5 Definitions of the Modern View of Politics
Every Western thinker had their view of politics. The following are some of the definitions of the modern view of politics by popular thinkers of Western political thought. For example, politics definition by John Locke, the father of liberalism.
| Thinker | Definition of Politics |
| John Locke | Politics is the means to protect natural rights—life, liberty, and property—through a government based on consent. |
| John Rawls | Politics is the pursuit of justice through fair principles that ensure liberty and equality for all individuals. |
| Karl Marx | Politics is the expression of class struggle, where the state serves the interests of the ruling class. |
| Jean-Jacques Rousseau | Politics is the collective expression of the general will, aiming for the common good in a direct democracy. |
| J. S. Mill | Politics is a tool to maximise individual liberty while preventing harm to others in a free society. |
To learn about the all 16 western political thinkers, watch the video below:
Modern Indian Political Thought
What is Modern Politics? Modern politics was adopted in India in the 19th century. There has been great debate on the coming of foreign rule in India over sovereignty.
- The theory of influential people like Gandhi and Pillai was that the coming of foreign law and order to India was not disastrous as long as Indians did not lose their own principles.
- Modern politics in India is inspired by the West but inculcates and values principles of democracy and nationalism.
- Modern politics has also given Indians the gift of secularity, sovereignty, socialism, and capitalism apart from democracy and nationalism.
Thus, these are also the main features of modern political thought which have attracted all nations to adopt this theory.
Key Thinkers of Modern Indian Political Thought
The following are some of the key thinkers of modern Indian political thought. What is Modern Politics? To understand Modern Politics in India, you need to study these thinkers.
- Mahatma Gandhi– Also known as the Father of the Nation, was a person who advocated for non-violent resistance against British rule or Satyagraha. He saw politics as a way to serve the oppressed.
- Jawaharlal Nehru– The first Prime Minister of India. He is known for promoting secularism, democracy, and planning development through a modern scientific approach..
- B. R. Ambedkar– Popular for his emphasis on social justice, equality, and fundamental rights
- Vinayak D. Savarkar- Known for defining nationalism through a cultural university. He also introduced the concept of Hindutva.
- Rabindranath Tagore– He is known for emphasising on universal humanism. He also supported cultural freedom and criticised narrow nationalism.
Traditional vs Modern Views of Politics
What is Modern Politics?There is a difference between the traditional and modern views of politics. This difference is explained in the table below:
| Aspect | Traditional View | Modern View |
| Concept of State | Based on dharma, linked to religion and moral duty | Secular and constitutional, separate from religion |
| Sovereignty | Rooted in divine law and customs | Vested in the people through democratic institutions |
| Role of Religion | Central to governance | Religion separated from politics |
| Individual vs Community | Duties of individuals prioritised over rights | Emphasis on individual rights and freedoms |
| Justice | Status-based and linked to religious law | Based on equality, fairness, and the rule of law |
| Governance | Monarchical or limited to elite assemblies | Democratic and participatory |
| Nationhood | Loyalty to the kingdom or community | National identity based on civic unity |
| Democracy | Absent. No universal participation | Universal adult suffrage and parliamentary democracy |
| Social Equality | Hierarchical, based on the caste system | Promotes equality and affirmative action |
| Rights & Welfare | Focus on duties; no formal rights or welfare | Guaranteed rights and state responsibility for welfare |
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FAQs
Niccolo Machiavelli is globally renowned as the Father of Modern Political Science. He was an Italian diplomat, a famous historian, and a philosopher whose most famous work includes The Prince, a treatise on political power.
Politics is a process of collective decision-making. It involves numerous members of different parties coming together to negotiate and use their authorized powers in order to share policies and impact everyone’s lives positively.
When we talk about politics, we are basically discussing how countries are run and how their governments make rules to keep law and order in society.
The two features of poltical anayslis are: 1. Foucus on emperical research. 2: Taking an interdisciplinary approach.
Modernism in Politics refers to the emphasis on rationalisation, progress, and centralised state control. It is often seen as a rejection of traditional norms and institutions.
Lastly, we hope you liked our blog and gained an understanding of Modern Politics. Moreover, you may even read more blogs and empower yourself with knowledge regarding Civics and Polity!
