Unit 1 : Introduction to Politics

Political Science :

Political science is a social science that studies the theory and practice of politics,

government, and public policy. It is concerned with the analysis and interpretation of

political systems, institutions, behavior, and power relations.

Political science examines a wide range of topics, including the nature of political

power, the formation and implementation of public policies, the structure and function

of government institutions, the role of the media in shaping public opinion, the

behavior of individuals and groups in political processes, and the impact of

globalization and other global trends on domestic and international politics.

Political scientists use a variety of methods to study these topics, including statistical

analysis, historical research, comparative analysis, and qualitative research methods

such as case studies and interviews. They also draw on insights from other social

sciences such as economics, sociology, and psychology to better understand political

phenomena.

Overall, political science seeks to deepen our understanding of the political world and

provide insights that can form public policy, political activism, and political decision-

making.
Political Science : Science and Arts

Political science is generally considered a social science, which is a branch of

academia that studies human behavior and society. Social sciences use scientific

methods to gather and analyze data to better understand human behavior and social

phenomena.

Although political science is a social science, it also has some elements of an art. This

is because political science involves interpretation and analysis of political

phenomena, which can be subjective and open to different interpretations.

Moreover, political science is not solely concerned with objective facts and data, but

also with normative questions about what ought to be the case in the political realm.

These questions involve ethical and moral considerations that require subjective

judgments and value judgments.

Overall, political science is an interdisciplinary field that draws on scientific methods,

as well as qualitative analysis and normative inquiry, to study political behavior and

phenomena.
Scope of Political science

Political Science is a dynamic and social science. That’s why its scope or subject

matter is always changing.

Until the nineteenth century, its field of discussion was state-centered. At present, the

state and any other issues that touch people’s political life are included in the

discussion of political science.

So the Scope of political science can be divided into two categories.

1. State-Centric

2. Non-State-Centric

State-Centric discussion

The state is the ultimate expression of socialized life. People’s political life revolves

around the state. As a result, the personality of the socialized people develops and

peaceful social life is possible. So there is no doubt that the state is the central subject

of political science.

1. Study of Government

This state was again embodied through the government. The state cannot be imagined

without the government. State fulfilled its goals through the government. So the

discussion of the state as well as the government becomes necessary.

2. Study of history of the State

The idea of the present state remains incomplete if we do not discuss the history of the

state. In the context of the past and present discussion of the state, it is necessary to

see how this institution evolved from the past to the present.

3. Study of Laws

In addition to the state and the government, laws enacted by the government are also

included in the discussion of political science. The government enacts laws on behalf

of the state and administers governance and maintains peace. So the discussion of law

is another matter of political science.

4. Study of International Relations and International laws

At present, the interaction between the citizen and the state is influenced by multiple

issues. The flow of international events affects national life.

So, it also deals with international relations and international laws. It includes

international organizations like the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, and

The World Bank, etc.

5. Study of theoretical and applied political science

Theoretical discussions of political science are about the origin, nature, ideology,

independence, law, etc. of the state.

On the other hand, the classification of government, functions, legislation, functions

of political institutions, international customs, treaties, and diplomacy are the main

topics of applied discussion in it.

Non-State-Centric Discussion
Modern political scientists think that at present political science deals not only with

the state but with the non-governmental organizations and individuals or groups of

political activities, and pressure groups, etc. So let’s discuss this in detail.

1. Study of Influence and Influential

Many times a person is getting others to work what he wants. In this case, the person

who did it is called influential and the power of the influential is called influence.

Similarly, a special relationship between an individual, a group, an organization and a

state is called influence.

In modern times many political scientists have emphasized influence as a subject of

political science. The tendency of behavioral statesmen is particularly observed.

According to them, the influential people of society control the distribution of goods

or values.

And this is exactly the reason why it is necessary to discuss political science with

influence and influential.

2. Study of Conflict and Disagreement

Disagreements and disputes create politics. That means the political situation is

created when the work on which there is disagreement is organized. And that is when

the law needs to be created and enacted.

According to eminent scientists, politics prevails where there is disagreement. And

politics is about resolving that conflict.

So it can be said that it also deals with the conflict, disagreement which are occurred

in any society and find out the resolution of those conflicts.

3. . Study of Political Dynamics

Study of political dynamics is very important because it deals with the current forces

at work in government and politics. It includes the study of political parties, pressure

groups, public opinion, lobbies etc.

Relationship of Political Science with Law

Political science and law are two related but distinct fields of study that often intersect

in their focus on power, governance, and public policy. Here are some ways in which

political science and law are related:

Overlapping subject matter: Both political science and law are concerned with the

study of politics, government, and public affairs. Political scientists may study

political systems, political behavior, and international relations, while legal scholars

may study legal systems, jurisprudence, and constitutional law. However, there is

significant overlap between these areas of study, and both fields often draw on each

other's research and methods.

Policy implications: Political science and law also share a focus on policy analysis

and implementation. Both fields seek to understand how laws and policies are created

and implemented, and how they affect individuals and society. Political scientists may

analyze the impact of policy decisions on public opinion and electoral outcomes,

while legal scholars may examine how laws are enforced and how legal decisions

affect social outcomes.

Methodological similarities: Both political science and law rely on similar research

methods, such as qualitative and quantitative data analysis, case studies, and

comparative analysis. Political scientists may use legal research methods to study

political phenomena, such as analyzing legal documents or court decisions, while

legal scholars may use social science research methods to study legal outcomes, such

as conducting surveys or experiments.

Relationship with institutions: Political science and law also share a close

relationship with institutions of governance, such as courts, legislatures, and executive

branches of government. Both fields study how these institutions operate, how they

interact with each other, and how they impact society.

Relationship of Political Science with History

Political science and history are two related but distinct fields of study that intersect in

their focus on politics, governance, and public affairs over time. Here are some ways

in which political science and history are related:

Overlapping subject matter: Both political science and history are concerned with

the study of politics, government, and public affairs. However, political science

focuses on the analysis of contemporary political systems, political behavior, and

international relations, while history examines the political events, institutions, and

ideas of the past. Nevertheless, there is significant overlap between these areas of

study, and political scientists often draw on historical research and methods to inform

their analysis of contemporary political phenomena.

Long-term perspective: While political science is focused on the analysis of

contemporary political systems and behavior, history provides a long-term perspective

on political events, institutions, and ideas. History allows us to understand how

political systems and ideas have evolved over time, and how they have shaped

contemporary politics.

Methodological similarities: Both political science and history rely on similar

research methods, such as qualitative and quantitative data analysis, case studies, and

comparative analysis. Political scientists may use historical research methods to study

political phenomena, such as analyzing political speeches or political movements,

while historians may use social science research methods to study the impact of

political events and ideas on society.

Relationship with institutions: Political science and history also share a close

relationship with institutions of governance, such as governments, political parties,

and international organizations. Political scientists study the operation and impact of

these institutions in contemporary politics, while historians study the evolution and

impact of these institutions over time.

Politics without history has no root and that history without politics has no fruit

- John Seeley.
Relationship of Political Science with Sociology

Political science and sociology are two related but distinct fields of study that

intersect in their focus on power, governance, and social organization. Here are some

ways in which political science and sociology are related:

Overlapping subject matter: Both political science and sociology are concerned

with the study of social phenomena, but with a different focus. Political science

focuses on the analysis of political systems, political behavior, and public policy,

while sociology examines social behavior, social organization, and social structures.

Nevertheless, there is significant overlap between these areas of study, and both fields

often draw on each other's research and methods.

Analysis of power: Both political science and sociology study power relationships

within society. Political science focuses on the distribution of political power within

political systems, while sociology examines power relationships within social groups

and institutions. Both fields seek to understand the mechanisms of power and how

power relationships affect social outcomes.

Methodological similarities: Both political science and sociology rely on similar

research methods, such as qualitative and quantitative data analysis, case studies, and

comparative analysis. Political scientists may use sociological research methods to

study political phenomena, such as analyzing social movements or the impact of

social class on political behavior, while sociologists may use political science research

methods to study the impact of political institutions on social outcomes.

Relationship with institutions: Political science and sociology also share a close

relationship with institutions of governance and social organizations. Political

scientists study the operation and impact of political institutions in contemporary

politics, while sociologists study the operation and impact of social institutions on

society.
Relationship of Political Science with Economics

Political science and economics are two related but distinct fields of study that

intersect in their focus on the distribution and use of resources, power, and decision-

making. Here are some ways in which political science and economics are related:

Overlapping subject matter: Both political science and economics are concerned

with the study of resource allocation and decision-making, but with different focuses.

Political science focuses on the analysis of political systems, political behavior, and

public policy, while economics examines the behavior of individuals, businesses, and

markets. Nevertheless, there is significant overlap between these areas of study, and

both fields often draw on each other's research and methods.

Analysis of power: Both political science and economics study power relationships

within society. Political science focuses on the distribution of political power within

political systems, while economics examines the distribution of economic power

within markets and organizations. Both fields seek to understand the mechanisms of

power and how power relationships affect social and economic outcomes.

Methodological similarities: Both political science and economics rely on similar

research methods, such as quantitative data analysis, case studies, and comparative

analysis. Political scientists may use economic research methods to study political

phenomena, such as analyzing the impact of economic policies on political behavior,

while economists may use political science research methods to study the impact of

political institutions on economic outcomes.

Relationship with institutions: Political science and economics also share a close

relationship with institutions of governance and economic organizations. Political

scientists study the operation and impact of political institutions on economic

outcomes, while economists study the operation and impact of economic institutions

on social and political outcomes.

 Growth of Political Science

Traditional Definition of Political Science

All the concepts of political science before the nineteenth century belong to the

traditional view. And the entire political scientists at that time is called as traditional

political scientists.

According to traditional political scientists, it deals with the state, Government, and

other political institutions.

An American Professor Garner once said that ‘political science begins and ends with

the state’. In his view, political science is the social science that determines some

formula about the origin and form of the state, the shape, nature, and history of

political institutions, and political progress and development.

So in traditional view it discusses the origin, nature, ideals, and goals, of the state.

Modern Definition of Political Science

The flow of international events now has a profound effect on individual and national

life. For this reason, state activity cannot be neutral to the flow of international events

and international customs.

The social and political relations of the socialized people, the relations of the state

with the individual under the state, the relations of the social institution with the

individual, and the interrelationships between different states, etc. are included in the

modern view of political science.

The modern view of political science refers to the view of political scientists who

emerges at the beginning of the twentieth century.

According to the modern political scientists like George Catlin, Charles Marriam,

Almond, Powell, David Easton, political science not only deals with state and

government.

It has a broader area which also deals with individual’s political behavior, Political

Power, Society, Political Culture, Political Socialization, International Laws, and

International Relations, Political systems, Political Process, and other political groups.
 Factors behind Growth of Political Science

The growth of political science as a field of study can be traced back to the 19th

century, when social sciences began to emerge as separate academic disciplines. Here

are some key factors that contributed to the growth of political science:

Industrialization and urbanization: The rise of industrialization and urbanization

led to significant changes in society, including the growth of political institutions, the

rise of political parties, and the emergence of new forms of political participation.

These changes led to a growing interest in the study of political phenomena and the

need for systematic analysis of political institutions and behavior.

State-building: The growth of nation-states and the expansion of state power led to

the need for experts who could study and analyze political systems and institutions.

This led to the emergence of political science as a distinct field of study.

Democratization: The spread of democracy in the 20th century led to a growing

interest in the study of democratic systems, political parties, elections, and political

behavior. This created new opportunities for political scientists to study and analyze

the functioning of democratic institutions and processes.

Interdisciplinary approaches: The growth of interdisciplinary approaches to social

science research led to a greater emphasis on the study of politics from multiple

perspectives, including sociology, economics, history, and philosophy. This allowed

political scientists to draw on a wider range of theories and methods to analyze

political phenomena.
International relations: The growth of globalization and the increasing

interconnectedness of nations led to a growing interest in the study of international

relations, including the role of international institutions, international law, and global

governance. This created new opportunities for political scientists to study and

analyze the functioning of international political systems and institutions.

In summary, the growth of political science as a field of study can be attributed to a

range of factors, including the growth of political institutions, state-building,

democratization, interdisciplinary approaches, and the increasing importance of

international relations. These factors created new opportunities for political scientists

to study and analyze political phenomena, and contributed to the development of new

theories, methods, and areas of study within the discipline

 New Areas of Political Science

Political science is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, constantly expanding to

include new areas of study and inquiry. As societies and political systems continue to

change and develop, so too does the scope of political science. In this essay, I will

discuss some of the new and emerging areas of political science that have gained

prominence in recent years.

One of the most significant new areas of political science is the study of political

behavior and psychology. This field seeks to understand how individuals make

political decisions and how their psychological characteristics and motivations

influence their political choices. Researchers in this area have used experimental

methods and surveys to examine topics such as the impact of emotions on political

behavior, the role of personality traits in voting behavior, and the effects of political

communication on public opinion. The study of political behavior and psychology has

important implications for understanding the functioning of democratic societies, as

well as for the design of effective political campaigns and communication strategies.

Another new area of political science is the study of global governance and

international institutions. With the increasing interconnectedness of the world and the

rise of transnational challenges such as climate change and terrorism, the study of

global governance has become an important focus of political science research. This

field seeks to understand the functioning of international institutions such as the

United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the International Criminal Court,

as well as the role of non-state actors such as NGOs and multinational corporations in

global governance. Researchers in this area also examine the impact of globalization
on domestic politics and the ways in which international norms and institutions shape

domestic policy-making.

A third new area of political science is the study of political communication and

media. With the rise of social media and the proliferation of news sources, the study

of political communication has become increasingly important. This field seeks to

understand the impact of media on political behavior and opinion, as well as the role

of political actors in shaping media narratives. Researchers in this area have examined

topics such as the effects of fake news on public opinion, the role of social media in

political mobilization, and the ways in which political actors use media to shape

public discourse.

A fourth new area of political science is the study of political ecology and

environmental politics. With growing concerns about climate change and the impact

of human activity on the natural world, the study of political ecology has become an

important area of inquiry. This field seeks to understand the political dimensions of

environmental issues, including the ways in which environmental policies are made

and implemented, the role of interest groups in shaping environmental policy, and the

impact of environmental degradation on social and political systems. Researchers in

this area have also examined the role of indigenous knowledge and traditional

ecological practices in environmental governance.

Finally, a fifth new area of political science is the study of political economy and

economic policy-making. With growing concerns about economic inequality and the

impact of globalization on domestic economies, the study of political economy has

become an important focus of research. This field seeks to understand the political

dimensions of economic policy-making, including the role of interest groups and

political parties in shaping economic policy, the impact of economic policies on social

and political outcomes, and the ways in which economic inequality affects political

power dynamics. Researchers in this area have also examined the impact of emerging

economic trends such as the rise of the gig economy and the growth of automation on

political systems.

In conclusion, political science is a constantly evolving field that continues to expand

to include new areas of inquiry and research. The study of political behavior and

psychology, global governance and international institutions, political communication

and media, political ecology and environmental politics, and political economy and

economic policy-making are just a few of the new and emerging areas of political

science that have gained prominence in recent years. These areas of study are

important for understanding the complex and interconnected nature of contemporary

politics and for developing effective policies and strategies to address the challenges

facing modern societies