Introduction to Political science

Each nation,beyond a general humanity, develops a certain peculiarity of character — so in religion, so in politics, so in the physical
body, so in mental habitude, so in men and women, so in character. One nation develops one peculiarity of character, another takes
another peculiarity. Within the last few years the world has begun to recognize this.

Presented by
Dr.Ridhi Rani
Assistant Professor
Email id -ridhirani@gmail.com
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management,
Hyderabad
Symbiosis International (Deemed) University , Pune
 Presentation Outline
 What is Political Science?
 Meaning of Political Science
 Distinction between Political Science and Politics
 Definition of Political Science
 Nature of Political Science
 Scope of Political Science
 Background & its importance
 Topics for discussion
 Challenges for Indian Democracy
 Rise of right-wing politics across the globe and the decline of left
 USA Government and the tariff barriers
 The rise of BRICS
 The Exit polls and the prediction game based on Statistical sampling
 Political Economy, the rise of market forces and the role played by the political institutions
 Politics of freebies - Entitlement versus empowerment
 Public anger and discontentment against Arrogant leaders - The new 'game of thrones' in a multiparty Indian republic
 Grassroots Democracy - The bottom-up approach to development in India - With special reference to the Eleventh and
Twelfth Schedule of Indian Constitution
 Centre state legislative relations with special reference to article 246 and the Seventh Schedule - Power distribution
and not crossing the boundaries by each party (Centre and the states)
 Port-led development in India boosting exports - role played by infra push by the government and private players like
Adani ports and special economic Zones (APSEZ)
 Indian Airlines on buying spree of aircraft with Boeing and Airbus - A paradigm shift to conquer a bigger pie of Global
Aviation Space
 Railways and development of India in semi high speed rail category and High speed rail category
 What is Political Science?

Political science is the study of politics

and power from domestic,
international, and comparative
perspectives.
It entails understanding of political
ideas, ideologies, institutions, policies,
processes, and behavior, as well as
groups, classes, government,
diplomacy, law, strategy, and war.
 Reasons for Studying Political Science- Why is it Important to
Study Political Science?
 Understand the World Around Us: Political science helps us understand the world around us. By
studying political systems, institutions, and policies, we gain insight into how power operates and
how decisions are made that affect our daily lives.
 Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Political science fosters critical thinking skills. It encourages us
to question assumptions, evaluate evidence, and think logically about complex issues. These skills
are valuable in a variety of careers, from law and journalism to business and public service.
 Informed Citizenship: Political science educates us about our roles and responsibilities as
citizens. By studying political systems and processes, we become better equipped to participate in
civic life, engage in public discourse, and hold our leaders accountable.
 Prepare for Careers in Politics and Governance:
 Enhance Empathy and Cultural Understanding:
 Globalisation and International Relations
 As the phenomenon of globalisation permeates the planet, understanding world politics and
international relations is vehemently critical. Political science imparts students with the acumen to
analyse global tribulations, i.e., climate change, terrorism, and economic disparity. Via the
pedagogical reception of the study of international relations, students emanate knowledge about
diplomatic interaction between states, international organisations, and non-state actors. This
global perspective is indispensable for addressing transnational challenges and promoting
international cooperation
 Importance and Impact of Political Science in India

 In India, political science has never been more relevant than it is today. As the
country navigates the complexities of economic development, social justice,
and political reform, the study of political science offers valuable insights and
expertise. Here are some ways in which political science contributes to India’s
growth and development:
 Promoting Good Governance:
 Advancing Social Justice:
 Strengthening Democracy:
 Shaping Foreign Policy: Political science plays a critical role in shaping
India’s foreign policy. By analyzing international relations, geopolitical trends,
and diplomatic strategies, we can advance India’s interests and position it as a
leader on the global stage.
 Meaning of Political Science

 Political Science comprises of two words ‘political’ and ‘science’.

 The term ‘politics’ is derived from the Greek word ‘polis’ which means the ‘city-
state’ (a generalised form of political organization existing in ancient Greece).
 Science is the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical
and natural world through observation, evidence and experiment.
 So political science is the branch of knowledge that deals with systematic study
of the structure and behaviour of the state and political institutions through
scientific analysis.
 The great Greek philosopher Aristotle was the first to use the term ‘politics’ and
is therefore regarded as the ‘father of Political Science’. In his famous book,
"Politics", Aristotle has asserted: "Man is by nature a political animal and he, who
by nature and not by mere accident is without state, is either above humanity or
below it”.
 Similarly, R G Gettel wrote that Politics is the “study of the state in the
past, present and future”.
 Harold J Laski stated in the same vein that the study of Politics concerns itself
with the life of men and women in relation to organized state.
 Thus as a social science, Political Science deals with those aspects of individuals
in society which relate to their activities and organizations devoted to seeking of
power, resolution of conflicts and all these, within an overall framework of the
rule and law as laid down by the state.
 Socrates, Plato and Aristotle
• Ancient Greece
• Even though it is a long time ago, this trio of philosophers who each changed the
world must not be forgotten.
• In fact, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle were each mentor to the second and each
great figures who based their works on the experience of the previous to reach a
new level of understanding and depth in their reasoning.
• This relationship is potentially the most striking of all when it comes to
understanding the role of a mentor.
• Aristotle was the first teacher and was first one to be called as “The Philosopher”
on this planet.
• Aristotle was tutor to Alexander. He did taught fundamentals of war, strategy and
as well as happiness and love related aspects to Alexander. Aristotle was always in
touch with Alexander however never participated in war strategy directly.
 Aristotle
• Aristotle is widely regarded as the father of political science. His work
“Politics” (c. 350 BCE) laid the foundation for the study of political
philosophy and provided insights into the nature of the state,
citizenship, and the ideal form of government.
• Aristotle believed that humans are social animals and that the state
exists to promote the common good.
• He argued that the best form of government is a mixed constitution
that combines elements of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy.
 Chanakya as Great mentor
• Great Chanakya was the mentor or teacher of Chandragupta. He was also mentor to
Ashoka, the grandson of Chandragupta.
• 4th Century B.C., A Philosopher-Statesman Kautilya
• Chanakya Wrote The First Few Ethics Of Administrative Management.
• Widely Regarded As India’s First Economist,
• Chanakya is Also Known As The Management Guru Of Ancient India.
• He was the teacher, philosopher, economist, and royal advisor. He was famous for his
wisdom and “Arth-niti” (Concepts of economics). Chanakya mentored Chandragupta for
big battles as well as small tactics.
• Chanakya was very clear about life’s goals and achieved almost what he wanted to
achieve by defeating Nanda and creating a unified India.
• The gurukul system of education, the strong family bonds with head of the family guiding
the rest and passing on the technical skills of craftsmanship through generations with the
senior being a role model explain the existence of mentoring principles in Indian society.
Chanakya views on Politics
International Relations
 Statecraft in ancient India subsumes international relations.
 The primary end goal and the ‘conceptual hook’ in Kautilya’s Arthashastra is
yogakshema, where ‘yoga’ means action or acquisition of things, and ‘kshema’ is
consolidation or secure possession.
 Together this umbrella concept ensures raksha (security) and palana (well-being) of
the people.
 This dual task is performed through a political economic approach which meaningfully
interweaves political science (dandaniti) and economics (vartta); the domestic realm
(tantra) and the interstate (avapa).
 The material well-being of the people upholds political legitimacy and sustains social
cohesion, resulting in gainful economic production which, in turn, strengthens the rod
(danda) wielded by the king in the international realm, and advances security of the
kingdom. Kautilya invalidates the inside/outside frame of a modern Westphalian state
system by the dictum – “the welfare of a state depends on an active foreign policy.
 Definition of Political Science

 Paul Janet, “Political Science is that part of social

science which treats the foundations of the
State and the principles of government.”
(Kapur, A.C. Principles of Political Science, S.
Chand & Company Ltd., New Delhi, 2006, p.17)
 Sir John Seeley, “Political Science investigates
the phenomena of Government as Political
Economy deals with Wealth, Biology with life,
Algebra with numbers and Geometry with space
and magnitude” (Agarwal,R.C.: Political Theory
Principles of Political Science, S. Chand &
Company Ltd., New Delhi, 2007, p.3).
 According to J W Garner, “Politics begins and
ends with the state.”
 Robert A. Dahl defines political system as
follows: “A political system is any pattern of
human relationships that involve, to a significant
extent, however, rule or authority”.
 Evolution
 The term Political Science is intimately related to the word Politics, which itself derives from the Greek word
‘Polis’ meaning a city-state. To the Greeks the city was the state and the subject that deals with the city-state
and its problems was designated as politics. The Sophists in Athens were the first to deal with problems of city-
state and then expounded a political theory.
 Later on Socrates ( B.C), Plato( B.C) and Aristotle ( B.C) continued to conduct the scientific study of the various
problems concerning the state and the government. Aristotle, the world famous Greek philosopher, however
excelled his teacher Plato and his teacher’s teacher – Socrates. Now Aristotle is regarded as the father of the
science of Politics in the west.
 However, Manu is considered to be the first political thinker in Indian subcontinent and his first book Manusmriti
is regarded as the first book of law in this part of the world. Later on, it was Chanakya who formed and
formulated Indian political thinking and gave it concrete form in the shape of a book named Kautilya’s
Arthasastra, well-known book of Indian Polity.
 In the 4th century B.C Aristotle referred to politics as the “Queen of sciences”, but for many centuries thereafter
it lost a separate identity. Until perhaps the 19th century such intellectual work as was carried out on politics
was by political philosophers, theologians or journalists, but seldom by full-time professional political analysts.
 Gradually a separate discipline emerged from the previous conglomeration of law, economics and philosophy,
so that by the end of 19th century most American and many German universities had professors and
departments of politics or political science. It is pertinent to mention here that the first professorship in the
subject was in fact set up in Sweden in the 17th century.
The world’s top 10 leaders with the Highest Approval
Ratings, as of January 2025:
Approve Disapprove No Opinion
Rank Leader Name Designation
(%) (%) (%)
1 Narendra Modi Prime Minister of India 75 19 6
Claudia
2 President of Mexico 66 26 7
Sheinbaum
3 Javier Milei President of Argentina 65 30 5
4 Karin Keller-Sutter President of Switzerland 56 20 24

5 Donald Trump President of the United States 52 38 10

6 Anthony Albanese Prime Minister of Australia 46 42 11

Prime Minister of the

7 Dick Schoof 42 39 19
Netherlands
8 Donald Tusk Prime Minister of Poland 42 47 11

9 Giorgia Meloni Prime Minister of Italy 42 51 7

10 Ulf Kristersson Prime Minister of Sweden 38 51 11

 Political Science: An Art
 Science is universal and a systematic body of knowledge, based on accurate and
impartial facts, through which observation, comparison and experimentation can be
made.
 Apparently, Political Science does not have some of these features. And therefore
Earnest Barker (British political thinker), James Bryce (British political thinker), Charles
A. Beard (British historian) and others were reluctant to accept Political Science as a
science.
 The following are some arguments against the notion of Political Science as a Science:-
 Lack of precise and standard definitions of terms and concepts.
 Complexity of political phenomena due to variation in the nature and habits of people.
 Diversity of ‘environments’ in which political developments take place.
 Problems of experimentation to arrive at valid conclusions.
 Political Science: A Science

 American political thinkers like David Easton tried to establish a scientific

basis of Political Science.
 Aristotle called it a Master Science through which civilization could be
saved.
 The following are some arguments in favour of the notion of Political
Science as a Science:
 Recently, political theory has developed based on facts and verifiable data,
e.g., voting behaviour and theories of election.
 Political experiments are not completely ruled out.
 The government itself is a continuous experiment.
 It is possible to make predictions on the basis of social experimentations to
a certain extent.
 Broad conclusions can be drawn in Political Science such as–an
independent and impartial judiciary and a free press are essential for
democracy
 Empirical studies are based on careful observation and classification.
Political Science puts a hypothesis or an assumption to empirical
verification. Theories are not built on speculation.
 Political Scientists today employ survey methods, graphs, charts and other
scientific tools to arrive at their research conclusions.
 Political Science: A Science
 Political Science is thus a science, though not like the physical sciences.
 It is a social science.
 American political scientist, Robert Dahl states that Political science is both a Science and an
Art.
 Art refers to practical application of knowledge. Political Science applies the knowledge
about political events for creating a good social and political order. Hence it is an art.
 Whenever students of Political Science test their theories against the data of experience by
observation, the political analysis can be regarded as scientific.
 When this political analysis is applied for the working of political institutions it becomes an art.
 The modern political analysis, guided by sociological, anthropological & psychological
methods& theories, rests upon four basic principles:
 The search for more comprehensive scope
 The search for realism
 The search for precision
 The search for intellectual order
 Distinction between Political Science and Politics
 ‘Politics’ refers to the process of actual happenings in society and in institutions, which Political
Science refers to its understand in a systematic manner.
 Practical Politics also has many positive aspects. In this era of welfare state many positive programmes
such as , land reforms, release of bonded labourers, prohibition of trafficking in human beings and begar
(forced labour), introduction of minimum wages, employment generation programmes, empowerment of
the other backward classes are all examples of positive aspects of practical politics.
 Some scholars define Politics to be “the science and art of government.”
 Practical politics includes actual formation of government, the working of government, administration,
laws and legislation. It also includes international politics including matters such as peace and war,
international trade and economic order, protection of rights, etc. All these also comprise the subject
matter of the study of Politics.
 Politics is considered as an as effort for conciliation and accommodation to bring about rule of order and
Justice. Incidentally, the Marxist view of politics comes as a reaction to the liberal view of politics
 According to many political scientists, the study of Political Science comprises theory of the state,
concept of sovereign power, forms and functions of government, making and execution of laws,
elections, political parities, rights and duties of citizens, policy functions and study of welfare activities
of the State and government.
 Political Thought & political Theory
 Political Thought is general & the thinking of the whole community at a particular historical stage and
is reflected in the writings of statesman, poets , publicists where as
 Political theory is highly personal vision of an individual of the political reality for which his theory
seeks to offer an explanation.
 Two broad varieties of Political theory – classical and contemporary
 Classical theory – politics from a moral point of view- Plato, Aristotle, Rousseau, Kant, Hegal
 Political Ideology – It means a system of ideas about life, society and government, which through long
and intensive processes of propaganda and usage, tend to become the characteristic belief or dogma
of a particular group, party or nationality.
 a political ideology is a certain set of ethical ideals, principles, doctrines, myths or symbols of a social
movement, institution, class or large group that explains how society should work and offers some
political and cultural blueprint for a certain social order
 Political ideologies have two dimensions: (1) goals: how society should be organized; and (2) methods:
the most appropriate way to achieve this goal.
 India is a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic with a Parliamentary form of government
which is federal in structure with unitary features. There is a Council of Ministers with the Prime
Minster as its head to advice the President who is the constitutional head of the country.
Major Theories of Political Science

 Political science is a diverse field that offers various theories to explain political phenomena. These
theories help us understand the underlying mechanisms that drive political behavior, institutions, and
policies. Here are some of the major theories in political science:
 Realism: is a traditional theory that views politics as a struggle for power among self-interested actors.
This theory emphasizes the importance of military power, diplomacy, and strategic thinking in
international relations.
 Liberalism: that stresses the importance of individual liberties, equal rights, and democratic
institutions. This theory emphasizes the role of markets, trade, and international cooperation in
promoting peace and prosperity.
 Marxism: Marxism is a theory that focuses on the role of class struggles in shaping political and
economic systems. This theory emphasizes the need for revolutionary change and the establishment of
a socialist or communist society.
 Feminism: highlights the role of gender in shaping political and social relationships. This theory
emphasizes the need for policies and institutions that promote gender equality and challenge
patriarchal structures.
 Post-Modernism: Postmodernism is a theory that critiques traditional notions of objective truth,
reason, and progress. This theory emphasizes the importance of diversity, tolerance, and skepticism in
political discourse.
 New understanding of Political Science

 Political Science has ceased to be merely the science of state-craft.

 Political Science is concerned with all facets of power relations and human behaviour
having political implications in the society.
 Politics is portrayed as a process of conflict resolution, in which rival views or
competing interests are reconciled for the benefit of all. The new meaning of Political
Science includes the dynamics of power and struggle at various levels — local,
regional, national and international.
 So the aims and objectives of Political Science have changed due to factors such as the
rise of the power theory and behaviouralism.
 Behavioralism
 A theory that all behaviors are learned through conditioning
 Based on the idea that environmental stimuli shape actions
 Focuses on what can be verified by direct observation
 Uses statistical and quantitative methods
 Seeks to establish psychology as an objective and experimental science
Post-behavioralism
 A reform movement that emerged in the 1960s
 Emphasizes the importance of human values, social contexts, and
historical events
 Stresses the importance of substance over technique
 Considers research should be more relevant to society
 Considers intellectuals have a positive role to play in society
 Considers that it's vital to focus more on the content rather than the
method used for analysis
 Some famous behaviorists include John Watson, B.F. Skinner, and Ivan
Pavlov. David Easton is considered a significant advocate of post-
behavioralism.
 Methods of Political Investigation
 Observational method
 The Experimental method
 The comparative method
 The method of analogy
 The philosophical method
 Quantitative method
 The methods of investigation employed in political science are:
 Observational Method
This method is based on direct observation and reflection. It helps in arriving at certain
political principle in the light of observation made and information obtained. In the olden times
Plato visited all the progressive countries right from Asia to southern Italy. He closely studied
the social, economic and political conditions of these countries and then could be able to
propound certain principles to Political Science. In modern times James Brice employed this
method. He visited the USA, Canada, France, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand, studied
the people and their countries, clearly observed the workings of their institutions and formed
his own conclusions.
Experimental Method
 Experiment is observation under conditions arranged by the investigator. We may not
experiment in Political Science as we do in a Physical Science, but practical experiments in
political institutions are being constantly made, consciously or unconsciously . Every
government makes experiments when it adopts a policy or enacts a new law. Governmental
policy changes and laws are amended or repealed if their public utility is not abundantly
proved. Dr. Garner rightly affirms that “the enactment of every new law, the establishment
of every new policy is experimental in the sense that it is regarded merely as provisional or
tentative until the results have proved its fitness to become permanent.
 The methods of investigation employed in political science are:
 Historical Method
 The present is the gift of the past. This is the reason why we seek help of history, when we study
the origin, development and the present nature of such political institution as the State and the
Government. The historical method supplements the experimental method. Montesquieu, Savigny,
Seeley, Maine Freeman and Laski are some of the eminent exponents of historical method.
 Sabine and other traditional writers attached great importance historical approach. “A political
theory” according to Sabine is always advanced in reference to a pretty specific situation”. It is
therefore essential to understand “the time, place and circumstances in which it was produced”.
 Comparative Method
 The comparative method which is closely related to historical method, attempts to discover
general laws and conclusions from the study of past or existing States by a process of selection ,
comparison and elimination. Greek philosopher Aristotle( B.C) is said to have studied as many as
158 constitutions and after analyzing and comparing them, he arrived at certain definite
conclusions. In modern times comparative method has been used by Montesquieu, De Tocqueville,
Bryce and many others. James Bryce compared the working of democracy in different countries
and then, accounted for its merits and defects as a form of government.
 Statistical Method
 The method which has recently become increasingly important and is being widely used in the
study of political phenomenon is the statistical method. It attempts to describe and measure in
quantitative terms and is specially to the study of political parties and public opinion. The
statistical techniques extended to the study of comparative government and international
relations. In some Western countries “public opinion polls” or “Gallup polls” are held. If skillfully
framed and conducted, such polls have shown themselves, in UK and USA, to be capable of a high
degree of accuracy.
 Philosophical Method
 In Political Science this method of investigation starts from some abstract
original idea about human nature and draws deduction from that idea as to
the nature of the State, its aims, its functions and its future. Plato Rousseau,
Hegel, Bradley, Kant, and Sidgwick are prominent exponents of this method.
When dealing with the question “what ought to be” we have to depend on
the philosophical method. Almost all political thinkers, who wished to
organized an ideal State, adopted this method.
 Juridical Method
 The juridical or legalistic method regards the State as a legal person or
corporation, existing for the creation and enforcement of law. It views
political society as a collection of legal rights and obligations, and analyses
the public law relations of the State, but ignores many other extra-legal and
social forces that underlie the constitution and laws of the State and that
influence human relations.
 Psychological Method
 The psychological method attempts to explain political phenomena through
psychological laws, especially by studying the motives of human behavior,
the action of minds in groups and associations; and the methods of
influencing public opinion. It helps to explain the issues upon which political
parties are based and from which international controversies arise.
 Thanks.
Address your Queries on
ridhi.rani@sibmhyd.edi.in