(1) Traditionally, politics has always been about power. Money, yes – but the whole thing has always been about power. Money was always a spin off – a by product if you will. So how does one go about achieving power. A thread …
(2) When one says power, in politics it traditionally means power over people. The ability to get people to follow you, believe in you and vote for you. But then why would people do that? This is where an understanding of the basic human nature comes in to play. Let me explain …
(3) People tend to admire someone who (1) demonstrates that s/he is there to help and support you (2) can show that there is a common enemy who is out to get you (3) and s/he is the one who can protect you against this enemy. What enemy you ask …
(4) this enemy can be anything - a country perceived as an enemy (Middle East vs US), a race considered as inferior & a threat (Hitler’s Germany), be it people of another religion (too many examples), even other castes within religions (shia sunni / brahmin dalit) and so on ...
(5) So what if there is NO common enemy that I can use to bring people to my side? I CREATE one. That’s the most commonly followed route towards power. They are your enemy and I am the one standing between them and you – I am your protector.
(6) Unfortunately, it’s not the fault of the politician alone. People have inherent beliefs. Strong ones at that. So if in my head, Muslims are the villians, any leader that says, trust me I will show Muslims their place, will gain my vote.
(7) To the extent, that I will be willing to ignore/ compromise / adjust on issues of real import - governance, economy, health, education, territorial integrity and so on - as long .
(8) Possible to genuinely get people to your side by delivering on the above and avoiding wars. But unfortunately, nothing unites people behind a leader like an actual war against an enemy State. As long, these leaders and people are not the ones who lose their lives.
(9) The commonest route to power?-Religion. In fact, I feel religion was invented just to gain control over people. Deaths caused by religion are mind numbingly high. Still cant believe that people can hate or even kill each other over “my imaginary friend is stronger than yours”
(10) Unfortunately, this is how it has always been. And this is how it will always be. Till we are gullible, we will be exploited. Sad – but true.
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