Analysis of The Intersection of Politics, Power, and the State

To start with, this is essay about politics in which this topic will be discussed within two important works. In the 'Political Approach to Human behaviour' of Leftwich and the 'Structures of Power' of Schwarzmantel, both scholars provide an intelligible study of power and the position of the state as well as conflict. Schwarzmantel focuses on the dynamics of power as well as politics as a concept,' while Leftwich explores how politics is an inevitable process between individuals and interest groups. Leftwich employs a broad approach to politics in contrast to Schwarzmantel. They both agree that politics in our daily lives is influential as it is 'always present in human affairs', Leftwich describes power as one of the 'most important interactive components of politics.' Both Leftwich and Schwarzmantel agree that power within the state plays an important role and is preserved through the use of force.

In terms of power, Leftwich and Schwarzmantel hold the same view that power is the main practice of the modern state, although their views differ in terms of the role of influencing states in politics. Leftwich believes that politics, as it can be found outside the state, is not essential. Leftwich defines the state as a power-supported entity, and Leftwich 's idea of the state is also supported by Schwarzmantel when he states that the state is a' group of people in particular regions who claim the monopoly of reasonable force'. Schwarzmantel also points out that the relationship between society and the state is troubled by the state and continues to describe the state as a 'collection of institutions controlled by people whose ideologies and beliefs are influenced by the state”. Schwarzmantel claims that social factors have a tremendous influence on communities and this forms the attitudes of people, he also believes that power is the foundation of politics. In a sense, Leftwich and Schwarzmantel have views that vary in terms of politics, as Schwarzmantel accepts that power is primarily a problem between states, and he stands by the fact that power lies in the ability to control and influence public opinion and understanding. In comparison to Schwarzmantel, Leftwich claims that ordinary individuals hold much more power than they think and they are highly influential in terms of contributing to decisions and policies that have the ability to affect a large part of society.

Leftwich argues that the values that 'regulate our economic actions often govern our behaviour' and are found in public (state) as well as non-public establishments such as places of worship, clubs and organisations. Politics does not only exist in the state or government it can exist anywhere where there is a battle for power.Schwarzmantel also argues that different states have different perceptions of authority in specific countries and regions of the world; this is also apparent in various political institutions and government settings. Schwarzmantel then proceeds to explain how the government and the state are not the same as the state is a “complex of many elements of which the government is only one” suggesting that the government only forms a small part of the state.

In both texts, conflict was also a key theme as Leftwich discussed how conflicts arise over resources, and it is inevitable. Schwarzmantel, on the other hand, claimed that the main goal of power holders is to eradicate conflict and they may use force to abolish this. In the ‘Political approach to human behaviour’ Leftwich discusses how we as humans tend to view politics as something that is “exercised by an elite or higher power” but not something that we should implement into our daily lives. Leftwich also says politics is made up of “ co-operation, negotiation, and conflict”. Schwarzmantel addresses conflict from a different viewpoint in contrast to Leftwich, explaining that politics will not be the same if force and coercion are not applied. “If the state has no power, it can no longer exist” this exemplifies that power is essential within government organisations and it is one of the main factors that contributes to a successful Government. Schwarzmantel also suggests that conflict is more likely to occur when individuals fail to accept the “legitimacy” of the government and those who fail to abide by rules are targeted by the use of force, he also explains how those with higher authority believe that power is “justifiable” and “righteous” as it helps to control society.

Conflict is a theme that interrelates to consensus but it is not as vague. Schwarzmantel states that power holders have a duty to reach consensus“. It is clear that power holders in all systems will want their individual power to be accepted as legitimate”. Leftwich on the other hand, describes politics as the main way to achieve consensus. Schwarzmantel also agrees with the fact that people abide by the rules put in place by the government, whereas Leftwich argues that “politics is an inherent aspect of human activity” and that politics is a “comprehensive” and “perpetual” process which structures society.

In conclusion to this politics essay, it is not difficult to grasp, however, from both texts that politics is connected to struggling to obtain power and this causes problems with the association of the state with society, Leftwich claims that politics is present everywhere and is a state necessity, while Schwarzmantel claims that power is the core of politics. Evaluating these approaches Leftwich’s analysis of politics is the most knowledgeable as he says that politics can be found everywhere as well as within institutions or the government. Leftwich also well explained how the three “essential ingredients” of politics, allows politics to be much more than just the struggle for power, and he also opposes Schwarzmantel’s view that politics only concerns power. Although the similarities between the writers on the subject of power and the role of the state are explicit, both authors also discuss how the ability of different powers to control the world of politics is also possible. Leftwich and Schwarzmantel both show a strong interest in distribution, despite these differences. Leftwich focuses on the distribution of resources, while Schwarzmantel addresses the distribution of power.