What is political Development?

Political development means a continuous evolution of governmental systems and policies. This concept involves a democratic behavior, globalization and technological advancements. In current scenario nationalism, globalism, human rights, corruption conflicts are considered a part of current phenomena of Political development across the world. Broadly speaking the development of various institutions, behaviors, and values that help to shape any political system is called political development.

Political development is a complex concept that encompasses the progress of political systems and institutions within a country. It is a critical aspect of a nation’s overall development and reflects the degree to which a society can effectively govern itself, provide basic services to its citizens, protect their rights, and promote economic prosperity. In this article, I have discussed some important features that can be used to reflect and judge the political development of a nation. There are various indicators of political development including governance, democracy, rule of law, and political stability.

 Definitions of political development.

1.Samuel P. Huntington:

Huntington defines political development as the institutionalization of political organizations and procedures, emphasizing the importance of political stability and the creation of effective institutions.  ( Huntington, S. P. (1965). Political Development and Political Decay. World Politics, 17(3), 386-430.)

2.Lucian W. Pye:

Pye views that it is the capacity of a political system to manage and reconcile social change, to foster political integration, and to ensure the effective functioning of government. (Pye, L. W. (1966). Aspects of Political Development. Little, Brown and Company.)

3.Gabriel A. Almond and G. Bingham Powell:

Almond and Powell define it in terms of three primary criteria: the differentiation of political structures, the secularization of political culture, and the increased capacity of a political system. (Almond, G. A., & Powell, G. B. (1966). Comparative Politics: A Developmental Approach. Little, Brown and Company.)

Who is the father of political development?

Aristotle is a famous political thinker make a great contribution in the field of Political Science. Due to his work in the field of politics he is known as the father of political science. He was a great Greek philosopher. He was the first one to give a working definition of political development.

Characteristics of Political Development

1. Good Governance

The common concept of political development good governance, efficient, effective state system. That’s why when we talk about political development in any state then we meant good governance.  Actually it reflects the capacity of a government to provide basic need and services to its citizens as well as manage resources equally and effectively. Good governance includes:

• Transparency in governmental affairs.
• Check and balance and Accountability.
• Accessibility of information to the public.
• Maintain public trust on governmental officials.
• Corruption free society.
• Efficiency in Public administration.
• Provision of public services to the common people.
• Management of national resources.
• Responding to the basic necessities of citizens.
• Efficient bureaucracy.

2.Democracy

Democracy is an essential element of political development. In democratic form of government people can elect their representatives as it ensures the participation in decision-making processes.  Here we are going to discuss the key indicators of democracy include:

• Free and fair Elections are essential for political development.
• The existence of multiple Political Parties.
• Provision of Civil Liberties within the state.
• Protection of Human Rights.
• Freedom of Speech, Expression and Assembly.
• Political stability with political liberalization and democratization.

3.Rule of Law

The rule of law is the basic foundation of a fair and just society. It ensures that laws are applied consistently, and individuals are treated fairly under the constitution. Indicators of the rule of law include:

• Comprehensive and legal framework that protects the rights of citizens,
• Access to justice.
• legal certainty within the state.
• Judicial Independence.
• Ability to impartially interpret and apply the law.

4.Political Stability

Political stability is a vital indicator of political development, as it reflects the ability of a government to maintain peace and prosperity within the state. Key indicators of political stability include:

• Abolition of political violence.
• The durability and effectiveness of political institutions.
• The level of social cohesion and trust among different segments of the society.

5. Institutionalization   

Developing the political system means strong institutionalizing. When political institutions are developed than they can batter shaping and directing towards decision making and management of national resources. Institutional development regularized the political matters in order to make it more effective and efficient. Actually Institutions are the backbone of developmental process in any political system. So these are very helpful in creating:

• Political-Awareness among the masses.
• Political Institutions become more structured.
• Society is better able to govern itself.
• Underdeveloped states are rather externally dependent

6. Sustained economic development

  Economic progress and Political development are interlinked terms and much debated at international level. Actually the economic progress serve as a facilitator for the political development. Sustained economic development means the economy grows gradually not too fast and not too slow. This steady growth helps to boost the overall economic system. This means:

• Long-Term Planning
• Planning for the future.
• Ensure continued progress.
• To be sustainable, economic development must also protect the environment.
• using resources wisely, reducing pollution.
• Providing opportunities for all citizens.
• Reducing poverty.
• Ensuring equal access to resources and services.

7. Capacity and Performance

The capacity of a political system to effectively implement policies and deliver services to the public is a critical component of political development.

• Political systems need to develop a mechanism.
• maintain efficiently within the political system.
• Ensure stability peace and prosperity.
• Respond to public basic demands and needs.

8.National Integration

National integration means that a nation must be united and there should be no distinction on the base of color, class, religion or gender. Political development involves the process of integration in which diverse groups in a society are live together under a single political framework. This concept includes:

• Development of a national identity.
• Integration of various social, ethnic, and regional groups.

9.Political Modernization

Lucian W.Pye, a famous political thinker interrelate the concept the concept of political development with the concept of political modernization. It refers to the:

• Adaptation of political institutions to contemporary conditions.
• Adoption of democratic principles in political system.
• Implement the rule of law in state.
• Participatory governance.

10.Crisis Management

Crisis management is also an important characteristics of political development in many countries. So every system must be capable to manage and resolve crises. Developed political systems are characterized by:

• Their capacity to handle crises.
• Manage the crisis without descending into authoritarianism.

Conclusion

After the analyzing the various indicators of Political development we may assume that this process involves various dimensions such as governance, democracy, the rule of law, basic right ,manage the conflicts and political stability . So if a nation wants to get political development then it must be take a comprehensive view of these characteristics, as they provide valuable insights into the state and its political institutions. To get the positive progress it is essential to boost social progress, economic development, and the well-being of citizens. Because a strong and well-functioning political system can promote the state towards prosperity and development.