Does empathy have a place in the world of politics? How should politicians lead? How should policies be shaped and implemented? What role does empathy play when it’s time to make decisions for a multitude of people?
We are currently in turbulent times where issues such as immigration, political violence, and job security are currently on the line. In America, immigration issues have resulted in more problematic issues such as xenophobia, racism, and bigotry. It has resulted in the marginalization of minority groups in our society.
Policies surrounding national security have turned in a national crisis that culminated into a government shutdown where thousands of government workers were without pay. Where is the role of empathy in when it times to make political decisions that ultimately have human costs and consequences?
In Nigeria, the current election season has brought to the forefront issues around job and economic security. The growing gap of the rich and poor is an indication of gross inequity and financial mismanagement.Politicians are promising change with one hand and hoping to end poverty by giving out bags of rice for votes with their other hand is not ideally what empathy in politics is about.
Around the world, every country is facing their own issues. However, we can’t help to ignore how desensitized people are to the plight of others and how many politicians find it difficult to put their self into shoes of those whom they are elected to serve. If we are to solve any of the global and national issues facing millions around the world, we as citizens need to ensure that those who are chosen to serve and represent our greatest needs have the emotional intelligence and capacity to create policies rooted in human dignity and empathy.
It is understood that tough decisions are to be made in politics especially when it comes to security. However, there must be a balance. Niccolo Machiavelli, an Italian diplomat who is often referred to as the father of modern political theory once said, “Politics have no relation to morals.”
Machiavelli’s philosophy of politics can be found in his book The Prince and the Discourse on Livy, in it he asserts, that in order for a ruler to be successful he must rule with an iron fist. He espouses that as politicians it is better to be widely feared than to be greatly loved.
Oftentimes one may not realize that there are deep-rooted ideologies and theories that guide politicians and their actions. Sometimes it helps us to understand their decision-making process as well. We see this behavior particularly played out in dictatorships and with politicians who display questionable and narcissistic tendencies. Machiavellianism in psychology refers to a personality trait, which sees a person so focused on their own interests they will manipulate, deceive, and exploit others to achieve their goals.
Machiavellianism is one of the traits in what is called the ‘Dark Triad’, the other two being narcissism and psychopathy. As brute and harsh Machiavelli’s philosophy may be, he helped us to uncover and identify politicians who behave in such manner.His books and philosophy on the separation of morals from politics have been adopted and widely used in politics and business. This is not to claim that all politicians behave in this manner but there is a growing divide between morality and politics and the breakdown of empathy in politics that we can longer afford to ignore.
Dr. Odugbesan-Omede is a Professor of Global Affairs and Politics at Farmingdale State College, Policy Advisor, and Author. www.dryetunde.com
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