The Concept of Politics: Meaning, Definitions and Relationship with the Economy

 Introduction

Human beings rarely exist in isolation. From families to communities and entire nations, people constantly interact, negotiate and compete. These interactions often revolve around power, resources and influence — and this is where politics begins.

Politics emerges wherever individuals or groups attempt to influence decisions, allocate scarce resources, or assert their position within society. It is not limited to government alone; it exists in everyday interactions — in workplaces, religious organizations and even within families. 

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle captured this idea succinctly when he asserted  that, man is by nature a political animal. By this, Aristotle means that the essence of social existence is through political interaction and that two or more men interacting with one another are invariably involved in a political relationship.  Aristotle then, concluded that, the only way to maximize one’s individual capabilities and to attain the highest form of social life is through political interaction in an institutionalised settings (a setting designed to resolve social conflicts and set collective goals). Thus, politics is not optional — it is an inevitable feature of social life.

What is Politics?

Defining politics has proven to be one of the most challenging tasks in political science. Unlike fields such as mathematics, where definitions are precise, politics is fluid, dynamic and constantly evolving.

The English historian Morse Stephens once remarked that even after years of study, a precise definition of politics remained elusive. This highlights the complexity of the subject.

However, despite the lack of a single definition, most explanations fall into two broad schools of thoughts:

1. Behaviouralist Approach

The behaviouralists focus on power, conflict and human interaction. They see politics as:

• A struggle for power
• A process of conflict and cooperation
• An activity involving influence and decision-making

This approach emphasizes what people do, rather than the institutions they operate in.

2. Institutional (Classical) Approach

The institutionalists define politics in relation to government and the state. They focus on:

• Political institutions
• Legal systems
• Formal structures of governance

While this approach is useful, it is often criticized for being too narrow because politics also exists outside government institutions.

Major Scholarly Definitions of Politics

Different scholars have approached politics from unique perspectives:

Max Weber defined politics as the struggle to share or influence power within a state.

Alfred de Grazia viewed politics as events occurring around decision-making centers of government.

David Easton described politics as the authoritative allocation of values in society.

William Bluhm defined politics as a social process involving rivalry and cooperation in the exercise of power.

Herbert Winters and Bellows suggest a definition that includes elements of the thoughts by Vernon Dyke and David Easton. To them, politics is a struggle between actors pursuing conflicting desires on issues that may result in an authoritative allocation of values.

In ancient Greek society, politics referred to participation in the affairs of the polis (city-state), where citizens debated and made decisions for the common good.

These definitions collectively reveal that politics revolves around power, conflict, decision-making, and societal organization.

To that extent, David Easton definition of politics as the authoritative allocation of values for the society is considered useful because it emphasizes political activity rather than institution. Undoubtedly, in every society, values are desired and it is true that people have different interest, and these must be allocated by someone. It is also true that every society has different political systems allocating values authoritatively. 

David Easton asserted that, a policy is authoritative when the people to whom it is intended to apply or who are affected by it consider that they must or ought to obey it.

Sequel to the above, to most political scientists, the 

behaviouralist approach is more comprehensive. Politics is seen controversy, a process of conflict 

resolution through discussion, bargaining 

and compromise. 

The Role of Politics in the Economy 
(To what extent is politics a reflection of 
its economy?). 

Indeed, politics can be perceived from 

power struggle and resources allocation. 

Hence, power holds a central role in the 

realm of politics. 

Conversely, economics concentrates on the state's limited productive resources, ensuring their prudent distribution and utilization. According to Robinson, Economics is a social science that studies human behavior as a relationship between ends and scarce means which have alternative uses. 

Be that as it may, scholars widely agree that a 

nation's politics mirrors its economic landscape.  

Essentially, economics dictates how limited resources are utilized to address insatiable human desires, while politics regulates the distribution of scarce values within society.  

Additionally, a country‟s economic strength directly influences its state stability and continuity. For example, a financially impoverished nation tends to 

experience political instability. In essence, a robust economy fuels vigorous political dynamics, and conversely, a weak economy leads to subdued political activities.  

Moreover, the economy significantly shapes power dynamics by providing the materials and financial resources essential for political activities. Those who control the economy also wield political power. 

Furthermore, the economy plays a pivotal role in determining the political system and government of a nation. The economic system often dictates the type of political structure adopted; for instance, liberal democracy aligns with the Western capitalist system.  

In summary, the interconnection between politics and the economy is evident, as political activities inherently involve economic considerations. Consequently, politics can be viewed as the applied 

economics of determining resources allocation. Therefore, understanding politics necessitates contemplating its economic underpinnings, illustrating that politics is indeed a reflection of its economy. 

Conclusion 

Contemporary political scientists generally doubt the efficacy of defining politics, citing the absence of a definitive solution and the plethora of existing definitions. Although consensus on the optimal definition is lacking, most scholars acknowledge the significance of power, influence, and authority as fundamental concepts in political studies. 

References 

Alfred De Grazia, Political Behavior, New York: Free Press, 1965, p.26 

David Easton, A Framework for Political Analysis, Englewood Cliffs: N.J. Prentice-Hall, 1965 and A System Analysis of Political Life, NewYork: John Wiley and Sons Inc.1965 

David Easton, the Political System, New York: 1960, p.113. 

Herbert R, Winter and Thomas J. Bellows, People and Politics: An Introduction to Political Science, New York: John Wiley, 1981, p.8. 

Max Weber, The Theory of Social and Economic Organization, Trans., A.M. Henderson and Talcott Parsons, New York: GUI‟, 1947, pp. 145-154. 

Vernon Dyke, Political Science: A Philosophical Analysis, Stanford, California: Stanford University Press, 1960, p.134. 

William Bluhm, Theories of the Political System, Englewood Cliffs, N.J. Prentice-Hall Inc.: 1965, p.5.