Politics has seen significant changes in recent years, with greater emphasis placed on human rights, international cooperation and the use of technology. Let’s explore the ten ways politics has changed for the better.
Politics is not something many people get involved with or understand completely. However, politics is around us, and your daily actions are often influenced by political decisions.
For example, the day your bins are emptied is a political decision, or at what age you can finish school. Those are simple things politics have helped shape.
The politics of today is different from the politics of the early 1900s. We are seeing less of a focus on the left and right political perspective and more towards identity playing a role in political decisions.
For example, Brexit was a decision made based on British national identity, not economic or international status.
This would have been a completely different outcome in the 1900s. But no matter how much politics changes, there are certain ways politics has changed for the better.
10. Increased access to information − more people can keep updated on politics
Globalisation and the internet have made it much easier for citizens to access political information online and keep up to date on current events.
Political organisations can share their meetings live for people to view, and political leaders post updates on their social media platforms.
9. There have been voter improvements over the years − more people are getting involved in politics
Politics has become easier to get involved in. The ease of information and ability to be an activist has enabled citizens to become more engaged with the process showing their interest in voting when elections come up.
8. Governments have become more transparent − people can view records easily
Governments have become more transparent in recent years. Greater access is given to citizens to view public records.
7. Human rights have become of high importance − people’s lives are being valued and respected
Previously politics forgot to address the human rights of global citizens. There is a growing recognition of the need to protect human rights. Internationally it is outlined within laws, and countries have been sanctioned for abusing human rights laws.
6. Politics is becoming more inclusive − diversity is starting to show within politics
More effort is placed into representation and diversity within political leadership. There are more women in politics than ever and representatives for the LGBTQIA+ community. Therefore, making it a more inclusive and equitable system for the 21st century.
5. Greater focus on social justice − politics has been addressing social issues more in recent years
There’s been an increase in decisions addressing pressing international social issues such as poverty, discrimination and inequality.
4. Greater focus on environmental protection − one of the best ways politics has changed for the better
With an enhanced environmental agenda, governments are taking steps to address environmental issues.
For example, the array of Conference of Parties (COP) happening each year have created legally binding agreements to future the planet for future generations.
3. Greater protection is given to citizens − thanks to politics enabling laws to be made that protect people’s rights
Child labour, 60+ hour work weeks, and no legal marriage for same-sex are some examples of things that politics has fought to protect citizens (in countries that have agreed to them).
In Europe, no one has to legally work more than 40 hours a week. However, this is something that needs to be pushed further in countries that lack human rights.
2. Politics has seen a growth in democracy − more people across the world can vote in their elections, and decisions are made by more than one person
Democracy has grown in preference across the world. It enables citizens to choose who can make decisions in their country. People have more of a role in politics, and democracy is a way they can use their voice to vote based on their opinion.
1. Strengthened cooperation − there has been an increase in international collaboration
A greater effort has been placed on international cooperation to work together on global issues. The United Nations (UN) was a product of that effort after WWII. The UN has enabled countries to find common ground to solve societal issues.
These are some of the ways politics has changed for the better in some countries. This is not evident in every country across the world. However, with passionate activists standing up for their rights, there is scope for change. Stay safe!