Politics

Are motorists more responsible than cops for the worsening traffic scenario of Nagpur?

Who is more to blame for Nagpur's worsening traffic — drivers or police? This entry sets out the two positions on the question: that motorists bear more responsibility than the police, and that they do not.

Are political protests effective?

A protest is a public demonstration that expresses disapproval towards something. Political protests focus on objecting policies or actions by governing bodies. Some of the political protests that have occurred in the past year include the George Floyd protests, the 2019-2020 Hong Kong protests, the Philippines’ Anti-Terror Bill protests, and the 2019 Venezuelan protests.

Are sanctuary cities good or bad?

Sanctuary cities are US cities that elect to not cooperate with immigration law in order to protect undocumented immigrants. Are these cities necessary to protect innocent people? Or are they unlawful hotbeds of criminals?

Can public participation improve democratic governance?

New forms of collective processes are emerging in contexts ranging from stable and functional to volatile and oppressive. Public participation is a global phenomenon. Will it improve democracy?

Can you trust US polls?

US election polling has been brought into question after failures to predict and understand the US presidential outcome in 2016, and 2020. Can we trust US polling? Or are there fundamental issues with the polling approach?

Does charisma influence political campaigns?

Are people more likely to vote based on the charisma of the leader or the actual policy issues at hand? Clearly charisma does play a large role but this may not be for the best.

Does Donald Trump or Joe Biden have the better approach to Policing?

As Black Lives Matter #BLM protests shook the US in the wake of George Floyd's murder at the hands of police in Minneapolis in May 2020, the issue of police reform surged to the top of the political agenda. Policing will be a central debate in the upcoming US Election. Who has the better approach?

Has Donald Trump been a good president?

Trump's presidency is considered by the mainstream media and some in the international community as an on-going disaster. Has Trump's presidency delivered? Will history consider him to have been a good president?

Has the BJP-led civic body let Nagpur down?

Has the BJP-led municipal body failed the Indian city of Nagpur? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that the civic body has let Nagpur down, and that it has not.

Has the Trump administration responded well to COVID-19?

Government responses to emergency situations like the coronavirus outbreak can have a critical impact on the health and wellbeing of the public, and on the economy and society at large. So how have President Trump and his team responded? Will the American people benefit from or be hurt by the actions of the Trump Administration?

Has Trump kept his promises?

Trump’s re-election campaign slogan is “Promises Made, Promises Kept”. From the border wall to repealing and replacing the ACA, what has he done? What are Trump’s achievements in his first term in office?

Has Trump transformed what it means to be Presidential?

What makes a good President? Is it pragmatism and vision, or, something else entirely? Trump presents himself as a political outsider: his disregard for political correctness is what attracted many of his supporters. Yet, his critics see his unruly behaviour as a weakness; that it is unbecoming for a President. Has Trump changed what it means to be Presidential? The Merriam-Webster defines “presidential” as: “of, relating to, or befitting a president or a president’s authority”. But, is that what Trump means, and his supporters, refer to?

How accurate are claims that the US election is rigged?

In the run-up to and aftermath of US elections, claims that the vote is 'rigged' recur. This entry maps the positions on how accurate such claims are — that they are very accurate, only partially accurate, or not accurate at all.

How do coup d'etats and coup attempts happen?

How and why do coups happen? This entry maps the explanations — that coups are both causes and consequences of civil wars, that they follow military dissatisfaction with the government, and that they come when success looks likely.

How do we think about the UK lockdown debate?

The coronavirus pandemic has led to unprecedented isolation measures throughout the world. One effect has been the creation of ideological blocs across traditional party lines, lobbying for different approaches to containing the virus. UK lockdown came into effect on March 23, shutting down non-essential business and movement outside the home, bar a single daily outing for exercise. Critics variously describe this decision as too late, too little, too much and overblown. So, who are these groups, what do they stand for, and why?

Is a Monarchy or Republic more beneficial?

A monarchy and a republic distribute political power and legitimacy very differently. This entry maps the debate over which serves a country better, setting out the positions that a republic is more beneficial, and that a monarchy is.

Is an unamendable constitution undemocratic?

Unamendability is a growing constitutional trend. But is it compatible with democratic values? Does unamendability force future generations into a necrocracy, the ‘dead hand’ grip of those that wrote the constitution? Does it place too much power in the hands of the judiciary? Can institutions face modern democratic challenges without the flexibility to amend the nation's constitution?

Is Anarchism possible?

Anarchism describes a diverse range of political and philosophical beliefs, ranging from the individualism of anarcho-capitalism to the communitarianism of anarcho-syndicalism. However, they hold in common a belief in the primacy of freedom: the individual's ability to act according to their conscience, without coercion from or subjugation to an oppressive authority. Often, this authority is identified with the state, along with other hierarchical organisations, both secular and religious. Anarchism has long been derided and dismissed as fanciful and unworkable, even incoherent -- yet throughout history there have been serious attempts to build free societies, organised on the principles of horizontalism, participatory democracy, and mutual aid. Is a free future at all likely for humankind, or are Anarchists just 'demanding the impossible'?

Is communism viable in the USA?

Communism is an economic ideology that advocates for a classless society in which all property and wealth are communally-owned, instead of by individuals. The idea of communism came from the German philosopher Karl Marx.

Is democracy in America under threat?

Democracy in America has had a tumultuous history, especially with the 2020 Presidential Election, but it has always seemed to triumph in the end. But many Americans believe that democracy is on the decline, while others believe that it's as strong as ever. The debate rages: Is democracy in America under threat?

Is social media being used to target the disenfranchised in swing states?

The 2016 US Presidential election saw the use of fake news to concentrate polarising content in swing states, and to intimidate certain groups of people into not showing up to vote. Under the extreme pressure of the 2020 Presidential elections, is social media being used to target the disenfranchised in swing states?

Is the Maharashtra government really serious about ecotourism?

Is the government of Maharashtra genuinely committed to ecotourism? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that the government is serious about ecotourism, and that it is not.

Is the South African constitution a model constitution for the rest of the world?

South Africa's post-apartheid constitution is widely admired for its rights protections, and just as widely questioned on its record in practice. This entry maps the two positions — that it is a model other countries should follow, and that it is not.

Is theocracy good?

Theocracy is a form of government in which God or a deity of some type is recognised as the supreme ruling authority, giving divine guidance to human intermediaries that manage the day to day affairs of the government who claim they are in power due to the divine will of their God or gods. Famous theocracies throughout history include the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire where Emperors were often declared gods.

Is there a correlation between capitalism and income inequality?

The political debate around whether capitalism and the tenets of free market socioeconomic modeling are beneficial for society has been raging for hundreds of years. Within a modern context, the topic of income inequality (especially within largely capitalistic countries like the United States and, to an extent, the UK) has emerged alongside the effects of the free market on the world economy. So, a big question within both the economic and political realm asks: Is there a correlation between capitalism and income inequality?

Should foreign residents be eligible to vote?

People are become increasingly globally mobile, with foreign nationals accounting for ever higher population percentages in most nations on Earth. Should they be allowed to vote?

Should the voting age be 16?

Traditionally, the legal age for voting is 18. However, as more and more teenagers become politically active, calls have increased for the voting age to decrease to 16 so that older teenagers can vote. Should 16- and 17-year-olds be allowed to have their voice heard politically? Or are they simply not mature enough?

Should cleanliness drives be incentivized to encourage people in India?

Should India offer incentives to encourage public participation in cleanliness drives? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that cleanliness drives should be incentivised, and that they should not.

Should Donald Trump or Joe Biden win the 2020 US Presidential Election?

It has been a tumultuous 4 years of the Donald Trump presidency in the United States, with investigations, nominations, fake news, tweets, impeachment, pandemics, protests, and a nation divided about the facts on the ground and the direction the country should be taking. Many see the 2020 US Presidential Election as the most important election in history, with huge implications for the US, but also for the world. So who should win the US Presidential election?

Should election day be a national holiday?

Election Day in the United States has occurred on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November ever since President John Tyler signed an 1845 law establishing a specific voting day for the entire country. But, the US has a voter turnout problem. Would making Election Day a federal holiday increase voter turnout and celebrate democracy? Or is it an optimistic power grab for Democrats that would hurt the economy?

Should Hunter Biden’s actions compromise Joe Biden’s presidential campaign?

Recently, the FBI subpoenaed Hunter Biden's laptop due to suspicion of money laundering activity on his part. How severe is this scandal? Should Hunter Biden's proximity to presidential candidate Joe Biden be enough to sacrifice him the election?

Should LGBTQ+ vote for Trump or Biden?

Historically in the United States, LGBTQ+ people have had limited rights, including infingements on access to marriage equality and protection from discrimination. Both presidential candidates have made campaign promises to the LGBTQ+ community - but who will best uphold their rights?

Should military conscription be banned?

Conscription, also known as compulsory military service, is the practice of requiring military service of all qualifying individuals within a nation. Chiefly known for having been employed during the First and Second World Wars, the duration of modern-day conscription can range anywhere from two weeks to two years. But does conscription foster hyper-nationalism and unhealthy aggression? Is the government sending the message that war is inevitable? Or is conscription simply a means of building character and strength?

Should Republicans fill Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s empty Supreme Court seat before the 2020 US election?

Ruth Bader Ginsberg has passed away, just months before the latest presidential election. In 2016 in a similar situation the Republicans fought to hold off on the nomination until after the election. What should happen to the Supreme Court nomination now?

Should the Electoral College be abolished?

The Electoral College is a body of electors established by the United States Constitution every four years to elect the President and Vice-President of the United States. It has increasingly become a source of controversy; in both the 2000 and 2016 presidential election the winner of the popular vote did not win the Electoral College. Why do we have the Electoral College? What are the pros and cons of the Electoral College? And should it be abolished?

Should the House of Lords be abolished?

The role of the British Parliament’s second unelected chamber has been debated for a century to no avail. Despite minor reform in the late 1990s, the future of the House of Lords remains ambiguous at best. So what is the purpose of the House of Lords? Should it be left untouched, reformed, or ultimately abolished?

Should the North of England join Scotland?

Could a disaffected northern England break away from the south and align with Scotland? This entry maps the debate, setting out the positions that the North of England should join Scotland, and that it should not.

Should the UK adopt proportional representation?

The UK currently uses the first-past-the-post voting method. In 2011, the UK held an 'Alternative Vote' Referendum. Although the proposal was rejected by 67.9% of voters, the referendum stoked debate about what voting method was best suited to the United Kingdom. Some people have touted proportional representation as the solution, which is different to the Alternative Vote because it directly mirrors public support for a specific party. Countries that use some form of proportional representation include Belgium, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Should voting in elections be mandatory?

Countries like Australia have mandatory voting to increase political participation. In the face of growing public disillusionment with politics and a substantial amount of the adult populace who refuse to vote in elections, should voting be mandatory?

Should women vote for Trump or Biden?

Gender inequality underpins many problems which disproportionately affect women and girls. The include domestic and sexual violence, gender-related pay gaps, lack of access to education, and inadequate healthcare. How the Presidential candidates approach this could swing the female vote. So, should women vote for Trump or Biden?

The worst part of Trump paying zero taxes?

What was most troubling about revelations that Donald Trump paid little or no federal income tax? This entry maps the positions — that the worst part is that it was legal, that it set a bad example, and that it exposed systemic flaws in the US tax system.

Was Trump justified to try to buy the rights to a COVID-19 vaccine?

The American President made his mark on the world in business. Hotels, golfing resorts, universities, casinos, TV production, you name it...So is it any surprise the former reality television star offered a 'large sum' for exclusive rights to the Coronavirus vaccine? In a global economy built on the sale of goods and services, this move was hardly extraordinary. Yet, the pandemic has now reached the furthest corners of our world with hideous effects. Was Trump justified in making his offer?

What are the allegations of corruption against Joe Biden and Donald Trump?

With allegations of corruption flying from both sides during the final presidential debate, shady activities of both candidates are drawing attention as election day approaches. But what are the accusations of corruption facing the two candidates?

What are the conspiracy theories around Donald Trump?

In the four years since billionaire Realtor Donald Trump became American President, conspiracy theories have proliferated. These theories variously describe Trump as a powerless puppet controlled by foreign governments, evil megalomaniac exploiting his position for self-serving goals, and dangerous lunatic. What are the conspiracy theories around Donald Trump, and is there any truth in them?

What are the conspiracy theories around Joe Biden?

What are the positions on Angela Merkel's immigration policy?

This entry maps the debate over Angela Merkel's open-door immigration policy, setting out the positions that it responded to a crisis that did not exist, that it went too far, and that it did not go far enough.

What are the positions on Critical Race Theory?

Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a framework of examining how race and racism influence legal and cultural institutions in society. CRT began as a theoretical movement in US law schools in the 1980s and has since been applied across many realms including legal policy, education policy, and diversity and race-conscious training. On September 4, 2020 the Donald Trump Administration stopped all federal anti-bias trainings that rely on CRT because CRT was deemed racist, anti-American propaganda. How should CRT be applied today, if at all?

What are the positions on DACA and Dreamers?

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an immigration policy law esetablished in 2012 which allows some children of unlawful presence in the United States to temporarily delay deportation and gives them work authorization. Recently, DACA is extensively debated. What are all the positions and opinions on DACA?

What are the positions on indigenous people's collective rights to their native lands?

This entry maps the debate over Indigenous peoples' collective rights to their native lands, setting out the opposing positions — that they should hold such collective rights, and that they should not.

What are the positions on Motion 103 in Canada?

Motion 103 was a non-binding motion in Canada's House of Commons asking the government to address systemic racism and religious discrimination. This entry maps the two positions taken on it — that the motion was good, and that it was bad.

What are the positions on the land reform debate in South Africa?

This entry maps the debate over land reform in South Africa, setting out the positions that land should be redistributed, that it should not, and that redistribution is warranted only in some cases.

What are the positions on the WE Charity scandal in Canada?

This entry maps the debate over the WE Charity scandal in Canada, setting out the opposing positions on the government's contract with the charity — that awarding it was corrupt, and that it was appropriate.

What are the positions on why nations fail?

Why do some nations fail while others prosper? This entry maps the explanations — exclusive political decision-making, extractive institutions, the absence of the rule of law, and the lack of incentives to reward talent and ideas.

What are the pros and cons of Populism in politics?

2016 established the ascendancy of Populist parties. The UK Brexit vote was soon followed by the election of former property magnate Donald Trump to the US Presidency. In the years since, this political trend has become an even more powerful force. Especially in European democracies. Newer parties are being elected on anti-establishment platforms that threaten the post-war liberal consensus. Whether right-wing or ultra-leftist, populist parties are now setting the political agenda across the continent . What does this mean for Europe's democracies, economies and political landscapes?

What are the responses to the allegations against Brett Kavanaugh?

Donald Trump’s pick for the Supreme Court nomination, Brett Kavanaugh, has been accused of attempted rape by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. The incident allegedly took place at a party when Kavanaugh was 17-years-old.

What do early voting and vote-by-mail controversies mean for democracy in the US?

Record numbers of Americans have cast their vote early before election day on 3rd November in person and by mail. Long queues outside polling stations and fears of voter fraud are the subject of great controversy. What do these controversies tell us about the state of democracy in the US?

What is a revolution?

What is a revolution, and what drives one? This entry maps the elements set out across positions — upheaval and the overthrow of an old order, accumulated grievances, a triggering crisis, the power of ideas, and the divisions that follow victory.

What is an autocratic government?

What defines an autocratic government? This entry maps the hallmarks set out across positions — expanding executive power, repressing dissent, controlling information, stoking populism, crippling opposition, manipulating elections, and invoking emergencies.

What is China's social credit system?

This entry maps how China's social credit system is understood — as a national reputation system developed by the Communist Party, as a human-rights violation, and as a step toward a dystopian future.

What is Libertarianism?

Libertarianism champions individual liberty, advocating minimal government intervention in personal and economic affairs. It emphasizes free-market capitalism, private property rights, and voluntary association.

What is the Tories' biggest trick?

This entry sets out competing takes on the British Conservative Party's most effective political manoeuvre — that their biggest trick is convincing the public they have a plan, and that it is keeping their message simple.

What lessons can Europe learn from Sweden's Covid-19 experience?

Sweden's light-touch pandemic response set it apart from its neighbours. This entry maps what Europe might learn from it — lessons about the effectiveness of lockdowns, and lessons about the pursuit of herd immunity.

What powers are vested in the Executive Branch?

The president holds both expressed powers, granted explicitly by the Constitution, and implied powers, which are not expressly stated but have been accepted as necessary to successfully defend the Constitution.

Which far right groups back Donald Trump?

This entry maps which far-right groups have been associated with support for Donald Trump — among them the KKK, participants in the 'Unite the Right' rally, the Proud Boys, and the audience of Breitbart.

Which is the best voting system?

From proportional representation to the ranked-choice system, there are many voting systems used throughout the world. Which is the best representation of citizen voices?

Who is Joe Biden's best pick as Vice President?

In the run up to the US presidential election, all eyes are on who Democratic presumptive nominee, Joe Biden, will pick as his second in command. This is a crucial decision in his campaign and has the potential to make or break his victory in the upcoming election.

Who should be the 2020 Democratic presidential nominee?

The Democrats are preparing to beat Donald Trump in the 2020 US Presidential election. While united by party, the contenders are divided on how they plan to take the US forward. So, who are the possible top candidates? What are their policies and what do they represent? And could they beat Donald Trump in an election?

Why did Americans vote for Donald Trump in the 2016 election?

In 2016, Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton to the American Presidency, winning the election with 48% of the national vote. His victory defied expert opinion and polling forecasts, leaving many to wonder what crucial elements they had missed when predicting its outcome. So, why did Americans vote for Donald Trump in the US election?

Why did US election polling get it wrong in 2016?

Why did the polls misjudge the 2016 US election? This entry maps the explanations — that polls underestimated Trump's support, suffered nonresponse bias, captured dishonest answers, and reflected bias in identifying likely voters.

Why do white evangelical Christians support Donald Trump?

In the 2016 US election, white evangelical Christians resoundingly voted for Donald Trump and were critical in his Presidential victory. Despite much of Trump's behaviour seen as an affront to "traditional values", 81% of evangelicals turned out to vote for him. Why?

Why is the nationalist right hallucinating a ‘communist enemy’?

Why does the nationalist right invoke a 'communist enemy'? This entry maps the explanations — that communism once posed a real threat, that the fear is bound up with antisemitism, and that the right is more prone to conspiracy thinking.

Why is US gun lobby NRA so controversial?

Why is America's National Rifle Association so divisive? This entry maps the explanations — its enormous budget and political influence, its lobbying against all forms of gun control, and its contested claim that more guns make society safer.

Why was Korea divided?

Many people today have only ever known a divided Korea in their life times. North Korea and South Korea, their tensions, politics, and neighbours often fill the news. But why was Korea divided in the first place?

Will Boris Johnson or Keir Starmer make the better Prime Minister?

Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer's personalities and styles of management could not be more different. Their politics are miles apart. So who will make the better prime minister?

Will Donald Trump be re-elected?

In 2016, billionaire realtor Donald Trump won the US Presidential election, confounding polling forecasts, expert opinion, and mainstream press predictions. In the intervening four years, Trump's leadership has divided the nation. His critics blame Trump for deepening social cleavages, and say he has legitimised racism, deepened economic inequality, and reversed crucial climate change legislation. Others support his re-election, citing his economic record and calling his America First policy vital in the age of uncertainty. So, will Donald Trump be re-elected?

Will Donald Trump or Joe Biden be better for healthcare?

As the only developed nation without universal healthcare, the US is often criticised for not providing enough support for its citizens. The global pandemic has highlighted how problematic this has the potential to be. So, will Donald Trump or Joe Biden be better for healthcare?

Will Donald Trump or Joe Biden be better for race relations?

Racial tensions have existed in the United States for centuries. 2020 has seen unprecedented protests under the Black Lives Matter banner and race has been the centre of clashes between protesters, militias and the police. With tensions so high, will Donald Trump or Joe Biden be better for race relations?

Will Donald Trump or Joe Biden be better for the coronavirus pandemic?

The coronavirus pandemic has become the worst global health crisis in more than a century and has taken an unprecedented toll on the United States. The 2020 US election will hinge on how the candidates respond to the virus. Will Donald Trump or Joe Biden be better for the coronavirus pandemic?

Will Keir Starmer's "new management" cost Labour minority votes?

Will Keir Starmer's 'new management' of the Labour Party cost it support among minority voters? This entry sets out the positions on the question — yes, no, and that it depends on how it is handled.

Will the UK move away from a two party system?

British politics continues to be dominated by the Conservative and Labour Party, but with the emergence of smaller 'protest' parties and the dominance of the Scottish Nationalist Party in recent General Elections, is it realistic to believe that two party politics has a future in the UK?

Would Britain become chaotic if biscuit production stopped?

A few years ago, the McVities biscuit factories were flooded in the wakes of Storms Desmond and Eva, and biscuit production in the UK was halted. Great Britain had to have emergency biscuit supplies flown in from the EU. What would happen if this happened again after a hard No Deal Brexit? Would Britain descend into chaos without biscuits?

Would Joe Biden be a good President?

As the 2020 election approaches, many question what America would look like with seasoned politician, centrist, Democrat candidate Joe Biden at the helm. Would Joe Biden be a good President?