Why Politics?
The following article appeared in the " DP International Newsletter " (Vol. 1, Issue 1; 2 June 2025) . It is re-published here (with minor edits) because, while it focuses on Luxembourgish politics, the underlying message is applicable to all democratically-based societies. More accurately, why should anyone be involved in politics? What is the purpose and is the purpose motivation enough? Most people will make the case that the premise of the prime purpose is a duty that is owed to someone else (for example, “it is your civic duty”). I wish to make the case purely from a selfish perspective, leaving aside arguments from duty and focusing exclusively on why politics is of value to you, the individual. Chances are extremely high that if you are reading this, you live in a country. A country is comprised of individuals who interact with each other on a daily basis in a wide variety of activities which, ideally, are based on mutually agreeable terms. We buy and sell goods and se...