Ideology and Political Thought

Ideology refers to a set of beliefs and values that shape how individuals and groups view the world, particularly in politics. Political thought encompasses theories about how societies should be organized and governed. Two major schools are political realism, which emphasizes power, national interests, and pragmatism, arguing that moral considerations are secondary to survival and security; and political idealism, which prioritizes ethical principles, cooperation, and the pursuit of justice and peace. These perspectives influence how policies are formulated and how leaders engage with both domestic and international issues. Understanding these frameworks is key to analyzing political actions and decisions.