The Three Steps of Political Decision-Making

When it comes to the decision-making process in politics, there are often three key steps involved. These steps are not necessarily set in stone and can vary significantly depending on the context and specific requirements of a given situation. This article aims to explore these three steps through a detailed examination of the political processes involved, with particular focus on the insights provided in the question and the unique context of Australia's political decision-making.

Step 1: Assessing Power Dynamics

The first step in political decision-making is often to assess the power dynamics at play. This involves evaluating what will give the political entity, whether it be an individual or a group, the most power. This can be a complex and multifaceted process, requiring a deep understanding of both the internal and external factors at play. For instance, a political entity might prioritize actions that empower them in their current position, or they might seek to strengthen their power base through various means.

True or Not?

The second step in this political framework involves determining what will give the entity the most power, regardless of whether it is true or not. This step often requires careful deliberation and strategic thinking. It can involve making bold, sometimes controversial, claims to capture the attention and support of the public or other key stakeholders. This step is where political entities might engage in propaganda, misinformation, or other forms of strategic communication to further their goals.

Costing the Soul: Selling Power at a Price

The final step in this process is perhaps the most critical and ethically challenging. It involves considering how much of one's soul will have to be sold to achieve the desired level of power. This can be a deeply personal and moral question, as it requires political entities to evaluate the potential long-term consequences of their actions on their values and principles.

Context-Specific Political Decision-Making: The Australian Example

When examining the political decision-making process in a more specific context, such as Australia, the steps mentioned in the provided information reveal some unique insights into how political entities approach decision-making in practice.

First, there is a strong emphasis on conducting inquiries into problems. However, these inquiries are often not followed up or acted upon, indicating a lack of genuine commitment to addressing issues. This approach suggests a strategic delay in taking action, aiming to keep problems on the back burner and out of the public eye.

Upon realizing that a problem still exists, the next step involves proposing changes and selecting a few ideas that seem easy to sell to the public. This strategic selection is aimed at maximizing the chances of implementation, often through comprehensive polling and opinion gathering.

Following this, a carefully orchestrated campaign is carried out, often through leaks to the media, to gauge public reaction. If the public shows resistance, the idea is quietly shelved. Conversely, if the idea gains traction, politicians are brought in to sell the proposal further, utilizing established marketing strategies to drive public support.

A notable example of this process in action is the actions of Scomo, a well-known political marketing expert, who has effectively used these techniques to push through various initiatives.

Conclusion and Reflection

The process of political decision-making, as illustrated in the Australian context, highlights the complexities and strategic maneuvers involved. It underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and ethical considerations in political processes. As citizens and stakeholders, it is essential to stay informed and critically analyze the decision-making processes that impact our lives.