Question

This assignment asks you to consider what defines a “good leader” by looking at the ways in which prominent political theorists from across the world have approached the topic to help you answer the broad research question, “what makes a good leader, according to political theorists?” You are required to write a normative political theory paper that answers the research question stated here before by comparing and contrasting the ways in which political theorists from at least TWO different geographic regions (the West, Africa, or Asia) have approached the notions of good, moral, and virtuous leadership. Questions that will help you respond to the research question include the following: using a simplest simplest english in that a grade 8 learner will understand please answer the following question with 750 words and rememeber i chose African and western. -- What is considered moral, ethical, and/or just behaviour by a political leader, and should leaders always embody all of these characteristics? remember to contrrast and compare with example but not many of them. atleast from both region use two leaders to show difference. in african thought example you utilize Mandela and western you will use george washington. please write it as an essay.

Answer 1

What Makes a Good Leader? A Comparison of African and Western Political Theories

When we talk about good leaders, we often think about qualities like being moral, ethical, and just. These traits are very important because leaders make decisions that can change people’s lives. In this essay, we will explore what makes a good leader according to political theorists from Africa and the West. We will focus on two famous leaders: Nelson Mandela from Africa and George Washington from the United States. By looking at their lives and the qualities they exhibited, we can understand how different cultures define good leadership.

Moral Leadership

Moral leadership means making choices based on what is right or wrong. Nelson Mandela is a perfect example of a moral leader. He spent 27 years in prison for fighting against apartheid, a system that discriminated against black people in South Africa. Mandela’s moral strength lay in his commitment to justice and equality. After being released from prison, he did not seek revenge against those who imprisoned him; instead, he aimed for reconciliation. He believed that true leadership involves forgiving those who have wronged you and working towards peace, which reflects an important moral quality.

In contrast, George Washington, the first President of the United States, also displayed moral leadership. Washington willingly stepped down after two terms as president, setting a precedent for the peaceful transfer of power in American politics. He believed that leaders should not cling to power for too long because it could lead to tyranny. Washington’s moral integrity helped build trust in the new government and allowed democracy to flourish. Both Mandela and Washington showed that good leaders must act in a way that is fair and just, but they approached these ideals differently based on their historical and cultural contexts.

Ethical Leadership

Ethical leadership goes beyond just being moral; it involves following a set of rules or principles that define right behavior. In African political thought, leaders are expected to act ethically by prioritizing the well-being of their communities. Mandela emphasized collective well-being over individual gain. His leadership during the transition to democracy in South Africa focused on listening to the people and ensuring that everyone had a voice. He believed that ethical leadership meant putting people first and working tirelessly to improve their lives.

On the other hand, Western political thought often emphasizes individual rights and freedoms as the foundation of ethical leadership. Washington’s ethical approach was rooted in the values of liberty and democracy. He fought for independence from British rule, aiming to create a government that respected individual rights. While his focus was on individual liberties, he also valued the importance of civic responsibility, suggesting that good leaders guide their citizens toward making ethical choices as well.

Just Leadership

Just leadership involves fairness and equality in decision-making. For Mandela, justice was about dismantling the oppressive structures of apartheid. His leadership focused on creating a society where everyone had equal rights, regardless of their race. He advocated for social justice, believing that true leadership requires addressing inequalities and working towards an inclusive society.

Washington’s idea of justice was tied to the principles outlined in the U.S. Constitution, which aimed to promote justice and equality. However, it is important to note that, despite his contributions, Washington owned slaves, which raises questions about the justness of his actions. While he advocated for a system of government based on justice, his personal actions did not always align with these ideals. This shows that even respected leaders can struggle to embody all the characteristics of a good leader.

Should Leaders Always Embody These Characteristics?

While it is ideal for leaders to embody moral, ethical, and just characteristics, it is important to recognize that no one is perfect. Both Mandela and Washington had their strengths and weaknesses. Mandela’s moral courage was crucial in fighting apartheid, but he also faced criticism for some of his policies during his presidency. Washington’s ethical principles helped shape a new nation, yet he was part of a society that practiced slavery, which contradicts the very freedoms he fought for.

In conclusion, a good leader is often defined by their moral, ethical, and just behavior. Nelson Mandela and George Washington exemplify how these qualities can manifest in different ways depending on cultural and historical contexts. Mandela’s focus on reconciliation and collective well-being reflects African political thought, while Washington’s emphasis on individual rights and democratic principles showcases Western ideals. Both leaders had their challenges, and it is essential to remember that the journey of leadership is complex. Good leaders strive to embody these characteristics, but they may not always achieve perfection. Ultimately, what’s important is their commitment to learning and growing as leaders for the sake of their people.