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. please write it as an essay.

Question

the question that needs to be answered here is -What is considered moral, ethical, and/or just behaviour by a political leader, and should leaders always embody all of these characteristics? based on the information above

Answer 1

Understanding Good Leadership: A Comparison of African and Western Perspectives

Leadership is an important topic, especially in politics, where leaders make decisions that affect many lives. To understand what makes a good leader, we can look at the ideas of political theorists from two different regions: Africa and the Western world. This essay will explore what is considered moral, ethical, and just behavior in leaders from both these areas and whether leaders should always embody these traits.

Moral and Ethical Leadership

In both Africa and the West, moral leadership includes having strong values, being honest, and serving the people. In the African context, leaders are often seen as role models who must behave ethically to earn the trust of their communities. For example, the late Nelson Mandela is celebrated for his leadership in South Africa. He fought against apartheid, promoted equality, and emphasized forgiveness. His ability to unite people and focus on the common good highlights the moral aspect of leadership, where the leader is expected to prioritize the welfare of the nation over personal gains.

In contrast, in the Western context, leaders are often evaluated on their ability to uphold democratic values and human rights. Think about a leader like Franklin D. Roosevelt, who faced great challenges during the Great Depression. His ethical approach to gather support for government programs that helped struggling Americans reflects the idea that a good leader must be compassionate and work for the benefit of the people. Both Mandela and Roosevelt show that good leaders should have a moral compass guiding their decisions.

Just Behavior in Leadership

Just behavior means treating everyone fairly and ensuring that justice is served, regardless of background. In African political theory, leaders are expected to create systems that allow all voices to be heard. The emphasis on community and collective well-being teaches that leaders should focus on justice, ensuring that resources and opportunities are shared equitably. For instance, Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan environmentalist, fought for social justice and environmental conservation. Her work highlighted how just leadership should include not just human rights but also the rights of the earth, reflecting a broader understanding of justice.

In the West, justice can often be linked to legality and rights. Leaders are expected to create laws and policies that promote fairness. Take Martin Luther King Jr., an influential civil rights leader who advocated for justice through nonviolent protests. He fought against racial injustice and aimed to bring about legal and social changes. His dedication to a just cause underlines that a good leader must actively seek fairness and equality in society.

Comparing Perspectives

While both African and Western theories agree that good leaders should be moral, ethical, and just, they approach these ideas in different ways. African perspectives often emphasize communal values and the importance of relationships. Leaders must consider the cultural context and the people they represent. This means a leader should engage with community traditions and be accountable to the people, as seen with Mandela’s focus on reconciliation in a divided nation.

In the Western tradition, while the importance of ethics is still recognized, there is often a stronger focus on individual rights and democratic processes. Leaders are seen as accountable to the law and the systems that govern a society. This can sometimes result in leaders being judged more by their policies than their personal morals. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, for example, represents a focus on systematic change to help individuals, which is a hallmark of Western political theory.

Should Leaders Embody All These Characteristics?

Now, should leaders always embody moral, ethical, and just characteristics? Many would argue that they should. A leader who behaves ethically builds trust and can inspire others. However, it is also important to recognize that no leader is perfect. Political leaders face tough choices, and sometimes they may have to make decisions that seem unkind or unfair to achieve a greater good. For example, a leader might have to implement strict policies to protect national security, which may conflict with ethical considerations about personal freedoms.

Ultimately, while leaders should strive to embody these characteristics, it is also crucial for society to hold them accountable. The community should encourage leaders to act morally and justly while also supporting them in making tough decisions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, moral, ethical, and just behavior is essential for good leadership, whether in Africa or the Western world. The ideas expressed by political theorists from both regions highlight the importance of having leaders who prioritize the well-being of their communities and uphold fairness and justice. While it is essential for leaders to embody these traits, it is equally important for societies to engage with and challenge their leaders, promoting a political culture that values integrity and justice.