The Global Citizen

Politics, for many, is a word that evokes a mixture of emotions—hope, frustration, and even apathy. Yet, no matter how we feel about it, politics shapes our daily lives, determines the rules of our societies, and influences the course of history. It's the air we breathe, even when we don't realise it. For a long time, I found myself in the same position as many of you—frustrated by the seeming dysfunction of political systems, both in my own country and across the globe. Every news cycle seemed to bring fresh scandals, debates, and polarisation. It felt as though we were losing sight of what politics should fundamentally be about: improving the lives of ordinary people and addressing the challenges that we face as a global community. Instead, I saw systems trapped in cycles of power struggles, where real progress seemed painfully slow, and real change often felt out of reach. And yet, I knew there was more to the story. As I began to reflect on these issues, I realised that politics is not inherently broken. It is, in fact, one of humanity's greatest inventions—the framework through which we organise ourselves, resolve disputes, and build societies. But like any system, it requires constant adaptation, reflection, and reform. The idea of this book was born from that realisation—a desire to explore not only what is wrong with our political systems but also what works and, most importantly, what could be improved. The world is diverse, and so are its political structures. Across continents, people live under democracies, autocracies, monarchies, and countless variations in between. Each system has its strengths, its weaknesses, and its unique challenges. Through this book, I wanted to take you on a journey across the globe, examining different models of governance, understanding how they function, and exploring their impact on everyday lives. My aim is not to present a single, 'perfect' solution—because I don't believe one exists—but rather to inspire reflection and dialogue about how we can make our political systems more responsive, inclusive, and just. The story I've written follows the journey of Alex, a young political scientist, grappling with the frustrations of a world that feels increasingly divided. Through Alex's eyes, you will travel to different countries, experience the day-to-day realities of various political systems, and meet people who are directly affected by the decisions made by their leaders. Alex's journey is one of discovery, not only of the external world but of his own beliefs and values about governance. It's a story of learning that politics is not just a game of power but a deeply human endeavour that touches every aspect of our lives. As you read, you will notice that this book is not just about pointing out the flaws in our systems. It's also about celebrating what works—the merits of different governance models that have managed to uplift communities, deliver social justice, or foster innovation. There are democracies that, while messy, allow for vibrant public debate and accountability. There are autocratic systems that, despite their flaws, have achieved stability and economic growth. There are countries where grassroots movements have managed to create real change from the bottom up, and there are technocratic systems where expertise and pragmatism guide policy decisions.