Regardless of your political views, there are a few things you need to learn about moderate politics. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

Political Donations Enable The Rich To Have More Clout.

Despite their vested interest in your 401(k), they also influence policy and legislation. The Koch brothers are the juggernauts of industry. They are the ones to watch on the policy front. Considering their shady past, it’s not surprising they’re the ones to watch on the regulatory front. The same goes for their erstwhile competitors, the Obama administration and the House of Representatives. According to a recent survey, the triumvirate is running for the title of best corporate benefactor. In the context of policy and regulation, the sexiest thing to do is to get your hands on the good stuff. As noted earlier, the super-rich has a vested interest in your 401(k), so if your wallet isn’t tip-top, you might as well take advantage of the perks of a rich uncle. Of course, you’ll need to know the etiquette; otherwise, you’ll be the next target. That’s not to say that you should be a connoisseur of all things shady.

Left-Leaning Authoritarians Have Responded By Becoming Less Politically Engaged.

Despite what many may think, the rise of authoritarian governments has not been a one-off phenomenon. It is an accumulation of many small trends over time. The most obvious manifestation of this trend is the increased role of authoritarians in international politics. They have been experimenting with several new models of international organizations. Some, such as the SCO, have served as an early-mover in this arena. Their efficacy, however, remains under debate. Another trend is the rise of mid-level dictatorships. These regimes operate with less than optimal efficiency. They have been able to capitalize on several internal forces, most notable apathy by Western powers. Combined with the proliferation of extremist movements, they have taken the helm in several countries. Another important trend is the rise of homegrown illiberal streaks in democracies. This trend will likely have a greater impact on the global order if left to its own devices. It is unclear how this trend will be halted, but it does indicate the need for democracies to get on the same page.

American Politics Is Fragmented And Lengthy.

Despite a democratic system, American politics is fragmented and lengthy. The “vetocracy” system has become a formula for gridlock. The two parties drift further apart in their political agendas. It is a problem that has been plaguing the US since the 1980s. Money politics have penetrated the legislative process, limiting the channels for ordinary Americans to participate. These donations allow the wealthy to gain more political clout. They are almost seen as legitimate bribes. The winner-takes-all electoral system is also a problem. It exacerbates inequality between states and political parties. It also discourages voter turnout. The 2020 congressional election will cost at least US$14 billion. It is three times the amount of the 2008 election. The Pew Research Center found that most Americans believe the US system isn’t working. Most Europeans and US allies consider the US system a “shattered has-been.” A majority of Americans also believe that racism remains a problem.