Politics is often viewed as a set of laws and institutions, but this lesson explores the concept that politics is actually contained within 'culture.' Culture consists of shared beliefs, values, myths, and behaviors that allow human groups to function. As discussed in the transcript, referencing George Orwell, art acts as a form of propaganda or social messaging that helps us interpret the political world. Students will examine how cultural artifacts—such as novels, films, and music—predict or reflect political realities, shifting the focus from mere election cycles to the deeper currents of societal values.
Australian cultural institutions and policy think tanks provide extensive data on how arts participation impacts social cohesion and civic engagement.
Democracies rely not just on written laws, but on unwritten 'norms' of behavior. When political actors engage in 'Constitutional Hardball,' they play by the strict letter of the law but violate its spirit, leading to polarization. This topic covers the fragility of these norms, how quickly they can be dismantled compared to how long they take to build, and the dangers of technocracy—where an over-reliance on rational, scientific management of society can paradoxically lead to authoritarianism by ignoring the complex, human elements of culture.
Various Australian non-partisan organizations track the health of democratic institutions and public trust in government processes.
Populism often arises when segments of the population feel ignored by the political elite. This topic compares populist movements across three nations. It examines the 'Americanisation' of Italian politics via figures like Silvio Berlusconi, similarities with Donald Trump, and the current administration of Giorgia Meloni. It contrasts these with the Australian political landscape, investigating why Australia has remained relatively shielded from extreme populism—potentially due to economic stability, a strong welfare system, and a cultural preference for the status quo.
Australian universities and institutes of international affairs regularly publish analyses comparing domestic political trends with global developments.