John Iduh Blog

Iran is often described as a paradox: a country with elections, a parliament, and a president—yet one where real political power is firmly concentrated in the hands of a single unelected figure. To understand this contradiction, one must look closely at how the regime of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has institutionalized and normalized a distinctly Shia Islamic form of autocracy within the framework of the Islamic Republic. At the center of Iran’s political system lies the doctrine of Velayat-e Faqih , or Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist . Conceived during the 1979 Islamic Revolution, this principle holds that ultimate political authority must rest with a senior Shiʿa cleric who safeguards Islam and the state. While presented as a religious necessity, in practice it establishes a hierarchy in which all democratic institutions are subordinate to clerical power. Since assuming the position of Supreme Leader in 1989, Khamenei has become the embodiment of this system. His authority extends fa...

Nigeria is constitutionally a democracy, electorally a republic, and procedurally pluralist. Yet in practice, political power is concentrated within a narrow and remarkably resilient elite. This paradox—formal democracy coexisting with elite domination—can be analytically captured by the concept of democratic oligarchy . Nigeria’s political system illustrates how democratic institutions may persist in form while substantive power remains monopolized by a small, interconnected ruling class. At the heart of Nigeria’s democratic oligarchy is the fusion of political authority, economic power, and social privilege. Elections are regularly held, parties compete, and constitutional order is maintained. However, access to political office is overwhelmingly restricted to those with substantial financial resources, elite networks, and patronage capacity. Politics, in this sense, is less a mechanism for popular representation than a site for elite circulation. Electoral competition determines whi...

Analyzing authoritarian fascism in the United States through the case of the Trump regime requires conceptual care and historical sobriety. The Trump presidency did not constitute a fascist dictatorship, nor did it abolish constitutional democracy. Yet it offers a revealing case of how authoritarian and proto-fascist tendencies can emerge, normalize themselves, and exert lasting pressure within a long-standing democratic system. The value of the case lies not in categorical claims, but in what it exposes about democratic vulnerability. From the outset, the Trump regime was anchored in a populist logic that divided society into two irreconcilable camps: a virtuous, “real” people and a corrupt, illegitimate elite. This antagonism was not merely rhetorical; it became the organizing principle of governance. Institutions traditionally understood as neutral arbiters—courts, electoral authorities, intelligence agencies, the civil service, and the press—were systematically recast as enemies of...

Melonian populism in Italy represents a distinctive iteration of contemporary right-wing populism—one that blends nationalist rhetoric, cultural conservatism, and institutional pragmatism within the formal boundaries of democratic governance. Under the leadership of Giorgia Meloni, this political phenomenon has reshaped Italy’s ideological landscape, not by rejecting democracy outright, but by redefining its meaning, its enemies, and its beneficiaries. At its core, Melonian populism is constructed around a moralized conception of the people . The Italian nation is portrayed as culturally homogeneous, historically rooted, and unjustly marginalized—both by cosmopolitan elites at home and technocratic authorities abroad. This narrative situates Meloni and her party, Fratelli d’Italia , as authentic representatives of national will, standing in opposition to what is depicted as a detached political class, unelected European bureaucracies, and progressive cultural forces allegedly eroding t...

A new spectre is haunting the world—not the revolutionary fervor that animated the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, but its apparent opposite: the steady, adaptive resurgence of authoritarianism. Across regions and regimes, we observe a pattern that challenges long-held assumptions about the inevitability of democratic progress. Authoritarianism today rarely arrives by tanks in the streets or the abrupt suspension of constitutions. Instead, it advances incrementally, clothed in the language of legality, security, efficiency, and even democracy itself. The contemporary authoritarian turn must be understood not as a simple revival of old dictatorships, but as a transformation in form and strategy. Classical authoritarian regimes ruled primarily through overt repression and centralized coercion. By contrast, many of today’s authoritarian systems operate through what scholars have termed competitive authoritarianism or illiberal democracy . Elections are held, courts function, and medi...

Good morning, world. Like many people, I am still processing how dramatically the global landscape shifted last week. President Donald Trump’s extraordinary threats against Greenland and by implication against America’s NATO allies did more than shock diplomats. They crystallized a truth that many world leaders had sensed for years but hesitated to say aloud: the rules based international order is fading, if not already gone. That truth was voiced plainly by Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney who declared that the old assumptions about global cooperation, predictability, and shared rules no longer hold. His words resonated powerfully at the World Economic Forum in Davos where he quickly became an unlikely symbol of clarity in an increasingly uncertain world. What made Carney’s statement remarkable was not just its bluntness but its timing. It arrived at a moment when ambiguity was no longer sustainable. Canada’s response to this new reality is particularly instructive. Long accustomed...

AI is useful. AI is important.  Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing how work is done across industries. From automation to smart assistants, many routine tasks once handled by humans are now performed by machines. This shift has raised a critical question for students, professionals, and job seekers: which jobs and skills remain in high demand and cannot be replaced by AI? Despite rapid technological growth, many careers depend on uniquely human abilities such as empathy, judgment, creativity, ethics, and physical presence. These roles remain essential and future-proof. Healthcare and caregiving careers remain among the safest from AI replacement. While AI can support diagnosis, monitoring, and record-keeping, it cannot replace human care. Nurses, midwives, caregivers, and therapists are in high demand because healthcare requires compassion, ethical decision-making, hands-on care, and real-time judgment in unpredictable situations. Skills such as clinical judgment, communicati...

Win all expenses paid trip to South America for the Biggest Music Festival of its kinds and of all times. Plus loads of others prices to be be won! Winning is an attitude!  And winning makes us act.

Pay with Transfer.  All banks accepted. Metaphors play a powerful role in shaping how we think and make decisions, often without us realizing it. Simple phrases used in everyday communication can carry meanings far beyond their literal words, guiding our behavior through association and symbolism. For example, the phrase “Pay with Transfer. All banks accepted.” does more than explain a payment option. It signals ease, universality, and inclusion. By emphasizing that all banks are accepted, it reduces uncertainty and mental resistance, reassuring the reader that no barriers exist. This metaphorical framing presents payment as a smooth flow rather than a complex task, making the decision feel safe and effortless. Similarly, the statement “Pay makes us act!” uses a metaphor that links payment to motion and progress. Instead of framing payment as a loss or sacrifice, it frames it as a trigger—something that activates action and change. In the reader’s mind, payment becomes a starting p...

 Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what’s unfolding in Minnesota—and what it reveals about the fragile state of the US democracy. When people are taken from their homes and communities without transparency or accountability, something fundamental is broken. When fear is deployed as a tool of governance, when basic rights are treated as privileges rather than guarantees, democracy itself is no longer theoretical—it is being tested in real time. These are not abstract debates or distant warnings. They are lived realities. Families destabilized. Communities shaken. Trust eroded. What we are witnessing in Minnesota is not an isolated incident, and it is not accidental. It is part of a broader pattern—in US, Nigeria and across the world—where democratic institutions are being deliberately weakened and authoritarian practices are quietly normalized—and on the rapid climb. This is why I felt compelled to share this post. It reflects a truth we can no longer afford to soften: democrac...

As artificial intelligence becomes faster, cheaper, and more capable, many people assume survival depends on learning more technical skills. But cultural critic Ted Gioia argues the opposite: the future belongs to those who double down on being human . AI excels at speed, optimization, and pattern recognition. What it struggles with are qualities rooted in meaning, judgment, and lived experience. In an AI-controlled society, the most valuable skills will be creative originality, emotional intelligence, moral reasoning, and deep focus. The ability to build real human relationships, exercise good taste, and understand culture will matter more than producing endless content. Gioia also emphasizes adaptability and curiosity. As systems change rapidly, static knowledge loses value, while lifelong learning becomes essential. Above all, people guided by purpose—not efficiency alone—will stand out in a world optimized by machines. The lesson is clear: as AI grows smarter, humans must grow dee...

How Was Solomon Able to Persuade 700 Wives and Keep Them—Yet a Man Today Can’t Keep One? “I don’t know what Solomon told 700 wives that you cannot tell one girl to stay with you.” If this line hasn’t crossed your mind—or your group chat—are you even living in this generation?  King Solomon’s love life reads like a myth, a legend, or frankly… an emotional attack on modern men. Seven hundred wives. Three hundred concubines. Meanwhile, today a man can say “good morning” consistently for three weeks and still get hit with “You’re a nice person, but…”   So what did Solomon have that we don’t? 1. Wisdom Was His Main Rizz The Bible says Solomon asked God for wisdom—and got it in abundance. This wasn’t just book knowledge; it was emotional intelligence, understanding human nature, timing, and communication. Solomon probably knew: What to say When to say it How to say it And when to keep quiet Today, many relationships fail not because of lack of love, but lack of wisdom. You can ...

Value-free social science refers to the principle that researchers should study society and human behavior without allowing personal beliefs, biases, or moral judgments to influence their observations and conclusions. Max Weber, one of the most influential proponents of this idea, argued that social scientists must strive for objectivity, separating empirical analysis from normative evaluation. This approach enables scholars to describe, explain, and predict social phenomena based on evidence rather than ideology or personal preference. In today’s world, the concept of value-free social science remains both essential and contested. On one hand, objectivity allows policymakers, analysts, and scholars to understand social issues such as inequality, political behavior, and economic trends without distortion. On the other hand, complete neutrality is difficult, as research often intersects with moral and political questions. Nevertheless, striving for a value-free perspective helps ensure...

Violence, broadly defined, refers to the use of physical force, coercion, or power to harm, intimidate, or dominate individuals, groups, or societies. It can take many forms—personal, political, structural, or cultural—and its causes are often complex, rooted in social inequality, competition for resources, ideological conflicts, and historical grievances. Political theorists and historians have long studied violence not only as an act but as a social phenomenon that reflects broader patterns of power, authority, and resistance. In the contemporary world, violence remains a critical challenge. Civil wars, terrorism, domestic abuse, and state repression illustrate how violence shapes societies, disrupts development, and undermines governance. Understanding its roots and mechanisms is essential for crafting effective policies, promoting social justice, and fostering peace. Violence reminds us that security and stability are not natural conditions but must be actively nurtured through la...

The term “virtual” refers to experiences, interactions, or environments that exist through digital or simulated means rather than physical reality. In contemporary society, the virtual has transformed how people communicate, work, learn, and participate in political and social life. Virtual spaces—ranging from online classrooms and workplaces to digital forums and social media platforms—blur the boundaries between the physical and the digital, creating new forms of engagement, collaboration, and influence. In politics and governance, the virtual has profound implications. Electoral campaigns, civic activism, and public discourse increasingly occur online, shaping public opinion, mobilizing communities, and influencing policy outcomes. Yet, the virtual also presents challenges, including misinformation, digital inequality, and questions about accountability and regulation. Understanding the virtual is therefore essential for scholars, policymakers, and citizens seeking to navigate the ...

Virtue, in philosophical and political thought, refers to the qualities of character that enable individuals to live ethically and contribute to the common good. From Aristotle’s conception of virtue as a habit leading to human flourishing, to the civic virtues emphasized in republican and Enlightenment thought, the concept has long been central to understanding both personal morality and social cohesion. Virtue encompasses honesty, courage, temperance, justice, and prudence—qualities that guide individual behavior and underpin the health of political communities. In the modern world, the notion of virtue remains profoundly relevant. Leaders, institutions, and citizens alike are measured not only by their power or success but by their adherence to ethical principles and responsibility toward others. In contemporary debates about governance, corporate responsibility, and civic engagement, virtue serves as a reminder that sustainable societies rely not merely on laws and institutions bu...

 Francisco de Vitoria (1483–1546), a Spanish theologian and jurist, is widely regarded as a foundational figure in the development of modern international law. As a member of the School of Salamanca, Vitoria applied reason and moral philosophy to questions of justice, sovereignty, and the rights of peoples. He argued that all human beings possess natural rights, regardless of religion, culture, or political authority, and he challenged the legitimacy of conquest, colonial oppression, and arbitrary power. Vitoria’s work laid the groundwork for ideas of just war, sovereignty, and the legal treatment of indigenous peoples, bridging moral philosophy and practical governance. His insistence that authority must be exercised within the bounds of justice continues to resonate in contemporary debates on human rights, international law, and ethical governance. In a world facing conflicts, migration crises, and debates over global justice, Vitoria’s principles remind us that law and morality...

Voltaire, born François-Marie Arouet in 1694, stands as one of the central figures of the Enlightenment, a period defined by the pursuit of reason, critical inquiry, and individual liberty. A prolific writer, philosopher, and satirist, Voltaire used wit and intellect to challenge religious intolerance, authoritarian rule, and social injustice. His advocacy for freedom of speech, religious tolerance, and separation of church and state has left an enduring mark on modern political thought. Today, Voltaire’s ideas are strikingly relevant. In an age of information, misinformation, and polarized discourse, his insistence on reasoned debate, tolerance of differing views, and the courage to question authority reminds us of the importance of critical thinking. Societies around the world continue to grapple with censorship, religious conflicts, and political authoritarianism, making Voltaire’s principles a guide for defending human rights and fostering open, inclusive societies. His life teach...

 Max Weber remains one of the most important thinkers in the study of society, politics, and economics. His work on authority, bureaucracy, and rational legal structures continues to guide our understanding of how modern states function. Weber’s classification of authority—traditional, charismatic, and rational legal—provides a lens through which we can analyze leadership and governance across different societies. In the developed world, his ideas help us understand the efficiency and structure of bureaucratic institutions, the importance of rule bound governance, and the challenges of democratic accountability. In the developing world, Weber’s insights shed light on the complexities of state building, the persistence of traditional forms of authority, and the tension between modern institutions and longstanding cultural or religious norms. Weber’s analysis of the connection between culture, religion, and economic behavior, most famously explored in The Protestant Ethic and the Spi...

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by continuing the work he championed. The fight for justice and equality is far from over, and it is up to each of us to play our part in building a more just and equitable society. Dr. King dedicated his life to the pursuit of equity and justice. He showed us that even in the face of intimidation, discrimination, and adversity, we must remain steadfast in our efforts to create a better future. His message resonates now more than ever. Real change is never easy. It demands persistence, courage, and collective action. It requires us to speak out, stand up, and live the values we believe in. As we honor Dr. King today, let us draw inspiration from his example and commit ourselves to continuing the work of building a fairer, more compassionate world.

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Feminism, properly understood, is neither a slogan nor a passing agitation. It is a historically grounded project that interrogates power, exposes structural inequalities, and insists on the full humanity of women within social, economic, and political systems. Like all transformative ideologies, feminism emerged from lived contradictions—between proclaimed universal rights and their selective application. Feminism operates as a global discourse rather than a monolithic creed. It travels across cultures, adapting to local conditions while retaining a core commitment to gender justice. Liberal feminism emphasizes legal equality; socialist feminism links patriarchy to capitalist exploitation; postcolonial feminism challenges Western universalism and centers voices from the Global South. These strands do not cancel one another; they reveal feminism’s ideological density. In the age of globalization, feminism confronts a paradoxical terrain. Global markets promise opportunity while reprodu...

Oligarchical democracy describes a political system in which formal democratic institutions—elections, parliaments, and constitutions—exist, yet real political power is concentrated in the hands of a small elite. Unlike overt authoritarianism, oligarchical democracy maintains the appearance of popular participation while decision-making is largely inaccessible to ordinary citizens. It is a paradox of modern governance: democratic forms coexist with elite dominance. In my view, oligarchical democracy is both a structural and ideological phenomenon . Elections and parliaments provide legitimacy, yet access to political influence is restricted to wealthy, well-connected, or politically entrenched elites. Campaign financing, media control, and corporate lobbying further entrench their power, while citizens exercise formal rights that often produce outcomes aligned with elite interests rather than broad public welfare. Practical examples illustrate this dynamic. In Nigeria , political pow...

The question of whether neoliberalism is “dead or alive” cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. Instead,  neoliberalism should be understood as a dynamic and evolving paradigm rather than a static ideological corpse. Neoliberalism emerged in the late 20th century as the world’s most dominant economic and political paradigm, rooted in principles of free markets, deregulation, privatization, and the reduced role of the state in economic life. Under leaders such as Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, and later in the policy frameworks of Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, and others, neoliberal ideas reshaped global capitalism and governance. This influence stretched from advanced economies to transitional and developing states across Latin America, Asia, and Africa.  However, the global financial crisis of 2008–2009 marked a profound challenge to neoliberal orthodoxy. The crisis revealed vulnerabilities in laissez‑faire markets and financial systems, leading to econom...

Across many democracies, including Nigeria, declining trust in public institutions is becoming a critical challenge. When citizens no longer believe that governments act in their interest, it signals a broken social contract—a disconnect between the state and the people it serves. Without trust, even the best policies struggle to gain legitimacy, and social cohesion weakens. Leaders can address this crisis by prioritizing performance legitimacy . This means focusing on tangible service delivery, ethical leadership, and transparent governance. Citizens are more likely to trust institutions that consistently meet their basic needs, enforce the law fairly, and act with integrity. Performance, in this sense, becomes the foundation of political legitimacy, replacing empty promises or symbolic gestures. Non-governmental institutions play a complementary role in rebuilding trust. By facilitating citizen–state dialogue, promoting participatory governance, and creating spaces for community enga...

In today’s democracies, an active civil society and a vibrant media environment are more than just observers—they are essential engines of accountability. In countries like Nigeria, these actors often serve as the first line of defense against corruption, policy failure, and governance neglect. By amplifying citizen voices and scrutinizing government actions, they ensure that power is exercised responsibly. Governments can strengthen this accountability framework by creating formal channels for civic feedback. Platforms for citizen reporting, participatory budgeting, and regular town hall meetings allow the public to directly influence decision-making. When people see that their opinions matter, trust in institutions grows, and policies are implemented more effectively. Meanwhile, NGOs and media organizations provide the expertise and reach necessary to professionalize advocacy. Through data-driven research, investigative journalism, and policy monitoring, civil society can hold leader...

In many countries, including Nigeria, persistent security challenges—such as insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts—have forced governments to prioritize stability over long-term development. While reactive militarization may contain immediate threats, it often fails to address the underlying causes of insecurity, leaving communities vulnerable and governance incomplete. Governments can shift from reactive approaches to preventive strategies that integrate human development with security planning. Addressing poverty, inequality, and social exclusion reduces the appeal of violence and strengthens community resilience. Investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and local economic opportunities can serve as long-term tools to prevent insecurity before it escalates into crisis. Non-governmental organizations and faith-based institutions also play a crucial role. They can facilitate deradicalization programs, provide trauma healing for affected communities, and promote soci...

In many democracies, including Nigeria, courts are increasingly playing a central role in resolving political disputes. From election challenges to party leadership conflicts, citizens often turn to the judiciary when trust in other institutions wanes. This trend, known as the judicialization of politics, reflects the public’s reliance on legal arbitration to protect rights and enforce accountability. Judicial institutions can use this heightened role to strengthen legitimacy and consolidate the rule of law. By improving efficiency, accelerating case resolution, and maintaining independence from political pressures, courts reinforce the idea that laws, not personalities, determine outcomes. Transparent procedures and predictable rulings enhance public confidence and deter arbitrary political maneuvers. Legal advocacy groups, civil society organizations, and educational institutions can complement this process by promoting access to justice and constitutional literacy. When citizens und...

The growing influence of money in politics has become one of the most visible threats to democratic governance. When electoral success is determined more by financial muscle than by ideas or competence, politics turns into an elite marketplace, shutting out capable candidates and weakening public trust. This trend exposes deep regulatory failures within political systems and calls for urgent reform. State institutions bear primary responsibility for addressing money politics. Electoral bodies and anti-corruption agencies must enforce clear campaign finance limits, mandatory disclosure requirements, and strict penalties for violations. Transparent reporting of donations and expenditures reduces the influence of illicit funding and helps level the playing field for candidates who rely on popular support rather than financial dominance. Civil society organizations and media institutions play an equally vital role in sustaining reform efforts. Through investigative journalism, watchdog gro...

 Ethno-regional politics is often portrayed as a major obstacle to national unity, especially in plural societies like Nigeria. Political competition shaped by ethnic, religious, and regional identities can deepen divisions and weaken a shared sense of nationhood. Yet, this reality also exposes a critical truth: demands for recognition and fairness are at the heart of ethno-regional bargaining, and addressing them is essential for stable governance. Rather than ignoring or suppressing these dynamics, governments can respond by institutionalizing inclusive representation. Balanced appointments across regions, transparent federal character principles, and regionally sensitive development frameworks help ensure that no group feels permanently excluded from power or resources. When citizens see themselves reflected in leadership and development priorities, political competition becomes less zero-sum and more cooperative. Non-governmental organizations have a complementary role in reduc...

Excessive centralization of political and fiscal power often undermines effective governance, particularly in diverse and populous states. When authority is concentrated at the center, decision-making becomes distant from local realities, slowing service delivery and weakening accountability. These inefficiencies highlight the case for functional federalism as a pathway to more responsive and development-oriented governance. National leaders can address overcentralization by devolving meaningful authority and fiscal autonomy to subnational governments. When states and local governments control greater portions of revenue and policy implementation, they are better positioned to respond to local needs in areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security. Decentralization also strengthens accountability, as citizens can more directly observe and evaluate the performance of local leaders. Development partners, research institutions, and advocacy groups play a crucial role i...

  Persistent electoral distrust is one of the most serious challenges confronting democratic governance. When citizens doubt the credibility of elections, participation declines, legitimacy weakens, and political conflict intensifies. Yet this skepticism also provides a clear signal of where reform is required: transparency, accountability, and institutional credibility. Electoral institutions can rebuild public confidence by embracing openness at every stage of the electoral process. The use of transparent voter registers, real-time result transmission, and publicly accessible electoral data allows citizens and observers to verify outcomes independently. Technological tools, when properly deployed and audited, reduce human discretion and limit opportunities for manipulation. Just as important is independent oversight, including strengthened electoral tribunals and autonomous monitoring bodies capable of enforcing rules without political interference. Non-government institutions pl...

Rising youth engagement in public affairs signals a potential demographic dividend for societies undergoing political and social transition. In Nigeria, young people constitute a significant proportion of the population, and their increasing political awareness reflects both frustration with existing systems and a desire for meaningful participation. When properly harnessed, this energy can become a powerful driver of development rather than a source of instability. Governments play a central role in channeling youth engagement into constructive pathways. Structured civic programs such as national service initiatives, youth councils, and local governance internships can integrate young citizens into decision-making processes at the community level. By creating formal avenues for participation, the state moves youth involvement from episodic protest to sustained civic responsibility. Investments in digital innovation hubs and entrepreneurship programs further allow politically conscious...

In many emerging democracies, Nigeria included, political parties are often criticized for lacking clear ideological direction. They campaign without firm policy commitments, shift alliances easily, and revolve more around personalities than principles. While this erosion of ideology is commonly seen as a weakness, it also creates an unexpected opportunity for leadership renewal and political reform. When parties are not tightly bound to rigid doctrines, space opens for reform-minded leaders to emerge. Political elites can take advantage of this moment by institutionalizing internal democracy, promoting transparent primaries, and prioritizing merit over patronage in candidate selection. Parties that adopt clear, issue-based platforms on education, security, economic growth, and social welfare can differentiate themselves and regain public trust. Weak ideology also exposes the transactional nature of party politics, where loyalty is often exchanged for access to power. Yet this very con...

No regime lasts forever. Political orders arise from specific historical conditions, build momentum, and eventually decay toward an end point. Regimes emerge in moments of crisis or transformation, consolidate authority through institutions, ideology, and elite consensus, and often enjoy early legitimacy grounded in stability, growth, or charismatic leadership. Over time, however, these same structures can ossify. Institutions designed to govern become tools of exclusion, elites grow insulated from society, and adaptability gives way to rigidity. The Maduro regime in Venezuela illustrates this trajectory. Born from the populist legitimacy of Chavismo, it has survived through militarization, patronage, and repression, even as economic collapse and mass emigration hollow out its social base. Similarly, the Islamic Republic of Iran, forged through revolutionary fervor in 1979, now confronts deep legitimacy crises marked by generational protest, economic strain, and reliance on coercion o...