Politikas

Politikas is a theoretical framework in political science and public policy that studies how power is exercised, distributed, and legitimized within contemporary governance systems. It emphasizes the design of institutions and processes that enable citizen participation and accountable decision-making.

The term Politikas derives from the Greek politiká (politics) and the root polis, used by scholars to denote the practical study of civic affairs. In contemporary literature, Politikas is used to label a family of approaches to governance rather than a single doctrine.

Key elements include participatory governance, transparency, rule of law, pluralism, and deliberative decision-making. Institutions associated with Politikas include citizen assemblies, participatory budgeting, open data portals, independent oversight bodies, and proportional representation to reflect diverse interests.

As an analytic framework, Politikas helps compare and explain how different governance arrangements affect legitimacy, accountability, and policy outcomes. It is subject to criticism about potential inefficiency or unequal access to participation, while proponents argue that inclusive, evidence-based processes can improve legitimacy if safeguards against manipulation and domination are in place.