Paradoxes of Politics: A new blog

Today, on International Democracy Day, NIMD is launching a new monthly blog on Paradoxes of Politics by our Knowledge Development Advisor Jerome Scheltens.

How does NIMD maintain a strong network and good reputation with political parties in its programme countries, where many other NGOs struggle to get political access?

One reason is that politics in general – and party politics specifically – has its own sets of rules. And sometimes these rules seem counter-intuitive to those departing from a principle-based advocacy position. By our nature (founded by parties for parties) and our years of practical implementation, we have are politically savvy and have developed a range of principles and practical approaches to operate in the political field.

Striving to contribute to making politics more democratic makes the story even more complex, as the total bag of ingredients which make up a full democracy is complicated, if not often downright contradictory. Fully grasping that totality and complexity, one might even be surprised that democracy ever managed to become – and yes, still is today! – the most widespread political system on our planet.

Each blog will demonstrate how we at NIMD deal with the paradoxes, contradictions or counter-intuitive manifestations inherent to party politics, as well as referring to peer events or other public activities on the topic at hand.

We hope you will enjoy this blog and actively share it on social media.

Read the first installment here.