Statecraft 101

The following is a fictional creation of the writer's imagination of what a government minister-in-training's guidebook would look like if there were one. It has been indirectly modeled after C. S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters.

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Statecraft 101
A minister-in-training's basic guide to policy making.

There is an old saying that "A House divided against itself will not stand." - and the truth of this statement cannot be underestimated. It is based on this grave reality that we have concluded that it is essential for the country to be united in a sense of universal brotherhood.

Effort must be made to connect all classes in society together through genuine comrade, and not merely be that of the level of a casual "hi" and "bye". Neither can it be a relationship of mere tolerance, because tolerance has its limitations - which once breached, can result in anarchical violence and social turmoil.

No single class should be allowed to have its own interests persistently placed ahead of the others no matter how those interests may be justified - even if on the terms of monetary profits that claim to be for the collective good. The suggested justification will lose any influence it may have on public opinion should real circumstances show otherwise. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out then that the fore mentioned justification will not be believed.

If there really is anything involving the nation worth celebrating, celebrate together! Celebration 'participants' should not comprise of only a select class (or classes) - particularly since it will be marketed as a 'national event'.

If the 'celebration' involves the profits the State is supposed to have made as a nation in any one financial year, be realistic. If the profit is a notable, but not particularly enormous sum, recognize it for what it is when addressing the masses regarding the event. Do not make a huge deal out of something that is really quite insipid.

Should you choose to award monetary bonuses to the citizens as a part of a policy to 'share the more-than-abundant prosperity of the country with the people' do not give token sums. All the more, do not serve out a petty amount and then snatch it back again through new policies formulated for the purpose of taxing the people further. Engaging in such malpractice will most assuredly depreciate the trust of the electorate toward the government - which will affect the expected longevity of the incumbent. Instead, if bestowing financial dividends, give an amount that will make a difference in the lives of the recipient.

Do take note that such an action will be interpreted as a gift, and because a gift by definition is something given without expecting anything in return, please be reminded regarding an earlier point about not giving with the right hand, and taking with the left. If the country has indeed made the profits (as appraised publically) that allowed such a generous measure to be adopted, there should be no rational reason then, for the government to introduce schemes that will increase the financial burden on the populace.

In the event that the State sustains losses from investments made through its financial arm, never recuperate said losses by taking from the proletariat. Either make it back through other investments, or make the appropriate recompense (if needed) with the state reserves. We are after all, stewards of the national coffers, not the masters (as our designation as civil servants implies.)

When developing policies to alleviate or resolve any issues for the people, ensure that they help the people, and not yourself. Your policies must do as you say they are meant to do and not otherwise. After all, the function of a statesman is to engage in statecraft, not politics. Popularity comes only naturally when you employ measures of this nature - That is how you increase your credibility in the public eye.

In terms of national development, do your best to ensure that all parts of society grow at a similar - or at least proportional - rate. As it is in any natural living body, so it is with the state: should one part expand at a disproportional speed, that body is in danger either of a cancer, a tumor, or simply of a disastrous malfunction if the rest of the body does not catch up. It will be a threat to the survivability of the organism to which this medical abnormality is happening. Should such a growth be inevitable, steps must be taken to either to contain it, or accelerate the expansion of the other parts.

At the end of the day, what we must establish is balance. While it is no easy task, we must still strive to achieve and maintain it as - difficult as it may be - balance is still vital.