“States Rise Above Individuals”

Montesquieu explains the flaws and greed in monarchy and aristocracy through the motivations of individuals. State and governance structures, observed as entities, are not devoid of emotion or made of stone; everything that contains humanity is human and mutable, and hence, they inevitably have weaknesses. Montesquieu prefers to explain these weaknesses through human flaws rather than as an ideological structure. Systems, the structure of the state, are a product created by individuals, but they are not a final result because they change over time, sometimes regressing and sometimes progressing. This process is a historical evolution, as Heraclitus also stated: “You cannot step into the same river twice.” This change and cycle occur under the influence of a destructive force, sometimes as a result of decay and sometimes as a result of growth. Boundaries and authority are fundamental needs for humans.

The clearest reflection of this can be seen in children. Children raised without clear boundaries by parents who treat them as friends are observed to be much more authoritarian and strict when they have their own children. This is because boundaries and rules create areas where we are happy and satisfied as long as they do not negatively affect our lives. They also provide a sense of security and act as a guide in this vast world. Within these boundaries, states, under today’s name, accept a set of rules called a constitution on behalf of their countries. Without going into detail about this entire process, in this article, we will discuss the small authority structures within these states.

In modern states, we see that individuals who cannot conform to existing norms, or more precisely, those who cannot integrate into today’s level of socialization and digital socialization, are becoming isolated. They are in a dangerous state of isolation, and the result is seen in acts of boundless violence in societal events. Individuals who cannot express themselves or socialize when they should be doing so are not just a segment of society; they are spread throughout the entire society.

In their covertly structured groups or actions, they experience a profound sense of belonging and establish a fraternity bond. Within this connection, there is no requirement for economic or social equality; rather, they express themselves through emotional bonds, namely, the sense of brotherhood they have established. Individually, they withhold fears and thoughts that they are hesitant to reveal outwardly, channeling these emotions outward through this means. This situation gives rise to numerous social issues and hazards because they engage in actions outside the norms of society.

Economic conditions also play a role in all these situations. We are going through a period when it is almost the most challenging time to move from one country to another. We are in the midst of an incredible refugee crisis, and we are living in historic moments where the world map is being reshaped. On one side, there is the war between Ukraine and Russia; on the other hand, there is the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The world is watching, and some nations are trying to end these conflicts and push for peace. All efforts are aimed at preventing a major war. These events cause significant social problems even in non-war countries. There is no war or pain there, but there is fear, and this fear is much more harmful. In social life, there is a fear of unemployment, economic crises, losing one’s family, losing one’s country, becoming an immigrant, etc. These feelings yield different outcomes in every culture and country. As you will understand from the discussion below, we will argue about the authority of fear. I mentioned the different manifestations of the same social problems in different nations. We don’t need to focus solely on today’s atmosphere; we can also examine history. In Jackson’s America, Durkheim argues that anomie was prevalent (Anomie is a state of imbalance resulting from the collapse of moral values or aimlessness and lack of ideals in society or an individual). This situation had an impact in the United States due to the weakening of social equality and central authority during that era.

In summary, our analysis reveals the complex interplay between states and individuals. It underscores how personal motivations influence governance structures and societal norms. State and governance systems, ever-evolving, mirror Heraclitus’ notion of change, shaped by both constructive and destructive forces. The importance of clear boundaries and authority in human society is emphasized, offering security and guidance. In the contemporary context, societal non-conformity and the digital age’s demands can foster isolation, leading to social unrest. Global events like economic crises or conflicts, such as the recent cybersecurity threats, ripple beyond borders, heightening fear and uncertainty. Understanding the role of fear in shaping individual and collective behaviors, and reflecting on historical instances like the Great Depression, underscores the enduring relevance of these dynamics.