Politics (from the Greek "polis" - "state") is a sphere of activity associated with relations between different social groups, the meaning of which is the conquest and use of state power.
Politics arose with the division of society into classes and, according to Lenin's definition, became "a concentrated expression of economics." However, politics, in turn, has a strong impact on the economy and other areas of society. If people live in society, they have common goals and antagonism. The main contradictions are the distribution of material and spiritual benefits produced by society and its responsibility to the weak and helpless. Conflicts between different segments of the population can be resolved by force of arms or relatively peaceful means. Politics is a way of joint problem solving and the only alternative to war. Therefore, we can say that the worst policy is better than the best war. Politics can change over time, as the situation changes, some facts become known, etc. The flexible politician is sensitive to such changes and adjusts the methods and, possibly, the purpose of the actions. However, the basic values must remain unchanged, otherwise flexibility can turn into unprincipled and venality. In the same way, adherence to principles in defending one's own position and rejection of changes can turn into conservatism and, as a result, stagnation in social and economic life. Foreign policy solves the issues of the country's relations with other states. … Traditionally, politicians are divided into "hawks" and "doves", depending on their views on how to solve international problems. "Doves" seek consensus and may make concessions that look like trampling on the interests of their own country. Whether interests actually suffer depends on the wisdom and foresight of politicians: perhaps concessions save the country from global troubles. On the other hand, by constantly compromising the interests of their state, politicians can cause significant harm to it. "Hawks" are aimed at using force to solve problems. The country's ability to defend itself is an absolute blessing. However, the constant arms race is depleting the budget and reducing social funding. Moreover, if a conflict is resolved militarily, it can have distant but very unpleasant consequences for the new generations of the victorious country.
