Applied Politics vs. Theoretical Politics

Attribute	Applied Politics	Theoretical Politics
Focus	Practical application of political theories and concepts	Development and analysis of political theories and concepts
Goal	To influence political outcomes and decision-making	To understand political phenomena and behavior
Approach	Problem-solving and implementation-oriented	Abstract and conceptual
Methodology	Empirical research, case studies, policy analysis	Theoretical frameworks, models, comparative analysis
Practitioners	Politicians, policy analysts, lobbyists	Political scientists, researchers, academics

Definition

Applied politics and theoretical politics are two distinct branches within the field of political science. Applied politics focuses on the practical application of political theories and concepts to real-world situations, while theoretical politics delves into the study and development of political theories and frameworks. Both branches are essential in understanding and analyzing political systems, but they differ in their approach and focus.

Attributes

Applied politics involves the direct application of political theories and concepts to address specific political issues or problems. It often involves working within the political system to achieve desired outcomes, such as passing legislation, implementing policies, or influencing public opinion. In contrast, theoretical politics is more concerned with developing and refining political theories, models, and frameworks to better understand political phenomena and predict future outcomes.

Methodology

Applied politics relies heavily on practical experience, empirical research, and data analysis to inform decision-making and strategy development. Practitioners of applied politics often work in government, advocacy organizations, or political campaigns, where they use their knowledge of political theories to achieve specific goals. Theoretical politics, on the other hand, is more focused on theoretical debates, conceptual analysis, and academic research. Theoretical political scientists often conduct research, write papers, and engage in scholarly discussions to advance the field of political science.

Scope

Applied politics tends to have a more narrow and specific focus, as practitioners are often working on particular issues or campaigns. They may use theories and concepts from political science to inform their work, but their primary goal is to achieve practical outcomes. Theoretical politics, on the other hand, has a broader scope, as researchers are often exploring abstract concepts, testing hypotheses, and developing new theories. Theoretical political scientists may not always have a direct impact on real-world politics, but their work can inform and shape the field as a whole.

Impact

Applied politics has a more immediate and tangible impact on political systems and society, as practitioners are actively working to influence political outcomes. For example, a political campaign strategist may use theories of voter behavior to develop a winning campaign strategy. Theoretical politics, while less directly impactful, can have a long-term influence on political thought and practice. For instance, a political theorist may develop a new framework for understanding democracy that shapes future debates and policies.

Interdisciplinary Approach

Both applied and theoretical politics can benefit from an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from other fields such as economics, sociology, psychology, and history. Applied politics may incorporate research from these disciplines to inform policy decisions or campaign strategies. Theoretical politics may use interdisciplinary perspectives to develop more comprehensive theories of political behavior or institutions.

Conclusion

While applied politics and theoretical politics have distinct attributes and approaches, both are essential components of the field of political science. Applied politics focuses on the practical application of political theories to achieve specific goals, while theoretical politics delves into the study and development of political theories and frameworks. By understanding the differences and similarities between these two branches, political scientists can gain a more comprehensive understanding of political systems and phenomena.