unity government essay

The Presidential Years

• 1 Setting the agenda
• 2 The Presidency - Getting into Union Buildings
• 3 Forming the Government of National Unity

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3.1 The path to a Government of National Unity

Although it took hard negotiation and intense debate for the ANC to accept the idea of a Government of National Unity , something like it was envisaged early on. In his Treason Trial testimony in 1960 Mandela acknowledged a phased transition to democracy as something that could be contemplated. The possibility was there in broad and vague outline in the document Mandela sent to President PW Botha in March 1989. 107 That document drew on insight into the government’s thinking gained from the secret meetings with a government working group 108 ; on discussions with his fellow prisoners from Pollsmoor; and consultations with the ANC leadership in exile. 109

The most crucial task, Mandela wrote, ‘was reconciling the demand for majority rule in a unitary state with the concern of white South Africa over this demand, as well as the insistence of whites on structural guarantees that majority rule will not mean domination of the white minority by blacks.’ Reconciling these matters through negotiation was needed to break a ‘deadlock’, a situation in which neither side had the means to prevail by force of arms (see Chapter 1).

While the ANC saw the possibility of ‘structural guarantees’ in a general and undefined way, the apartheid government, believing that it had enough power to prevent – or at least delay – majority rule, produced varying proposals for constitutional structures which would give minority groups, in particular whites, power beyond the numbers their political organisations could command.

All manner of proposals issued from the National Party government negotiators, the Democratic Party and parties located in some of the bantustans . From the mid-1970s, as resistance grew, a proliferation of constitutional models come from inside the country and outside, from defenders of apartheid and opponents who nonetheless were not ready for democracy. They included varieties of consociationalism – in which executive power is shared proportionally among segments of society defined along ethnic, religious, or linguistic lines, with a veto in the hand of minorities to protect their minority interests – and federations of regions or communities with a high degree of autonomy and even differing systems of government in different parts of the country. What the schemes had in common was that they were incompatible with majoritarian democracy.

Two central issues will have to be addressed

108 Niel Barnard, Secret revolution (Cape Town: Tafelberg), pp.206-8.

109 NM, Long Walk to Freedom, p.535

The situation, though, was not static; nor were the expectations of the majority of South Africans and the international community. The Harare Declaration , 110 adopted by the United Nations in December 1989, was explicit in its definition of the final outcome of negotiations as an unqualified franchise that conferred equal rights on all South Africans. The constitutional manoeuvres were rendered stillborn by the work the ANC had done to mobilise for consensus across the mass democratic movement on the fundamental aims of negotiations and to achieve acceptance of these broad principles across the globe.

Further, the main protagonists in the negotiations process, the ANC and the National Party government, were wary of international mediation. Each believed strongly that South Africans should resolve their own problems; and find solutions that would – as far as possible – take into account the interests, aspirations and apprehensions of their constituencies. This, in part, reflected a deep patriotism shared among South Africans, including the White community (especially among Afrikaners, as Mandela often commented).

In the four years after Mandela’s release and the unbanning of the liberation movement, the level of organisation and mobilisation among the black majority, the implications for all South Africans of a scorched earth, the negotiating acumen of the ANC and its allies, and the united voice of much of humanity – all these combined to whittle away proposals from the government side for ‘structural guarantees’ in the form of group rights, power-sharing, special majorities, minority vetoes, rotating presidency and the like. In the end, when the ‘roadblocks’ had been removed, the compromise Mandela had foreseen took the form of a Government of National Unity, as a transitional mechanism towards democratic majority rule

People shall have the right to participate in the government and administration of the country on the basis of a universal suffrage

A sensitive and provocative roadblock, and a persistent one which continued to plague us even during the period of the Government of National Unity, was mainly a historic and psychological one reflecting itself in endemic contempt which the white community, especially Afrikaners, had for blacks.

For almost three and a half centuries, a conservative and arrogant white minority had tried to apply the doctrine of Nazi Germany and preached the unscientific theory that blacks were inferior to whites, in fact, that blacks were sub-human.

One of the main architects of this theory was Dr Hendrik Verwoerd , a former South African Prime Minister, who held that blacks should not be allowed to venture into pastures where they were not allowed to graze. They should never be permitted to rise above the status of hewers of wood and drawers of water.

The apartheid regime, even during the period of negotiations between the ANC and the apartheid regime, still believed that they could save white supremacy with black consent. Although the apartheid negotiators tried to be subtle, it was clear right from the start of the talks that the overriding idea was to prevent us from governing the country, even if we won in a democratic election.

I was still a prisoner in Victor Verster when I first met President De Klerk , leader of the National Party, on 13 December 1989.

Shortly before that meeting I had read an article written by the editor of Die Burger, then the official mouthpiece of the National Party, under the pen name of Dawie, in which he sharply criticised the concept of Group Rights which was being peddled by that Party as the best solution for the country's problems.

This meant that each population group after the first democratic elections would retain permanently the rights and privileges it had enjoyed before such elections, no matter which political party had won.

The essence of this fiction, although not openly said, was that there should be no change whatsoever in the economic and political system of the country. White minority would continue to monopolise all the important rights of citizenship.

The revolutionary changes demanded by the liberation movement, and for which martyrs across the centuries had paid the highest price, would be stifled. The new government would be unable to provide shelter for the people and quality education for their children. Poverty, unemployment, hunger, illiteracy and disease would be rampant. Die Burger criticised this pseudo policy as introducing apartheid through the backdoor.

I pointed out to President De Klerk that if their own mouthpiece condemned this idea, he could well imagine what we thought of it.

We would reject it out of hand. It was at this point that the President impressed me. He conceded that if our movement would not even consider the idea, he would scrap it. I immediately sent a message to the ANC leadership in Zambia in which I described the President as a man of integrity with whom we could do business.

I repeated this statement on countless occasions, here and abroad, after my release from prison.

From the ruins of Group Rights there emerged another gimmick, that of power sharing. Broadly speaking this meant that if, for example, the ANC won seventy five percent of the votes in a general election, and the National Party obtained only twenty five percent, the ANC would not be able to take any major decision without the consent of the National Party. Our delegation, under the leadership of Comrade Cyril Ramaphosa , uncompromisingly rejected this fiction.

Later President De Kierk and I exchanged views on the matter at the residence of Dr Bill Venter, then Chief of the industrial giant, Altron.

Again I urged the President to drop the idea, pointing out that we wanted nothing less than a true democratic government as understood by the civilised world. I warned him that, trying to sell us another version of racial discrimination was unacceptable and, worst of all I said, that would irreparably damage his credibility. I added that our delegation at the Kempton Park negotiation centre, and other delegates were engaged in advanced discussions on the Government of National Unity, which was a far superior principle than either of his two proposals. We finally agreed that this would be one of the best instruments for uniting our people. The Government of National Unity would include all the parties that won five percent or more of the votes in an election.

In her book Anatomy of a Miracle, Patti Waldmeir accurately sums up De Klerk's real aim. She poses the question as to ‘Why the Boers gave it all away.’

She observes that: ‘South Africa's last white president did not set out to hand over power, he set out to preserve it – as much as possible. He never intended to give it all away. But in the end, he did so, and happily.’ 111

Mandela did not take part in the detailed negotiations, but he kept abreast of their evolution, and he forced the pace and direction in line with the ANC’s positions. He paid attention to ensuring the process was inclusive. 112 He received constant reports through interactions with the negotiations team and in ANC National Working Committee discussions. He was always on hand to help resolve difficulties and deadlocks.

Madiba’s point was ‘No, let everybody come, if they want to sit they can put another chair there for them.’

Madiba didn’t attend the meetings of the Negotiations Commission except may be on the odd occasion, but we always had to report to him on every step and everything, constantly report to him. So he was on top of everything, every formulation. In that sense he was an integral part of the negotiating team. He was the most militant member of the negotiating team, by far, on almost every issue, the most militant. We would sometimes sit with each other and say, ‘This is quite an acceptable compromise, we can give into the regime on this one because it’s not really a matter of principle’. And then we would work out between all of us, how are we now to convey this to Madiba, this recommendation, before we go to the NEC. Because we knew he was going to accuse us of being soft, of being moderate. He would often say, ‘Well if you don’t know how to tell these people where to get off, I will come to the meeting tomorrow. I’ll tell them this is unacceptable, if you are unable to tell into their faces that this is unacceptable, I’ll come and do it.’ Afterwards when I thought about it, I thought that what he was doing was what he saw was his responsibility: he knows that if you are involved daily in negotiations, the negotiators on each side try to chip away, chip away, chip away; and his job was to hold the line and to push you to the limit to get the best possible deal. In that sense I think he kept on strengthening the resolve of his own negotiators by being so militant. 113 Valli Moosa

113 Valli Moosa, interview by Tony Trew, Cape Town, 8 September 2014.

Mandela’s focus in this engagement with negotiations was not simply majority rule, but ‘democracy which was modern in the sense that it would be nonracial, nonsexist, secular and embodying all of the modern concepts and human rights’. 114 He also wanted inclusive negotiations.

here were certain things which he was very focused on. One of them was majority rule

The negotiations process was done in the most inclusive way, he wanted us to build a front, which we did, to win over even those who were in the bantustans and all that. He was quite insistent on seeing us do that. So that process he led with good effect. He was able to give us leadership as the negotiating team which was effective and in a way allow us, obviously within the decisions of the NEC, to go ahead and negotiate a number of provisions of the settlement and remain firm on key issues like majoritarian rule. 115 Cyril Ramaphosa

115 Cyril Ramaphosa, interview by Tony Trew, Johannesburg, 6 October 2014.

But at the same time as seeking consensus, Mandela was also preoccupied with what was needed to achieve the ANC’s objectives: ‘Much as he was your consensus builder and your Mr Reconciliation, he had this deeply ingrained feeling of wanting to outflank the enemy all the time’ 116

116 Cyril Ramaphosa, interview by Tony Trew, Johannesburg, 6 October 2014.

At the unbanned ANC’s first elective conference in 1991, Mandela focus spelt out the need to think beyond the content and process of negotiations – effective organisation and mass mobilisation were imperative.

The winning of the objective of a Constituent Assembly will not be achieved solely through the negotiation process. It will require the generation of mass support for this demand. We reject the regime`s contention that mass mobilisation stands in the way of the negotiating process. In the absence of voting rights, the only power we can exercise is the power and the strength of our organised people. 117

Negotiating power therefore required strong organisation, and strong international links.

He was deeply concerned about the status of the organisation, the branches, the regions as we had them then and felt that the organisation was not nearly as strong as he thought it should be. That is why he crossed the length and breadth of the country to mobilise support. Much as he felt that we needed to prosecute our struggle through negotiations, he knew that we would only be able to do so effectively if our base was strong and therefore strengthening the organisation was important. But there was also the international aspect: he knew that we needed to be present on the international scene and that’s why once he was released he went throughout the whole world to meet people. And of course part of it was fundraising, in typical Madiba style, he wanted resources for the organisation, which was hugely successful. 118 Cyril Ramaphosa

By the final stages of negotiations, late in 1992 and early 1993, this approach had made an impact. The balance of power that had almost equally matched the two side in 1990 had, measured by the strategic outcome of the negotiations process, shifted inexorably in favour of the ANC.

Yet special transitional mechanisms had to be developed, to address the apprehensions of the National Party and its constituency, and to ease them into democratic majority rule. Included in the Record of Understanding of September 1992, agreed between the ANC and National Party, was an interim government of national unity. 119

there shall be an interim/transitional government of national unity.

The ANC recorded its assessment of the new situation in the document Negotiations: A Strategic Perspective, adopted in November 1992. 120

The government, the assessment said, still had command over far-reaching resources, in the state and other military forces, and the support of powerful economic forces. The violence directed against the democratic movement was working to the advantage of the National Party. But the government had failed to gain political support from the majority or even to build alliances with bantustan leaders. Its own constituency was increasingly divided as the right wing made inroads, including within the security forces. It was unable to reverse the deterioration of the economy or make inroads into unemployment and crime.

The ANC, though still unable, in the short term at least, to defeat the government militarily, was now a legal organisation with majority support that was still growing. It had shown its capacity to mobilise its numbers in mass action and to activate support from most of the international community.

Weighing these factors, the ANC concluded that, rather than resume the armed struggle or engage in protracted negotiations which might see the government bolster its position and would in any case impose harsh costs on the country and the people, the best way forward was a swift negotiation process – combined with continuing mass action and mobilisation of international pressure.

What was still to be negotiated included a Government of National Unity after the adoption of a new constitution, beyond the period of the interim government of national unity already agreed in the Record of Understanding. Fierce debate continued in the ANC for some time, even after the Strategic Perspectives document had been adopted by the NEC. For those, like Mandela, who advocated a Government of National Unity, the rationale depended on the need to ward off a counter-revolution that could reverse the gains made; as well as the urgency of dealing with the deteriorating social and economic situation. He stressed the latter in notes he wrote for his input to the debate at the National Executive Council in February 1993:

The balance of forces is not completely static. In this phase of negotiations

The opposite argument is based on the fact that a majority party in the forthcoming election cannot alone effectively address the enormous problems facing the country – the declining economy, the unacceptably high level of unemployment and crime the violence, which is likely to assume even more disturbing dimensions once a democratic government is installed. Political stability, they say, can only be successfully solved through a government of national unity, only political stability rising out of such a government can attract investments. It would be more profitable for comrades when examining the opposing arguments to make concrete proposals as to how the socio-economic issues can be solved by a single party government

The Strategic Perspective document is now a policy document of the ANC and I do not think we should, without prior notice, try to re-open the matter. A leadership that takes policy decisions today and seeks to change them radically the next day cannot inspire confidence in their followers or the public 121

At the end of the meeting he paid tribute to the vigour of the discussion in which reservations were raised, but emphasised the imperative of unified acceptance by all of the collective decision,’ and suggested that some of the popular concerns cited by speakers reflected their own failure to engage with the grassroots on the issue.

5. The reason for some of the concerns expressed here is due partly to failure to recall decisions taken by the organisation on negotiations in general and on the Strategic Perspectives document.…

6. At bottom is a failure by members of the NEC to go to their areas where they have been deployed.

What explanations have been made to grassroots?

Where and when, by whom were queries made, in what organised manner were these complaints made?

7. Lack of understanding of principle of collective leadership.

8. Confidence in our negotiating team

9. Must give clear lead … 122

Apart from the proposal for a Government of National Unity, of a kind that did not allow parties that lost the election to paralyse government, the strategic perspectives document argued that there was a need to forestall potential threats to the new democracy that could come from the security forces and the civil service. These institutions had the capacity not only to destabilise democracy, but also to delay or subvert transition – if the transition to democracy had only negative implications for the individuals who belonged to them, that could feed the forces seeking to destabilise the country. So there was a need to deal with the future of members of these institutions – job security, retrenchment packages and a general amnesty – as part of a negotiated settlement. 123

A democratic government will need to restructure the civil service and the security forces

All this found formal expression in the interim constitution . Besides recording the constitutional principles that would inform the final constitution to be negotiated in the Constitutional Assembly, it set out the framework for a five-year Government of National Unity in which any party gaining over five per cent in the election would be represented.

The structure of the Cabinet was defined by the Interim Constitution:

• the president would be an elected by a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament; • each party with at least 80 out of the 400 National Assembly seats would be entitled to an executive deputy president from its MPs; • the Cabinet would have not more than 27 members appointed by the president in consultation with the executive deputy presidents and the leaders of parties participating in the GNU; • any party with at least five per cent of the total vote would be entitled to representation in the GNU in proportion to its vote in the election.

The April 1994 election results dictated the composition of the first Cabinet. They meant that the president would be ANC; that there would be two deputy presidents, one ANC and one NP; and that there would be 18 ANC ministers, six NP ministers and three IFP ministers

• 3.2 Consultations and discussions about the Cabinet

Essay on Power of Unity

Students are often asked to write an essay on Power of Unity in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Power of Unity

The essence of unity.

Unity is a powerful force that binds individuals together. It allows us to overcome challenges and achieve common goals.

Unity in Diversity

Our world is diverse. Yet, when we unite, we celebrate this diversity and become stronger. Our differences become our strength.

Unity and Progress

Unity fosters progress. When we work together, we can accomplish tasks faster and more efficiently.

In conclusion, the power of unity is immense. It brings progress, celebrates diversity, and helps us overcome challenges. Always remember, “United we stand, divided we fall.”

250 Words Essay on Power of Unity

The concept of unity.

Unity is a potent force that can accomplish remarkable feats. It’s a concept that transcends individual capabilities, converging diverse strengths into a powerful collective. This principle is reflected in the adage, “United we stand, divided we fall,” underscoring the idea that unity often leads to success, while disunity can lead to downfall.

Unity in Diverse Fields

The power of unity is evident in various fields. In science, the collective behavior of particles results in phenomena like superconductivity. In sociology, cohesive societies tend to prosper, while divided ones often struggle. In politics, unity forms the bedrock of successful democracies, where diverse viewpoints coalesce to form robust policies.

The Power of Unity

Unity’s power lies in its ability to foster collaboration and mutual support. It helps individuals overcome personal limitations, enabling them to contribute to a collective goal. This shared purpose can lead to the creation of innovative solutions and the achievement of seemingly insurmountable tasks.

Unity in the Face of Challenges

In challenging times, unity becomes even more critical. It helps societies withstand crises, whether they are natural disasters, economic downturns, or social unrest. A united front can provide resilience, ensuring survival and recovery.

In conclusion, unity’s power is transformative, turning individual efforts into collective achievements. It’s a force that can overcome adversity, foster innovation, and ensure societal progress. Thus, embracing unity is a step towards building a more collaborative, resilient, and prosperous world.

500 Words Essay on Power of Unity

Introduction, the power of unity in society.

Unity in society is akin to the roots of a tree, invisible yet holding the entire structure upright. It is the unspoken agreement among people to stand up for each other, to share resources, and to work towards mutual prosperity. The power of unity is evident in the way communities come together during natural disasters, economic crises, or social unrest. It is the collective strength of individuals that helps societies withstand adversities and rebuild.

Unity in Diverse Cultures

The world is a mosaic of diverse cultures, languages, and beliefs. Yet, beneath this diversity lies an inherent unity that binds humanity together. This unity in diversity is a testament to the power of unity. It is a reminder that despite our differences, we are fundamentally the same, sharing the same planet and the same human condition. The power of unity is what enables diverse societies to coexist peacefully, promoting cultural exchange and mutual respect.

Unity in the Digital Age

Unity and personal growth.

On a personal level, unity plays a crucial role in fostering growth and development. When individuals unite, they share knowledge, experiences, and skills. This collective learning environment accelerates personal growth and broadens perspectives. Unity also cultivates empathy and understanding, essential traits for personal development.

In conclusion, the power of unity is an extraordinary force that can overcome formidable challenges and drive progress. It is a testament to the strength of collective action and the potential of shared objectives. Whether it is in societies, diverse cultures, the digital age, or personal growth, the power of unity is a constant, reaffirming the age-old adage, “United we stand, divided we fall.” As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, let us harness the power of unity to build a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous world.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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To Unite As A Nation, We Need To Begin With The Truth

The U.S. Capitol is seen through a display of flags on the National Mall, one day after the ... [+] inauguration of President Joe Biden, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

President Biden made a passionate appeal for unity in his inaugural address Wednesday, saying , “My whole soul is in this: bringing America together, uniting our people, uniting our nation. And I ask every American to join me in this cause.” Those words reflect Biden’s character and temperament. He seeks common ground, not confrontation.This is a welcome and much needed type of leadership, but one that will be sorely tested as the new president inherits a deeply divided country mired in partisan squabbles and competing visions of the truth.  

As he assumes office, Biden’s supporters are debating how to address Donald Trump’s many misdeeds and possibly illegal conduct—for example, in inciting the January 6 attack on the Capitol. On one side are those who demand full accountability, including the imminent impeachment trial in the Senate, as well as criminal investigations in New York, Georgia, and Washington, D.C. On the other side, some Biden supporters echo the new president’s call for healing and counsel moving forward to reunite our divided land.

There are important lessons we can learn from other countries, places like Chile, South Africa, and the former Yugoslavia, which have emerged from dark periods of political division and authoritarian rule over the last three decades. In modern times, our country hasn’t faced a military takeover or ethnic cleansing. But as these other countries have done, we now must find the right balance between seeking meaningful accountability for past abuses and building a more inclusive democratic future. Perhaps the most important lesson learned from these societies in transition is the value of establishing the truth about past wrongdoing and obtaining a clearly articulated public acknowledgement of that truth by those in power.   

One of the early advocates of this kind of public acknowledgement was Jose “Pepe” Zalaquett, a Chilean lawyer who was one of the premier figures in the human rights movement in Chile during and after the military dictatorship that held power from 1973 until 1989. Forced into exile after his imprisonment by Chilean strongman Augusto Pinochet, Zalaquett later served as the Deputy Secretary General of Amnesty International in London. Beginning in the 1980s, he helped shape the global human rights landscape, including on transitional justice. Zalaquett led an important early discussion on the balance between accountability and reconciliation at a conference organized by the Aspen Institute in 1988, in which I participated. It brought together a group of lawyers, philosophers, and human rights activists from around the world. 

At that meeting, Zalaquett, who later would lead Chile’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission , hammered home the singular importance of official acknowledgement of the truth as the key to moving forward. In a later interview at The Ford School at the University of Michigan in 2010, Zalaquett explained that “acknowledgment is very important in the sense that you say, ‘This is wrong.’ Now, we admit that we did it, and we shouldn't have done it, it would never happen again, we will take the [corrective] measures.”

 As President Biden seeks to unify our country, he faces this stark reality. According to a Vox and Data for Progress poll taken earlier this month, 72 percent of Republican voters continue to question the November election results. Another recent poll from Quinnipiac found that 73 percent of Republicans believe there was widespread voter fraud. Even among independents, 42 percent said they still do not trust the election results.

Fueling this rejection of the facts is the intransigence of too many Republican leaders, especially in Congress, to acknowledge the truth about the election. A recent colloquy in the U.S. House of Representatives between Jim Jordan (R.-Ohio) and Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern (D.-Mass.) perfectly captures the problem. Jordan denounced the impending impeachment of former President Trump as an impediment to unity. “We should use this time to bring our country together,” he urged. After he concluded, McGovern asked him a simple question: “Will you admit that Joe Biden won the election fair and square, that the election was not stolen”? Jordan refused to answer. He focused instead on the procedural aspects of the January 6 certification process and his objections to the “unconstitutional way that several states conducted their election.” McGovern repeated his question several times, but each time, Jordan refused to acknowledge the truth. Finally, and reluctantly, all that Jordan was willing to say was that Joe Biden “is going to be the president.”

President Biden eloquently summed up the need for official acknowledgment of the truth in his inaugural address when he said : “Recent weeks and months have taught us a painful lesson. There is truth, and there are lies, lies told for power and for profit. And each of us has a duty and responsibility, as citizens, as Americans, and especially as leaders, leaders who have pledged to honor our Constitution and protect our nation, to defend the truth and defeat the lies.” So in the coming days it is essential that we work to establish a shared truth as an essential foundation for national unity and moving forward, truth that is acknowledged by our leaders across the political spectrum.

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Creating Unity in a Diverse Society

Yuval Levin, Director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute and Editor of National Affairs, contends that America's founding ideals can create unity amidst our pluralism.

Yuval Levin is Director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute, where he also serves as the Beth and Ravenel Curry Chair in Public Policy. The author of A Time to Build , Levin believes that local communities are uniquely positioned to address modern challenges, including doing the hard task of creating unity in a diverse society. Levin, who immigrated to the United States from Israel with his family when he was in third grade, served in President George W. Bush’s administration.

He spoke with Chris Walsh, Senior Program Manager of the Human Freedom Initiative at the Bush Institute, and William McKenzie, Senior Editorial Advisor, about creating room for pluralism and diversity. The founding editor of National Affairs , Levin contends that America’s founding ideals can create unity amidst our pluralism. He also comments on Europe’s identity challenges in the video clip included above.

Let’s start with this question: How do you define “we the people”?

That’s a beautiful and broad question. The assertion of “we the people” at the beginning of the preamble to the Constitution was an aspirational move. It didn’t describe something that had already been achieved and was there, it described a goal as much as a nation.

National unity in a diverse society is always an ambition and aspiration. But we’re not a new society now. We’re a country with a long common history together. An important piece of that history has been our ability to adapt to demographic and cultural change. So, too, is our ability to come together as a country in times of need and to stand together in normal times.

National unity in a diverse society is always an ambition and aspiration. …We’re a country with a long common history together. An important piece of that history has been our ability to adapt to demographic and cultural change.

The fact that the Constitution begins that way is a beautiful marker of how the United States, unlike many other societies, defines itself by the ideals and principles that hold it together. “We the people” describes a society that holds in common a commitment to equality, liberty, and dignity, that allows itself to be defined by that common commitment. We now have more than two centuries of history trying to make that a reality. Our society can be unified by both those ideals and that common history.

We’re obviously a diverse country. So how do you create a common narrative in democracies with diverse populations?

The United States has faced this problem for a long time. In a sense, it has always faced this problem. It has dealt with the challenge both by grounding itself in understanding its ideals and principles and by building a common heritage. That common history is not rooted in ethnicity, but in the common experience of American life.

Our great guide is Abraham Lincoln, who embodies in his thought, rhetoric, and actions how our ideals define us and how what he called the “mystic chords of memory” can hold a society together. We can all harken back to that common experience. But it is rooted not in a traditional kind of national identity, which often is ethnic and divisive. Instead, it is rooted in a distinctly American story that is, among other things, a story of openness.

I would never want to downplay the difficulty of the challenge of holding together a diverse society. That is an extremely difficult challenge, as we learn every day in America and are learning at this very moment.

For liberal democracies that may lack a Lincoln, how do they create the conditions to welcome diversity?

We’re very lucky to have had a Lincoln and to have had other great leaders who have helped us through this challenge. But the need to welcome diversity while also being a liberal society and a democratic society means allowing majoritarianism to give direction to our public policy and our national life. Majoritarianism sounds nice until you’re in the minority, and the challenge we always face is how to protect minority rights while also empowering broad and durable majority views to govern.

The American Constitution is an answer to that question and can be of use to other democracies too. The Constitution looks at the challenge as not choosing between majority rule and minority protections, but instead choosing both and creating a balance between them. 

This means creating institutions that allow for accommodation between different groups in society. In our system, that institution is particularly Congress, and we suffer when Congress is weak, as it is in this moment. When Congress is weak, we lack the ability to reach accommodations and compromise. 

You want institutions that encourage compromise. You want to build a culture of tolerance that is not a culture of nihilism, that doesn’t ignore what people think the good is. We are home to people with different views about that question and we can find ways to respect their different views while also holding us together.

It’s essential that there is some agreement about basics, such as the equal dignity of every person. That is fundamental to democratic life. And we cannot do without that belief. Once we have that, then we have a framework that can allow for a fair amount of balance between majoritarianism and respect for minorities.

This also requires of the citizen an attitude of devotion to that society. What do we mean when we say this is my country? Do we mean I belong to this country or do we mean this country belongs to me? Those are very different ways of thinking about the responsibility of a citizen.

What do we mean when we say this is my country? Do we mean I belong to this country or do we mean this country belongs to me? Those are very different ways of thinking about the responsibility of a citizen.

To say this is my country means that my allegiance is here. I define my obligation as a responsibility to my fellow citizens. It does not mean that this country belongs to me, so my group, my community, gets to dominate and everybody else must answer to us. It’s important in America that we recognize that none of us gets to simply own this place. 

We have an obligation to this place that’s rooted in gratitude and a commitment to its principles. But it’s a hard balance to sustain. And you see it in every diverse democracy. 

You are an advocate of finding solutions to problems that are closest to where people live. What role, then, does localism play in creating room for diversity and pluralism, including making room for immigrants?

Localism is enormously important to how the United States has dealt with this problem and how successful societies in general have done so. We can look at other diverse democracies from Canada to India to see how allowing some freedom for communities, not just for individuals, can enable people to have the sense that they live in a community that takes them seriously. At the same time, they live in a diverse society where not everybody agrees with them about everything.

That demands a degree of tolerance that can be difficult to achieve. We have to be willing to say, “This is how we do it here, they do it differently on the other side of the country, but we’re one society.” There are different ways of living within the broad boundaries of a single nation and its identity.

The United States has always been very good at this. If you want to be hopeful about American life at this point, it makes much more sense to look at it from the bottom up. I can imagine very few of our problems being readily addressed from Washington, but I can see many of them being addressed in local communities.

People there see each other face-to-face. They recognize that sometimes our way of life might not make sense in theory, but it makes sense in practice as we live together as neighbors and take each other seriously and respect each other.

This is what a liberal society ultimately amounts to. And it involves an enormous amount of tolerance and accommodation, while enabling communities to be morally meaningful and to live out their views about the good. 

To me, the kinds of problems we have, which are challenges of belonging and alienation and failures of community-building and affiliation, can only really be addressed at the community level. As a nation, we can enable different communities to address these problems in their own ways for their people. Through that, we can build an allegiance that adds up to a national identity. 

That’s America. That’s the American story. That’s the American secret.

As a nation, we can enable different communities to address these problems in their own ways for their people. Through that, we can build an allegiance that adds up to a national identity.  That’s America. That’s the American story. That’s the American secret.

So, how do we create a welcoming society that integrates immigrants and refugees into our common ideals and common story?

Some of it is civics education and a traditional sense of learning about that history. Some of it is also the nature of the ideals and principles that help to define that American story and American experience.

Here, too, I would look to Lincoln. He gave an amazing speech in 1858, where he talked about how many of our people are not descended from the founders. They can’t look back to their fathers as the source of their national identity, but there’s something else they can look back to. 

I made sure to have this here with me, so I can read this one passage from this extraordinary speech. Here is the quote:

“But when they look through that old Declaration of Independence, they find that those old men say that we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, and then they feel that moral sentiment taught in that day evidences their relations to those men. That it is the father of all moral principles in them and that they have a right to claim it as though they were blood of the blood and flesh of the flesh of the men who wrote that Declaration. And so they are.” 

As an immigrant myself, I’ve always found it so powerful that by integrating these ideals into your own understanding of the human person, of politics and society, you become a child of the founders yourself.

As an immigrant myself, I’ve always found it so powerful that by integrating these ideals into your own understanding of the human person, of politics and society, you become a child of the founders yourself.

Unlike many societies, we enable people to become part of this community by taking on some of these truths that we hold together. Our history is a story of this kind of integration. It can speak to new immigrants in a way that says, “You’re the latest chapter in a long story that is a great story of success and can continue to be.”

That’s a great passage. Are there local communities where you see Lincoln’s words alive, integrating immigrants and their families into the community? If so, what is working?

We can find a lot of examples of Americans being a very welcoming society. I find those in my own experience.

I came to the United States when I was eight. My family came to Northeast Philadelphia. Looking back, there were enormous challenges and I found it very difficult as a child. I’m just shocked by the amazing, welcoming attitude of just about everybody around us, who looked for ways to be helpful, including children in school.

I was in third grade. It could easily have been a nightmare, but it wasn’t. The sense that we welcome people who are new here and understand that this is how the country builds its future, runs very deep for a lot of Americans. 

How can we have a common national identity while at the same time having people maintain their own particular ethnic, social, or cultural identity?

This is an important, enormous challenge. We have to see how our differences are something that we bring to the table in America. 

They’re not all that we bring and they’re not all that we stand to gain. We’re not just insular factions fighting for turf in American life, we’re a society. We get to be Americans together, and that means we get to benefit from the distinctiveness of different communities in our society, including our own community. But that requires us to respect others and allow other people to draw on their roots and to live within their own communities, even as they live in that larger society.

Some of this is recognizing the complexity that’s inherent in federalism and subsidiarity and the notion that most of life is lived close to the ground. It’s not lived at the national political level, especially in a country as big as ours. It is lived at the level of family, community, religion, and school. There can be an enormous amount of diversity, even in a country that ultimately defines itself by a commitment to certain common ideals.

It can be very hard to articulate a philosophy that opposes the inclination now to identity politics. But that inclination is extremely dangerous and destructive for our kind of society. We have to see this is one country made up of distinct communities and ultimately of distinct individuals.

We have to see this is one country made up of distinct communities and ultimately of distinct individuals.

You started to go down this road, so how do we in a free society maintain an identity, but not weaponize it through racial, religious, or ethnic national sentiments?

There’s a tendency in identity politics to say that our differences are what matter most about us. Our differences matter, but they’re not what we are ultimately about. Our society looks to draw on the best of a diverse array of communities and individuals. That means we ultimately are working towards cohesion and cannot stop at the level of our differences. We have to look for what can unite us and bring us together.

Identity politics lazily gives up on that and says, we are where we start, we are what we are by our ethnicity, by our race, what we’re born with, and that’s it. And we have to arrange a society that recognizes the reality of these distinct and insular communities. 

But our society has a much higher ambition. It ultimately looks to achieve an integration that doesn’t lose the distinctiveness of its different communities.

This is very hard to do. Sometimes, it’s practically impossible. But in the effort to do it is where we are our best selves as Americans.

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• The Unifying Power of Unity: Building Stronger Communities and Societies

Introduction:

In a world marked by diversity and differences, the concept of unity stands as a beacon of strength and resilience. Unity transcends individuality, forging connections that bind communities and societies together. It is the cohesive force that propels collective progress, fostering understanding, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose. This article explores the multifaceted nature of unity, examining its significance in various contexts and its potential to shape a harmonious and prosperous global landscape. Click here to read more interesting content.

• Defining Unity:

At its core, unity refers to the state of being united or joined as a whole. It encompasses the idea of individuals coming together, setting aside differences, and working towards common goals. Unity is not the absence of diversity but rather the recognition and acceptance of differences, creating a collective strength that surpasses individual limitations.

• Unity in Diversity:

The phrase “unity in diversity” encapsulates the essence of fostering unity while celebrating differences. Embracing diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures enriches the fabric of a society. When unity is achieved within this diversity, a robust and resilient community emerges, capable of facing challenges with a collective strength that draws from the unique strengths of its members.

III. Community Unity:

At the community level, unity serves as the cornerstone for progress and well-being. A unified community is characterized by a sense of belonging, mutual support, and shared responsibility. Whether facing economic hardships, natural disasters, or social challenges, communities bound by unity are better equipped to navigate adversity and emerge stronger.

A key aspect of community unity is active participation. When individuals actively engage with their community, contributing time, skills, and resources, it fosters a sense of shared ownership. This shared responsibility creates a supportive ecosystem where everyone plays a role in the community’s growth and resilience.

• National Unity:

National unity holds paramount importance in the stability and prosperity of a country. It involves a shared commitment to the nation’s values, principles, and goals. When citizens unite beyond ethnic, religious, or political differences, it creates a cohesive society that can address common challenges and work towards collective advancement.

Political leaders and institutions play a crucial role in nurturing national unity. Policies that promote inclusivity, social justice, and equal opportunities contribute to building a unified nation where diversity is a source of strength rather than division.

• Global Unity:

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the concept of global unity gains prominence. Challenges such as climate change, public health crises, and economic disparities necessitate collaborative efforts on a global scale. Unity among nations is crucial for addressing these challenges effectively.

Global unity involves fostering international cooperation, diplomacy, and a shared commitment to the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants. Initiatives that promote cross-cultural understanding, humanitarian efforts, and sustainable development contribute to the vision of a united world working towards common goals.

• Building Unity Through Education:

Education plays a pivotal role in building unity at various levels. By fostering an understanding of diverse perspectives, promoting empathy, and instilling a sense of shared responsibility, education becomes a catalyst for unity. Educational institutions that prioritize inclusivity and teach the values of tolerance and respect contribute to the development of individuals who are better equipped to contribute to a united society.

VII. Overcoming Challenges Through Unity:

Unity becomes particularly crucial in times of crisis. Whether facing natural disasters, pandemics, or socio-economic upheavals, a united front enhances resilience and facilitates a more effective response. By pooling resources, expertise, and collective efforts, communities and nations can overcome challenges that might seem insurmountable when faced individually.

VIII. The Role of Communication in Fostering Unity:

Effective communication is a linchpin in the development and sustenance of unity. Transparent, open, and respectful communication bridges gaps, dispels misunderstandings, and cultivates a culture of trust. Dialogues that encourage active listening, empathy, and a willingness to understand diverse perspectives create an environment conducive to unity.

• Cultural Expressions of Unity:

Many cultures worldwide have unique expressions of unity embedded in their traditions, ceremonies, and rituals. These cultural manifestations often highlight the significance of collective identity and shared values. Exploring and appreciating these cultural expressions fosters a global understanding that goes beyond borders, reinforcing the idea that unity is a universal aspiration.

Conclusion:

In a world marked by division, conflict, and disparities, the concept of unity emerges as a guiding principle for building stronger, more resilient communities and societies. From the grassroots level of individual relationships to the global stage of international cooperation, unity has the power to transcend differences, creating a tapestry of interconnectedness.

As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, fostering unity requires intentional efforts, understanding, and a commitment to shared values. By recognizing the strength that arises from diversity, actively engaging in community building, and promoting inclusivity on a global scale, we can harness the transformative power of unity. It is through unity that we can collectively shape a future marked by cooperation, empathy, and the shared pursuit of a better world for all.

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Essay on National Unity

Introduction to National Unity

National unity is the cornerstone of a stable and prosperous society, catalyzing collective progress and resilience in the face of adversity. It embodies the cohesive bond that transcends individual differences, forging a shared sense of identity and purpose among citizens. For instance, in the aftermath of World War II , the United States rallied under the banner of national unity, spearheading efforts for reconstruction and reconciliation. Similarly, nations such as South Africa, amidst the challenges of apartheid, demonstrated the transformative power of unity in overcoming systemic injustices and building a more inclusive society. In this essay, we delve into the intricacies of national unity, exploring its historical significance, contemporary relevance, and the pivotal role it plays in shaping the destiny of nations.

Historical Perspectives

National unity has been a crucial aspect of societal development throughout history. Various civilizations and nations have grappled with the challenges of uniting diverse populations under a common identity. Here are some historical perspectives on national unity:

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• Ancient Civilizations : Many ancient empires, such as the Roman Empire and the Maurya Empire in India, employed strategies to maintain unity among diverse populations through governance, infrastructure development, and cultural assimilation.
• Colonial and Post-Colonial Movements : National unity played a crucial role in anti-colonial struggles, with leaders like Mahatma Gandhi in India and Nelson Mandela in South Africa emphasizing unity among different ethnic and racial groups to achieve independence and build new nations.
• World Wars : Both World Wars highlighted the importance of national unity in times of crisis, leading to increased patriotism and cooperation among citizens to defend their countries.
• Civil Rights Movements : In various countries, including the United States and South Africa, civil rights movements emphasized unity among marginalized groups to fight against discrimination and segregation, leading to significant social and political changes.
• Post-Conflict Reconciliation : Countries like Rwanda, Bosnia, and Herzegovina have focused on national unity as a means of healing and rebuilding societies torn apart by conflict and genocide, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and understanding across ethnic and cultural lines.

Importance of National Unity in a Diverse Society

• Social Cohesion : National unity fosters a sense of belonging and shared identity among diverse groups within a society, promoting social cohesion and reducing social divisions based on ethnicity, religion, or culture.
• Political Stability : A unified nation is more stable politically, as citizens are more likely to support the government and work together for the common good, reducing the risk of internal conflicts and unrest.
• Economic Development : National unity is essential for economic progress, as it creates a conducive environment for investment, trade, and economic growth. A unified nation can better address economic challenges and inequalities.
• Cultural Enrichment : National unity allows for the preservation and promotion of diverse cultural traditions and heritage, enriching the overall cultural fabric of the society.
• Strength in Diversity : A united nation can leverage its diversity as a strength, benefiting from the varied perspectives, skills, and talents of its citizens to drive innovation, creativity, and progress.
• Resilience Against External Threats : A nation’s capacity to defend itself against external threats is strengthened by national unity because its people are more inclined to come together in times of need to defend their country and way of life.
• Promotion of Peace and Tolerance : National unity promotes peace and tolerance by encouraging understanding, respect, and cooperation among different groups, reducing the risk of conflicts based on ethnic, religious, or cultural differences.
• Fostering a Sense of National Pride : National unity instills a sense of pride in one’s nation and its achievements, encouraging citizens to work together to build a better future for themselves and future generations.

Factors Influencing National Unity

• Cultural Diversity and Integration : Embracing and celebrating cultural diversity while promoting integration and inclusivity can strengthen national unity by fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity among all citizens.
• Socio-Economic Disparities and Equality : Addressing socio-economic disparities and promoting equality can reduce feelings of marginalization and promote a sense of fairness and unity among citizens.
• Political Stability and Inclusivity : A stable political environment, characterized by inclusive governance and political participation, can help build trust among diverse groups and promote national unity.
• Education and Awareness : Education promotes national unity by fostering understanding, tolerance, and respect for different cultures, religions, and beliefs.
• Effective Communication : Open and honest communication between different social groups can help bridge divides and build mutual understanding, contributing to national unity.
• Shared History and Values : Emphasizing shared history, values, and symbols can help create a sense of common identity among citizens, fostering national unity.
• Rule of Law and Justice : Maintaining the rule of law and ensuring everyone is treated fairly can increase public confidence in the government and foster a sense of cohesion and unity.
• Economic Interdependence : Promoting economic interdependence among different regions or groups within a country can create shared interests and incentives for cooperation, strengthening national unity.
• Social Cohesion Programs : Implementing programs that promote social cohesion, such as community-building activities and intergroup dialogues, can help bridge divides and promote unity.
• Media and Information Sharing : The media plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions and promoting understanding among different groups. Responsible and unbiased reporting promotes national unity by fostering a more informed and empathetic society.

Strategies for Promoting National Unity

• Education and Awareness Programs : Implementing educational initiatives that promote understanding, tolerance, and appreciation of cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity can help foster national unity.
• Promoting Interfaith and Interethnic Dialogue : Facilitating dialogue and interaction between different religious and ethnic groups can help build trust, reduce prejudices, and promote unity.
• Inclusive Governance and Policies : Ensuring that governance structures and policies are inclusive and representative of all societal groups can help promote a sense of belonging and unity.
• Celebrating Diversity : Encouraging the country’s rich diversity through events and activities that commemorate residents’ different cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds can contribute to the promotion of togetherness.
• Addressing Socio-Economic Disparities : Implementing policies that address socio-economic inequalities and promote social mobility can help reduce feelings of marginalization and promote unity.
• Civic Engagement and Volunteerism : Citizens can become more united by fostering a feeling of community and shared responsibility through civic involvement and volunteerism.
• Media Responsibility : Promoting responsible and unbiased media reporting that avoids sensationalism and promotes understanding can help build a more informed and empathetic society, contributing to national unity.
• Promotion of National Symbols and Values : Emphasizing national symbols, values, and historical figures representing unity and inclusivity can help create a shared sense of identity among citizens.
• Conflict Resolution Mechanisms : Establishing effective mechanisms for resolving conflicts and grievances can help prevent tensions from escalating and promote unity.
• Promoting Youth Engagement : Engaging young people in initiatives that promote unity and intercultural understanding can help build a more cohesive and inclusive society for the future.

Role of Media

• Responsible Reporting : The media plays a significant role in influencing the way the public perceives things. Responsible reporting that avoids sensationalism and promotes balanced, accurate, and unbiased information can help build trust among different groups within society, fostering national unity.
• Promotion of Positive Narratives : The media can promote positive narratives highlighting the achievements and contributions of diverse groups. This can help counter negative stereotypes and promote a sense of pride and unity among citizens.
• Highlighting Common Values and Goals : The media can help highlight the common values, goals, and aspirations shared by citizens, regardless of their cultural, ethnic, or religious backgrounds. This can help foster a sense of unity and common purpose.
• Facilitating Dialogue and Understanding : The media can serve as a platform for encouraging dialogue and understanding between different groups within society. This can help bridge divides and promote a more cohesive and inclusive society.
• Promotion of Cultural Exchange and Understanding : The media can promote cultural exchange and understanding by showcasing different social groups’ cultural traditions, practices, and values. This can promote appreciation and respect for diversity, contributing to national unity.
• Addressing Misinformation and Polarization : The media can address misinformation and polarization by providing fact-based reporting and promoting critical thinking among citizens. This can help reduce tensions and promote unity.
• Promotion of Peaceful Coexistence : The media can promote messages of peace, tolerance, and coexistence, highlighting the importance of respecting and embracing diversity. This can help create a more harmonious and united society.
• Celebrating Diversity : The media can celebrate the diversity of cultures, languages, and traditions within society, promoting a sense of pride and appreciation for the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
• Promoting Social Cohesion : The media can promote social cohesion by highlighting stories of cooperation, collaboration, and mutual support among different groups within society. This can help foster a sense of community and unity.
• Advocating for Inclusivity and Equality : The media can advocate for inclusivity and equality by highlighting social justice issues and promoting policies that ensure equal rights and opportunities for all citizens.

Case Studies

• Singapore : Many cite Singapore as a successful example of national unity in a multicultural society. The government has implemented policies that promote racial and religious harmony, such as the Ethnic Integration Policy, which ensures a balanced mix of different ethnic groups in public housing estates. The government also emphasizes the importance of a common national identity through education and national service, fostering a sense of unity among citizens.
• Rwanda : After the genocide in 1994, Rwanda embarked on a path of national reconciliation and unity. The government implemented policies to promote inclusivity and forgiveness, such as the gacaca courts, encouraging perpetrators to confess and seek forgiveness from their victims. The government also promoted national identity over ethnic divisions, leading to a strong sense of unity among Rwandans.
• Germany : Following the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990, the German government implemented policies to promote integration and unity between the two regions. This included investments in infrastructure and development projects in the former East Germany and efforts to promote understanding and reconciliation between the two regions. As a result, Germany has successfully integrated the former East Germany into a unified and cohesive nation.
• South Africa : Following the end of apartheid, South Africa pursued several initiatives to foster national unity and reconciliation. In addition to addressing the horrors of apartheid, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission sought to foster forgiveness and reconciliation. The government also implemented policies to encourage equality and inclusivity, such as affirmative action and land reform, to address the legacy of apartheid and promote unity among all South Africans.
• Canada : Canada is known for its multiculturalism policy, which promotes the idea that diversity is a strength. The government has implemented policies to support multiculturalism, such as funding for multicultural festivals and programs, and policies to promote bilingualism, such as the Official Languages Act. Despite their diverse backgrounds, These policies have helped create a sense of unity among Canadians.
• Sensationalism and Bias : Media outlets sometimes prioritize sensationalism over accuracy, leading to biased reporting that can exacerbate societal divisions rather than promoting unity.
• Polarization and Partisanship : Media platforms can contribute to polarization by catering to specific political or ideological viewpoints, reinforcing echo chambers, and hindering constructive dialogue.
• Misinformation and Disinformation : Fostering national unity can be difficult when incorrect or misleading information propagates through the media, undermining public confidence in institutions and escalating social divisions.
• Manipulation and Propaganda : In some cases, media outlets may be used to manipulate propaganda by political or other vested interests, further eroding trust and unity.
• Lack of Diversity in Media Ownership : Concentration of media ownership in the hands of a few entities can limit the diversity of viewpoints and perspectives, hindering efforts to promote inclusivity and unity.
• Language and Cultural Barriers : Language and cultural barriers can make it difficult for the media to successfully connect and engage with all parts of the people in multicultural countries, which can impede efforts to promote national unity.
• Economic Pressures : Economic pressures, such as declining advertising revenues and competition from digital platforms, can impact the quality and diversity of media content, affecting its ability to promote unity.
• Technological Challenges : Rapid technological advancements, such as deepfake videos and AI-generated content, pose new challenges for media authenticity and trust, impacting efforts to foster unity.
• Lack of Media Literacy : Limited media literacy among the population can make people more susceptible to misinformation and manipulation, hindering efforts to promote unity through responsible media consumption.
• External Influences : Foreign actors or interests may seek to exploit media channels to sow discord and division within a society, posing a challenge to efforts to promote national unity.

Government Policies

• Media Regulation : Governments can regulate the media to ensure adherence to ethical standards, accuracy, and fairness. However, excessive regulation can stifle press freedom and diversity of viewpoints, which are essential for promoting national unity.
• Public Broadcasting : Governments can support public broadcasting as a means to provide balanced and informative content that promotes national unity. However, there is a risk of government influence compromising the independence of public broadcasters.
• Media Literacy Programs : Governments can implement media literacy programs to educate citizens about identifying misinformation and understanding different perspectives. This can promote a more informed and discerning public, contributing to national unity.
• Diversity and Inclusivity Policies : Governments can encourage media outlets to reflect the diversity of society in their content and workforce. This can help promote inclusivity and unity by ensuring all voices are represented and heard.
• Support for Independent Media : Governments can support independent media outlets to ensure a diverse range of viewpoints are available to the public. This can counteract polarization and promote unity through informed dialogue.
• Transparency and Accountability : Governments can promote transparency and accountability in media ownership and funding to ensure that vested interests do not unduly influence media outlets. This can help maintain public trust in the media and promote unity.
• Conflict Resolution Mechanisms : Governments can establish mechanisms for resolving disputes related to media content, such as through ombudsman offices or regulatory bodies. This can help prevent media-related conflicts from escalating and promote unity.
• International Cooperation : Governments can work together with other nations to address issues related to cross-border media, like misinformation campaigns. This can help promote a unified response to media-related threats to national unity.
• Digital Media Policies : Governments can develop policies to regulate digital media platforms and address misinformation and hate speech challenges. This can help promote a safer online environment conducive to national unity.
• Freedom of Expression : Governments can uphold freedom of expression as a fundamental right while ensuring people exercise it responsibly. This can promote open dialogue and debate, contributing to national unity.

National unity is a cornerstone of a strong and prosperous society. It encompasses embracing diversity, promoting inclusivity, and fostering citizens’ shared sense of identity and purpose. Countries can overcome challenges through education, responsible governance, and social cohesion initiatives and build a more harmonious and united nation. Examples from Singapore, Rwanda, Germany, South Africa, and Canada demonstrate that even the most diverse and divided societies can achieve national unity with the right policies and efforts. Through unity, nations can address common challenges, celebrate their differences, and strive toward a brighter and more inclusive future for all.

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Governments of national unity in the context of coalition majority governments: conceptualization, cases, political causes and consequences by the example of European democracies

2016, Lytvyn V. Governments of national unity in the context of coalition majority governments: conceptualization, cases, political causes and consequences by the example of European democracies // Studium Europy Srodkowej i Wschodniej. – 2016. – Nr. 5. – S. 20–40.

The article presents the cases, theoretical and methodological determination, structuring and modelling of governments of national unity thorough the example of European democracies. The author implements the analysis of theoretical and practical dimensions of governments of national unity and, based on the party-dimensional and ideologically formative components, proposes the mechanism of governments of national unity formation. The researcher also defines the preconditions and determinants of governments of national unity formation and the impact and significance of governments of national unity in the political process. Keywords: government, grand coalition, government of national unity, coalition majority government, democracy.

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Lytvyn V. Types of cabinets and cabinet stability in Central and Eastern European parliamentary democracies (1990–2013) / Vitaliy Lytvyn // Studium Europy Srodkowej i Wschodniej: Wydawnictwo Wyzszej Szkoly Gospodarki Krajowej w Kutnie. – 2015. – Nr. 3. – S. 244–266., 2015

The article is dedicated to analysing types of cabinets and cabinet stability in Central and Eastern European parliamentary democracies. The author proposed several classifications of cabinets and analysed which types of cabinets in each classification are more stable. The scientist analysed the experiences of 147 cabinets in ten Central and Eastern European countries and argued that majority cabinets are more stable than minority cabinets, single-party cabinets are more stable then coalition cabinets. The researcher also suggested the logic of different types of cabinets’ stability. Special attention was focused on stability of different types of coalition cabinets. Keywords: cabinet, cabinet stability, party and nonparty cabinets, single-party and coalition cabinets, majority and minority cabinets, minimal winning and surplus coalitions, Central and Eastern Europe.

Lytvyn V. The Evolution, Logics, Variations and Improving of the Actual (Political and Behavioural) Typology of Semi-Presidentialism: Theorisation and Manifestations on the Example of European Countries // Studium Europy Srodkowej i Wschodniej. – 2019. – Nr. 11. – S. 90–118., 2019

Semi-presidentialism is a very common and heterogeneous system of government, since it can be typified both formally (institutionally and procedurally) and actually (politically and behaviorally), but the dynamics of semi-presidentialism is less dependent on institutional and constitutional norms than on political and behavioral factors. These typological factors (in particular, the dualism, legitimacy, party affiliation and responsibility of the executive and the compositions of legislatures) create the grounds for the mediation of semi-presidentialism on the basis of political and behavioral models of the evaluation of norms and manifestations. Therefore, the study primarily focuses on the updated and expanded theorization of the actual (political and behavioral) typology of semi-presidentialism and on the practical consequences, risks and prospects for its operationalization within the framework of the European cases (from the moment of semi-presidentialism’s introduction and as of December 2017). As a result, it is argued that semi-presidentialism (based on a presidential party positioning against the types of cabinets and the parameters of inter-party and intra-party relations) should be alternatively typified on the fully or partly unified majority systems, fully or partly unified minority systems, divided majority systems and divided minority systems, which provide various political implications. Keywords: semi-presidentialism, system of government, actual (political and behavioral) typology of semi-presidentialism, European countries.

Lytvyn V. The Stages of Installation and Institutional, Procedural, Political and Behavioral Attributes of Semi-Presidentialism in Poland and Ukraine: Comparative Analysis / Vitaliy Lytvyn // Studium Europy Srodkowej i Wschodniej. – 2017. – Nr. 8. – S. 15–30., 2017

The research is dedicated to conceptualization, systematization and comparing the attributes and stages of installation and development of semi-presidential system of government in Poland and Ukraine. It was argued that semi-presidentialism should be defined the least subjectively or minimally (or in an institutional and procedural way), but should be classified the most broadly or maximally (or in an institutional, procedural, political and behavioral way). Based on this, it was found that we need to classify semi-presidentialism in a versatile way, i.e. institutionally, procedurally, politically, behaviorally and synthetically. Accordingly, it was found that reflection on semi-presidentialism in singular can be only definitive, but such a logic is unacceptable in the classification of semi-presidentialism, because different "adjectives" and attributes of semi-presidentialism refer to different formal and factual types, phases and scenarios of the analyzed system of government. The researcher reasoned that as of 2017 Poland and Ukraine experienced very similar types of semi-presidentialism, which were determined with the unified majority systems within the constructions of balanced premier-presidentialism. At the same time, it was found that the powers of the various political actors within the conditions of semi-presidentialism are determined with formal, constitutional, institutional, procedural, political, behavioral, party, electoral and personal factors. Keywords: semi-presidentialism, attributes and types of semi-presidentialism, Poland, Ukraine.

The article is considered the concept of «coalition presidentialism». It has been considered the features in building coalition in parliamentary and presidential systems. Among the indicators of coalition building in parliamentary system are investiture rule, the formateur party, motives of politicians, agreement on the coalition formation, and political fragmentation. In presidential system, they are cabinet appointments, pork, and patronage.

Scandinavian Political Studies, 2002

Romania is a semi-presidential republic with a multi-party parliamentary system. During the 28 years of democratic state-building, this institutional design has forced political parties to build electoral alliances and form coalition governments. The article illuminates the reasons for an alliance of the Romanian parties in their quest for winning votes in the post-communist setting. It reflects on the most successful alliance-building models in the seven electoral cycles of parliament that have taken place between 1990 and 2016. Two alternating patterns for electoral success in Romania can be identified: (type 1) alliances around one managerially efficient dominating party (mostly the Social Democratic Party / PSD); and (type 2) negative single-issue based alliances (" the anti " political campaigns). This type of alliance-strategies was reinforced by the results of the latest parliamentary elections in December 2016. It illustrated the success of the PSD and the subsequent government formation together with its satellite party, the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats / ALDE (type 1 alliance). As for the near future, considering there is little difference on the supply side of party alternatives, we have good reasons to expect a continuation of the political configurations discussed. Type 2 strategies remain the best strategy for opposition parties to have a chance for reaching executive power.

ISBN: 978-91-85724-16-1 Strong and sustainable democracy is dependent on the existence of well-functioning political parties, which are crucial actors in bringing together diverse interests, recruiting and presenting candidates, and developing competing policy proposals that provide people with a choice. In a democracy there is no substitute for open competition between political parties in elections. Throughout the world, however, political parties find themselves in crisis, unpopular and increasingly distrusted. In Africa, they face challenges similar to those faced elsewhere, further exacerbated by diverse and complex political and developmental challenges.

Since the dawn of democracy, South Africa’s politics has been gradually moving from the prevalence of one-party dominance to a multi-party system. The failure of the ANC to maintain its political dominance gave rise to other political parties such as IFP, UDM, DA, COPE and EFF, just to mention the few. These parties have gained more support and as a result, coalition governance is likely to become permanent feature of South African politics. This was witnessed in 2016 local government elections where a number of municipalities and metros are co-governed by various political parties. The purpose of this paper is therefore to contextualise South Africa’s political spectrum and locate the challenges and opportunities of coalition governance thereof. To this end, an attempt was made to present an analytical account on various types and theories of coalition and a detailed examination of multi-party political systems. From the analysis, the paper argues that multi-party governance plays ...

Lytvyn V. Categorization and systematization of institutionally-procedural and politically-behavioral attributes and features of semi-presidentialism: theoretical and methodological cut // Studium Europy Srodkowej i Wschodniej: Wydawnictwo WSGK w Kutnie. – 2018. – Nr. 10. – S. 158–179., 2018

The article is devoted to theoretical and methodological categorization and systematization of institutionally-procedural and politically-behavioral attributes and features of semi-presidentialism. The author identified at least two groups of causes and factors, i.e. exogenous and endogenous, that define and categorize semi-presidentialism: the actual content of a constitution, the combination of traditions and circumstances (exogenous causes and factors), the composition of parliamentary majority and the position of a president in relation to parliamentary majority (endogenous causes and factors). It was motivated that, within the same constitutional delineation, a specific semi-presidential country can be classified in practice, first of all in the cut of varying institutional rules and formal/actual powers of presidents, governmental cabinets/prime ministers and parliaments. The researcher found out that taking into account the place and role of political institutions in inter-party competition and party hierarchy has a significant influence on this process. That is why semi-presidentialism was generalized as a system of government, which is comprehensively updated and taxonomied formally and actually. At the same time, it was recorded that semi-presidentialism uses specific hierarchical and transactional relations in the triangle “the head of state–governmental cabinet–parliament”. Their combination affects the formal and actual positioning and taxonomy of different types of heterogeneous semi-presidentialism. It was generalized that semi-presidentialism is definitively and permanently characterized with: a restrained and moderate model of separation of powers and appropriate system of checks and balances; popular election of a president for a fixed term; the collective responsibility of a prime minister and a cabinet to a legislature; the actual “securitization” of a president from interference in his or her activities by other institutions and branches of state power; actual (or at least formal), but multi-step and different deconcentration or dualization of the executive between a president (the head of state) and a prime minister (the head of governmental cabinet); double or dual nature of the origin and implementation of the executive, but not a double or dual nature of the responsibility of the executive. Keywords: semi-presidentialism, president, prime minister, governmental cabinet, legislature, interinstitutional relations.

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West European Politics, 2012

European Journal of Political Research, 2004

Political Studies, 2002

Lytvyn V. Theoretical Framework of Balanced Semi-Presidentialism, its Institutional Risks/Positives and Prospects for Reformation in Ukraine / Vitaliy Lytvyn // Studium Europy Srodkowej i Wschodniej: Wydawnictwo Wyzszej Szkoly Gospodarki Krajowej w Kutnie. – 2015. – Nr. 4. – S. 258–273., 2015

The Journal of Legislative Studies, 2008

… on Consequences of Political Institutions in …, 2002

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European Journal of Political Research, 2010

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Acta Asiatica Varsoviensia, No. 30, Issue 1, pp. 1-108, 2017

Party Politics, 2013

ACTA ASIATICA VARSOVIENSIA No. 30 Issue 1 SPECIAL ISSUE ON POWER-SHARING IN ASIA & OCEANIA Edited by Krzysztof Trzciński, 2018

European Journal of Social Sciences Education and Research

Communist and Post-communist Studies, 2003

South European Society and Politics

Journal of African elections

Lytvyn V. Isolation and taxonomy of semi-presidentialism with nominal presidents in Central and Eastern European countries of the EU: as exemplified by Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia and the Czech Republic / Vitaliy Lytvyn // Studium Europy Srodkowej i Wschodniej. – 2017. – Nr. 7. – P. 18–42., 2017

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South Africa - Pros and Cons of a National Unity Government

The ANC has proposed forming a national unity government after failing to win a majority in the May election. What does that mean? And would it even work in the politically fractured nation?

Some of South Africa's major opposition parties have said they are considering a proposal by the African National Congress (ANC) to form a national unity government. The ANC won most of the seats in the country's recent election .

When announcing the proposal last week , ANC leader and current President Cyril Ramaphosa said banding together with a broad group of parties was the "best option" to move South Africa forward for the next five-year term.

The ANC remains the biggest party in the National Assembly after winning 40% of the vote and gaining 159 of 400 seats in the National Assembly. However, after failing to win a majority for the first time since the country's democratic elections in 1994, it now needs the backing of other parties to govern.

The main opposition parties include the pro-business Democratic Alliance (DA) with 87 seats, the populist uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) backed by former President Jacob Zuma with 58 seats and the radical-left Economic Freedom Fighters, which gained 39 seats.

Ramaphosa said the ANC had already held constructive discussions with the DA and EFF, as well as with the smaller Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), the National Freedom Party and the anti-immigrant Patriotic Alliance.

The ANC is under pressure to reach an agreement as the new parliament needs to elect the speaker, deputy speaker and president when it sits for the first time on Friday.

What is a national unity government?

A national unity government is a type of broad, multiparty coalition. It may include all the parties represented in parliament, or at least the major parties, giving them a share in governing the country.

Unity governments can come in different forms. South Africa's only previous government of national unity, which followed the country's first multiracial elections in 1994 and saw Nelson Mandela become president, was regulated by the country's interim constitution. It prescribed, among other things, how cabinet positions were to be allocated according to the number of seats a party gained in the post- apartheid National Assembly.

But South Africa today doesn't have any legislative or constitutional framework regulating how the proposed unity government should be set up, said Ebrahim Fakir, an analyst at the South African-based Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa.

He said that a unity government in today's South Africa would essentially be an agreement between the different political parties about how they want to share power.

"So, in one way, it is a subset of a type of coalition that tries to be as inclusive as it possibly can," Fakir told DW. But, he added, a unity government is "subtly different" from a coalition in that "some degree of policy proximity between the parties is not necessarily a precondition."

What are the advantages of a unity government?

"It requires, or in some way urges or forces, the political parties who have won in the election to work together," political analyst Asanda Ngoasheng told DW. "What it also does is that it allows for political parties that didn't outright win the election, or even win the majority, to be able to present their policies in the negotiations towards a government of national unity."

"This can build social cohesion because everyone's voices are to an extent represented and all different sectors of the population are represented, and this is something that's important in South Africa," Ngoasheng said.

South Africa, which has 11 official languages, suffers from historical ethnic and racial divides that were starkly exposed in the May 29 election.

National unity governments are often called at times of crisis, such as an impending war or economic instability, because they enjoy a large parliamentary majority and broad public legitimacy.

South Africa isn't facing a crisis in the sense of a significant insecurity threat, pointed out Ntsikelelo Breakfast, who leads the Center for Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution at South Africa's Nelson Mandela University. But he sees inequality, poverty and unemployment , and the collapsing water and power supplies as a danger to the country.

A national unity government in South Africa could help deepen democracy , he believes, because it means no one political party can "impose its agenda on all and sundry."

"You have to get a buy in from different players, which is good. And you have to listen to each because in the past, the ANC has been very arrogant," Breakfast said.

What are the disadvantages?

According to experts, one main disadvantage is the potential for political instability. Having many parties with conflicting and contradictory positions on several policy issues can become unwieldy.

"You will have deadlocks, in particular on issues which are contentious, like passing a budget," warned Breakfast. "I expect we might have a problem on that score. And what is going to happen when there are disagreements? Are these political parties going to go [their] separate ways? What will be the impact of that on the economy?"

The 1994 government of national unity didn't last, with the white-led National Party quitting after just over two years.

Analyst Ebrahim Fakir sees the "divergent interests" of the various parties as posing "serious danger."

He warns that even though many in South Africa are optimistic about the prospect of a unity government, the politicians from opposing parties will "want to undermine each other even though they have this agreement."

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On top of this, with the ANC winning a majority in the last five elections, South Africa doesn't have a long-standing tradition of forming and governing with coalition partners.

How have other parties responded?

During the election campaign, the DA had called any potential ANC tie-up with the EFF or MK a "doomsday coalition" that would tank the economy. Both smaller parties advocate nationalizing mines and seizing land without compensation.

The EFF said it would not be part of a government involving the DA, which has a liberal, free-market agenda. "We are not desperate for positions in government," its deputy leader, Floyd Shivambu, told a press conference.

The IFP said it was not opposed to a national unity government. "However, the devil is in the details, which will become clearer in the coming days," it said in a statement.

As for the MK, although the party has confirmed it has begun talks with the ANC, it has also raised objections about the election results, citing alleged voting irregularities. Consequently, the MK has filed an application with the Constitutional Court, seeking to stop the swearing-in of the new lawmakers.

Edited by: Chrispin Mwakideu

Cyril Ramaphosa's Leadership Style Didn't Impress Voters - but Seeking Consensus May Be What South Africa's Unity Government Needs

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• American Identity and Unity

Throughout the 17 th and 18 th centuries Americans developed a unique system of government with revolutionary ideals – never seen anywhere else before. Americans adopted representative governments with democratic principles that allowed each person to have a voice in the decisions about their country. This atmosphere of new ideas and new political rights fostered a growing sense of a unique American identity – not found anywhere else. By the eve of the American Revolution, colonists had embraced a new identity – completely different from their English roots – that helped fuel their resistance against Britain; however, plagued by petty disagreements and discouraged by the large Loyalist population, the Americans were never able to effectively unite against the British.

During the early 18 th century, the British government adopted a policy of “salutary neglect” toward the colonies, which gave Americans freedom to develop their own political systems – as long as they followed the ideas of Mercantilism. When the first colonies were chartered in the 17 th century, the majority adopted some sort of political institution that gave voting rights to each and every man. In the North, most citizens were able to participate in the local Town Meetings and voice their opinions. In addition, nearly every colony had a representative assembly with elected officials. These new political institutions – that the Americans had built from the ground up, and learned to cherish – caused Americans to forge a distinctive identity. However, there were other factors that contributed to the growth of a new American identity.

The American/British victory in the French and Indian War taught the Americans that they could unite in difficult times and triumph over adversity. The victory increased American morale and promoted patriotism throughout the colonies. However, when Parliament attempted to tighten control of the colonial governments and make the colonists pay for their fair share of the war, colonists were furious at the attack on their freedoms. Parliament passed the Stamp Act in 1765, the proud colonists felt insulted that the British government would bypass their own colonial system of taxation. Americans were upset because they felt that they shouldn’t be taxed by an assembly in which they had no representation. Combined with Parliament’s other unreasonable acts like the Proclamation of 1763 and the Quebec Act, colonists became concerned about the increasingly hostile acts of Parliament which, in their eyes, were designed to limit their rights and liberties. Parliament’s aggression towards the colonies reinforced the fact that colonist’s political, economic, and social ideas varied significantly with those of the British. In addition, a large percentage of the colonists were not British in the least, but rather Dutch, or Scots-Irish, or some other race and had no loyalty to the Crown whatsoever. Why would the proud colonists listen to an assembly 3000 miles away, when they had their own representative assemblies that spoke for their interests? It is precisely this question that colonists were asking on the eve of the Revolution.

Colonists had developed a strong sense of American identity by the 18 th century, however, when the time came for the colonists to unite against the British, disorganization and uncertainty ran rampant. Organizations that were meant to be unifying factors for the colonists, like the Continental Congress, were little more than debating clubs that had to work for weeks before agreeing on anything. In addition, American resistance was further hampered by a conflict of colonial interests. Many colonists, dubbed Loyalists, were still faithful to the Crown and did not want to break away from Great Britain. Furthermore, some colonists refused to support the revolution, because they felt that a break with Britain would mean economic turmoil – a fact probably not far from the truth. Loyalists fought with the American rebels, while the rebels also fought with the British troops. Some colonists aided the Patriots, while others aided the British. In one instance, Loyalists made clothes and shoes and sold them to the British soldiers (with profits of 50 to 200 percent), while George Washington’s army was freezing in nearby Valley Forge. Such was the colonial conflict of interests.

By the eve of the American Revolution, Parliament’s aggression towards the colonists had drawn a distinction between the colonist’s political, economic, and social ideas and those of the British. Colonists had embraced a new identity that helped fuel their resistance against Britain. However, disunity plagued the Americans, and it was only with the support of the French that the Americans were finally able to gain independence.

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South Africa’s new unity government must draw on the country’s greatest asset: its constitution

Extraordinary Professor, North-West University

Disclosure statement

Francois Venter previously received funding from the South African National Research Foundation as a B-rated researcher and also from the Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung for multiple research visits to Germany.

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South Africa’s economy is strained , unemployment and crime are extremely high, policing is ineffective and the public service is dysfunctional . Francois Venter was involved in drafting the country’s transitional 1993 and final 1996 constitutions. Since then, he has researched comparative constitutional law and theory. He believes the outcome of the 2024 general election, which culminated in a multiparty government, provides an opportunity to address the country’s problems through applying the constitution properly.

South Africa’s constitution is highly regarded. What’s wrong with its implementation?

The 1996 constitution is the country’s greatest asset under the current socioeconomic and political conditions.

It allows for – and was intended to – promote broad cooperation in reconstructing the country.

The preamble contains various phrases expressing this intention. They include the need to

improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person.

Chapter 3 deals with the notion of “cooperative government”. This demands, among other things, an

effective, transparent, accountable and coherent government.

Reconstruction through cooperation has, however, been undermined.

A prominent example is the way parliamentary oversight over the executive was neutralised during President Jacob Zuma’s time in office ( 2009-2018 ). As a result he didn’t have to account for state capture .

Section 89 of the transitional 1993 constitution provided for two executive deputy presidents. They would ordinarily “preside over meetings of the cabinet in turn”.

The cabinet would

function in a manner which gives consideration to the consensus-seeking spirit underlying the concept of a government of national unity as well as the need for effective government.

The Constitutional Assembly of 1996 was composed of the newly elected National Assembly and the Senate sitting together to draft and adopt the “final” constitution. The African National Congress (ANC), which held the majority in the assembly after the 1994 elections , chose to remove the notion of a government of national unity from the constitution.

Instead, the final constitution concentrated both the powers of the head of state and of government in the president.

This allowed the presidents succeeding Nelson Mandela to personally exert final control over both the executive and the legislative process. Due to this concentration of power, the country’s presidents have until now had almost unfettered control of the composition of the cabinet, where laws are initiated. The presidents have all come from the ANC.

Fortunately, many attributes of constitutionalism that were negotiated in 1993 survived in the current (1996) constitution. These include the principles governing public administration in section 195 . These were intended to maintain a professional civil service. The principle of participatory democracy in sections 59, 72 and 118 is aimed at allowing public input in lawmaking.

Read more: South Africa's political monopoly has been broken: could it help the economy?

Some of those constructive arrangements have subsequently been ignored or undermined.

Among these are:

• the basic values and principles governing public administration

The requirement to maintain a high standard of professional ethics would have prevented state capture . Basing the state’s personnel management practices on ability, objectivity, fairness and broad representation should have prevented political favouritism in appointing state officials.

• the principle of participatory democracy (in sections 59, 72 and 118)

Legislative bodies are supposed to involve the public in legislative processes. Unfortunately, this has often been done as a box-ticking exercise, and even abused politically, as the Constitutional Court has noted .

How can the problem be remedied?

As in any workable coalition, the parties to the multiparty government will have to negotiate a solid agreement on the modalities of their cooperation. They will have to agree to be bound by the coalition pact. They must also perform their functions in accordance with all the provisions of the constitution.

To my mind an unambiguous coalition agreement rooted in the constitution is a prerequisite for a stable and reconstructive government in the coming years.

On 14 June 2024 the parties now holding most of the seats in the National Assembly (the ANC and the Democratic Alliance (DA)) signed a “ Statement of Intent of the 2024 Government of National Unity”.

The statement provides a broad basis for the development of a more detailed coalition agreement. Although such a coalition pact would be difficult to enforce in law, it could, given the spread of parliamentary representation , be politically potent.

Read more: South Africa's unity government: 4 crucial factors for it to work

Although the president who was elected in accordance with the Statement of Intent is still the head of state and the executive (cabinet), the prospective coalition pact should require him to exercise the functions and powers of his office subject to the approval or acquiescence of the other signatories. Furthermore, the presidency should, similar to the rest of the cabinet, also be accountable to parliament.

Such a coalition compact, however named, cannot in law negate the supreme constitution. However, it may – and should – determine how the constitution and laws are put into action. The formal agreement may, for instance, allow cabinet ministers some executive autonomy within their portfolios.

Equally, the coalition agreement should regulate the functioning of cabinet to act as a consensus-seeking body. This would allow the joint review of the agreed policies implemented by all the ministers. Where “sufficient” consensus cannot be achieved essentially between the ANC and DA, a deadlock-breaking mechanism should be created. Ideally, this should involve persons and institutions not involved in party politics.

What must a coalition government prioritise?

Governing South Africa in a spirit of national unity will be difficult. It would thus be helpful to have a clear banner under which the task may be undertaken with broad political support and the assistance of civil society.

Such a banner might be “cooperative reconstruction”. This would give expression to the wide acceptance of the need for both cooperation in and reconstruction of a country experiencing multiple crises.

Read more: Cyril Ramaphosa's leadership style didn't impress voters -- but seeking consensus may be what South Africa's unity government needs

To start with, the unity government should fix the public administration, abandon ideological rigidity and promote real participatory democracy.

Public administration

A major cause of the collapse of public services has been the large-scale political favouritism in key appointments , and weak accountability. This must end.

It is impossible to rebuild a diverse country using one-dimensional catchphrases such as “liberation”, “ revolution ”, “ transformation ”, “ empowerment ”, “ liberal democracy ” and “ cultural autonomy ”.

All coalition partners will have to step back from most of their favourite battle cries and slogans.

Participatory democracy

Due to a marked global decline in popular interest in conventional democracy , there is a widespread trend towards the use of “ citizens’ assemblies ” as instruments for effective participatory democracy .

Citizens’ assemblies are not composed through political election as in conventional democracy. They are convened for consultation from among citizens using scientifically designed objective criteria. Examples can be seen in Australia , Ireland and South Korea .

Introducing this form of participatory democracy in all spheres of government is fully achievable within the constitution. Some form of “national dialogue” as foreseen in the Statement of Intent might indeed increase interest in improved public consultation and participation in governance.

Solid foundations for change

The foundations of the South African constitution have endured three decades of severe political strain . Among these foundations is an effective electoral system. The outcome of the 2024 polls will hopefully curb arbitrary political decision-making and the decline of constitutionalism.

Read more: South Africa's foreign policy: a unity government must be practical in a turbulent world

To redeem the system of governance and an economy plagued by serious crises calls for a change in governance. Capable and principled policy-making and effective implementation must replace corruption. A coalition compact must be founded upon all the cooperative and reconstructive elements of the constitution.

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Unity Essay

Unity is the state of being united or working in a unified way. The term is often used for people and communities staying united in face of adversities and threats. It refers to two or more people working as a single unit. In the context of people and societies, unity plays a significant role. History is replete with examples that united people have stood the test of time achieved impossible.

Sometimes, the unison among the people is natural, like in a family and sometimes it’s for a cause like business, pleasure, safety etc. One of the finest examples of unity and the extraordinary fete it could achieve is India. Millions of people belonging to different faiths and cultures united against the foreign invaders and gained independence, almost peacefully. Had they not been united, independence would still have been a far cry.

Long and Short Essay on Unity in English

Here are short and long essay on Unity of varying lengths to help you with the topic in your exams/school assignments.

You can choose any of these unity essay in several of your school/college functions for essay writing, debate, speech recitation etc.

After going through these essays you will know the meaning of unity and its significance for the society.

You will also know the role that unity plays in the progress of a nation and keeping it safe. So, let’s start reading:

Short Essay on Unity – Essay 1 (200 words)

“Unity is Strength” is a common phrase and it is true to its every word. Unity means being together. It means standing together in thick and thin. Man is a social animal and it is important for him to stay united with his fellow beings in order to lead a peaceful and fulfilling life. This is a very important message that people should pass on to their children. They should set an example by creating a healthy environment at home where everyone lives in coordination with each other. However, families are drifting apart these days and people are forgetting the value of staying united.

Today, we see countries fighting with one another over petty issues. People are killing each other because of minor reasons. There is hatred all around. Everyone is busy in his own world and thinks only about himself. In earlier times people lived in joint families and were well connected with their relatives and everyone else in their neighbourhood. They were there for them whenever needed. In today’s time people are seldom aware as to who their next door neighbour is. It is sad that even though we have numerous means to connect with people, we do not bother to contact our loved ones.

It is time people must truly understand the importance of staying united and live cordially with others.

Essay on Importance of Unity – Essay 2 (300 words)

Introduction

Unity is important at every level and at every step in our life. People who learn the importance of staying united and follow it live a happy and content life. Those who do not understand its importance are often faced with various difficulties at different stages in life.

Proverbs Emphasizing the Importance of Unity

The importance of unity has been stressed upon by way of various proverbs. Some of these include: “United we stand, divided we fall”, “Unity is strength” and “Unity is strength, division is weakness. Each of these proverbs lays stress on the importance of staying united to achieve our goals and emerge successful in both our personal and professional life.

People around the world have believed in these proverbs since centuries and follow the path of unity.

India’s Struggle for Freedom – Best Example of Unity is Strength

One of the best examples of the strength of unity is the Indian struggle for freedom. The British were mighty powerful. They controlled and tortured Indians for years. However, even the powerful British officials had to give up when Indians came out together and stood united against them. Many patriotic leaders emerged during those times. Each had his own ideologies and tried to fight the British accordingly. These leaders inspired vast number of Indians who came out in large number to fight against the tyranny of the British.

Several protests and processions were carried out during that period. The British government was shaken by these events. People realized the importance of standing together and soon their efforts paid off. The British had to leave the country owing to the mass involvement of Indians in the freedom struggle. Had only a few people come forward to fight, the British would have easily silenced them and continued their rule.

Thus, we see, by staying united we can fight even the biggest of problem. Our strength lies in staying united.

Essay on Unity in India – Essay 3 (400 words)

India is a country with diverse cultures and traditions. People belonging to various religions, castes and creeds live in our country. The beauty of our country is that there is unity in diversity. People of different origins live in peace and harmony in our country.

Staying United: A Part of Indian Culture

Ours is a country with rich tradition and culture. Staying together and helping each other is a part of our culture. Our joint family system is one of the biggest examples of the importance we give to staying united. The joint family system had prevailed in our country for centuries. Unlike the modern times, in the past the families did not only live together but also bonded well. People sat together, chit chatted and had their meals in each other’s company. Staying united helped them in many ways.

One of these was managing the finances. The male members of the family went out to work and managed the finances of the family. The entire load of bearing all the expenses did not come on one person alone. This way the elderly people did not feel left out or lonely as is the case today. The kids also got good company which helped in their growth and development. Children got good values from their grandparents as they lived with them the entire day.

People in our country did not only live united with their immediate family members but also bonded well with their neighbours and extended family. People stood by each other and acted as a great support system for one another.

Young Indians’ Idea of Unity

While the elder people still promote the idea of staying united, the young generation is slowly drifting apart. Owing to the growing use of technology, they are all engrossed in their own world. However, even though they may not be aware as to who their neighbours are or may not visit their relatives often this does not mean they do not understand the importance of unity. They come together whenever there is need. The youth of our country stands united to raise voice against the social evils as they know the strength of unity. There have been many instances where in people have come out in large numbers to protest against different crimes.

India has set an example about the advantages of staying united in the past. The newer generation also believes in the power of unity although their ways of expression may be different. For how else can people of varied cultures and castes live together in harmony?

Essay on Advantages of Unity – Essay 4 (500 words)

Unity is of utmost importance. Many stories as well as real life incidences have proved how staying united can render strength to people and help them lead a harmonious and fulfilling life. However, many people still do not understand the importance of staying united. They keep fighting over insignificant things and ultimately end up lonely.

Advantages of Unity

Here are some of the advantages of unity:

• Help and Support

People who stay united together are never left alone in adversity. They help each other and provide moral as well as financial support when in need. On the other hand living in isolation and oblivious to the people around you, might make you feel insecure and an introvert.

• Good Guidance

When we stay united as a part of the society and are in good terms with everyone around, we can seek guidance from them for both personal and professional matters. Elderly people or those who are more learned and experienced provide good guidance on various matters and we can handle them well.

• Proper Growth

Staying united is good for our growth and development. Staying together in unity with each other helps in sharing of ideas and opinions which is quite essential for our minds to develop well. In families and societies where people stay united and help each other, children get a healthy environment to grow. This is good for the all round development of children.

• Source of Motivation

When we work together, we are motivated and encouraged to work harder. We push each other to accomplish the goals and this works as a great motivational factor. We also encourage and appreciate one another on every achievement. This again works as a motivational force. This way people are motivated to work even better and achieve greater goals.

A person who works alone has to motivate himself on his own and it becomes harder at times.

• Greater Accomplishment

When we work together as a team, we are able to accomplish greater goals. We help each other and can overcome various hurdles together. If there is a rift in the team and each individual looks for his individual benefit then it is hard to achieve the common goal. There have been numerous examples wherein people have lost games and projects only because they began fulfilling their own small selfish motives instead of working as a team to achieve the main goal.

• Fighting a Mission

Fighting a mission becomes much easier when there are greater numbers of people involved. Many social evils and unjust practices have been fought and eradicated in the past only because people came out in large number to fight against the same. A single person can initiate a cause but cannot fight all alone. It is only when he gets good support; there are chances of winning a battle.

Thus, we see there are numerous benefits of staying united. We can accomplish big tasks, rely on the people in times of need and nurture young minds in a better way if we stay united.

Essay on Role of Unity in National Development – Essay 5 (600 words)

As Mattie J.T. Stepanek said, “Unity is strength…when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved”. Staying united helps individuals, society as well as the nation as a whole. A nation where people live in unity has better chances of development compared to those where there is hatred and crime all around. Unity plays a major role in the development of a nation.

Work towards Common Goal

When people live in unity with each other they look forward to work towards a common goal rather than satisfying their own selfish motives. They love their nation as well as their fellow citizens. They understand the fact that they would be able to grow and have a better lifestyle only when there is national development. They also understand that national development is possible only when they help each other in achieving their goals rather than dragging each other down. This goes a long way in the development of the nation.

However, unfortunately in India as well as many other countries, people do not realise the power of unity. They only think about themselves and work for their benefit rather than working for the betterment of the nation.

End Hatred among Citizens; Lower Crime Rate

A country in which people live in unity there is peace and harmony all around. They do not fight with each other in the name of religion, caste, culture or any other thing. They respect and value each other and stand by each other in the hour of need.

They understand that their true power lies in staying and working together rather than planning against each other. There is no hatred among citizens of such country and thus the crime rate is low. A country where the crime rate is low would certainly develop at a faster pace.

Government’s Role in Building Unity

Unity can be achieved if each individual is ready to shed his individual interests and work for the betterment of the nation as a whole. While the spirit must be inborn, the government can play its role in building of unity among people. Here are a few ways in which this can be achieved:

• End Corruption

A country can never prosper if its political system is corrupt. The political leaders must be chosen with utmost caution. They must take it as their responsibility to stay united and work towards the common goal of developing the nation rather than pulling each other down and juggling money for personal benefits.

• Lower Economic Disparity

There is a lot of economic disparity in our country. The rich people in our country are becoming richer by each passing day and the poor are getting poorer. This creates grudge among the poor sections and they often take to criminal means that hamper national development. The government must bridge this gap and pay fair wages to everyone so that each citizen is motivated to indulge in productive tasks.

• Educate People

People must be educated about the importance of staying united. This must be made a part of the school curriculum and must also be emphasized by various other means. Only when people understand the importance of staying united they will work towards achieving it.

Thus, we see unity plays a major role in the development of a nation. Children must be taught the importance of staying united from the very beginning. They must be told as to how it can do good for them as well as their country. Government must also do its bit to keep the people united so as to ensure they work jointly for the development of the nation.

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South African Government of National Unity (GNU) – 1994 – 1999

From 27 April 1994 to 3 February 1997, South Africa was governed by a Government of National Unity (GNU) under the leadership of African National Congress (ANC). Clause 88 of the interim Constitution of South Africa provided for the establishment of the Government of National Unity. After the first democratic election in 1994, 19,726,579 votes were counted and 193,081 were rejected as invalid. The African National Congress (ANC) in alliance with the labour confederation COSATU and the South African Communist Party fell slightly short of a two-thirds majority. The Government of National Unity was established and headed by Nelson Mandela as a president and FW De Klerk as his deputy president. Mandela’s cabinet included ministers from other political parties as well as members of the National Party and Inkatha Freedom Party .

The notion of Government of National Unity, encompassing all political parties that enjoyed a threshold of 10 percent of support in the electorate, came from the ANC as one amongst many instruments to ensure inclusivity during the transition period from apartheid to democracy , 1990 - 1994. The mission of the GNUwas to oversee a new South African Constitution , as well asto radically improve the quality of life of all people of South Africa. Recognising that gross human rights violations and atrocities had been committed during the apartheid period, the GNU established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The TRC sought to uncover the truth about past violations of human rights, facilitate reconciliation and grant amnesty, provided that perpetrators fully disclosed politically-motivated crimes and provided evidence that led to investigations and prosecutions. The GNU contributed immeasurably in improving the spirit of reconciliation in South Africa.

The National Party withdraws from the GNU

The National Party (NP) held its Federal Executive Committee where it decided to withdraw from the Government of National Unity with effect from 30 June 1996. On 3 June 1996, the NP under the leadership of F W de Klerk, who was also the Deputy President at that time, announced its withdrawal from the GNU. The main reasons cited by F W de Klerk was the exclusion of joint-decision making from the final constitution, the NP’s lack of influence on government policy, his retirement from politics in August 1996, and that the NP had adopted its new role as a fully fledged opposition party. The NP inaugurated a new leadership under Marthinus van Schalkwyk . Later, the NP ended its cooperation with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) on the ground of political bias.

From his speech during the debate of his budget vote on 3 June 1996 in Parliament, FW de Klerk, explained his decision to withdraw from GNU: “continued participation in the GNU was equivalent to a death sentence for even the broadest and mildest concept of Government based on consensus. Continued participation would be equivalent to detention on a kind of political death row. The survival of multi-party democracy, which depends on the existence of a strong and credible opposition, was being threatened by our continued participation in the GNU”.

The ANC, without reservations, accepted the NP’s announcement that it will withdraw from the GNU. Serious challenges faced the new government at that time included a stagnant economy with high and rising unemployment, high inequality between and within the different race groups and widespread poverty. To tackle these problems the government announced a Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) in 1996, which was essentially social democratic in orientation and aimed at the empowerment of the poor.  Subsequently, the government abandoned the RDP in favour of a Growth, Employment, and Redistribution (GEAR) policy that aimed at job creation through a neo-liberal focus on structural reform of the economy, trade liberalisation privatisation and the attraction of foreign investment. However, the Government of National Unity lapsed at the end of the first Parliament in 1999.

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it contains relate to its central idea, also known as its main idea. As you learned earlier, you should express the of a in a . ALWAYS CHECK FOR UNITY for after you have written your first draft. Then, each time you revise a paragraph, ask yourself whether all the facts, ideas, and opinions it contains relate directly to both the subject and the main point in the paragraph's central idea. The following paragraph is unified because all of the information it contains relates directly to the topic sentence (central idea), which is highlighted: (1)"Run-on," a common way to waste energy and water in America, is the habit of leaving machines and appliances running when they don't have to be. (2) Many people in this country routinely forget to turn off lights, televisions, and radios when they leave a room. (3) Some take half-hour showers day after day, when they know that a five-minute scrubbing will get them just as clean. (4) And too many of us leave the car running as we wait outside a store for a friend to finish shopping. (Michael Pulsinelle) LEARN HOW UNITY WORKS Here's how unity works in the paragraph entitled "Run-On": The idea of wasting energy from sentence 1 appears in sentence 2 when the writer mentions that people forget "to turn off lights, televisions, and radios." Sentence 4 also makes reference to wasting energy. There the writer says "too many of us leave the car running as we wait outside a store." Wasting water pops up in sentence 3, where we learn about people who "take half- hour showers." The idea that run-on is a habit (sentence 1) is developed by "routinely" (sentence 2), "day after day" (sentence 3), and "too many of us" (sentence 4). Back to Top LEARN TWO WAYS TO IMPROVE UNITY There are two ways you can correct problems with unity: By removing irrelevant information, which that has nothing to do with your central idea. By broadening your central idea. Think of a topic sentence or thesis statement as an umbrella. The bigger the umbrella, the more you can get under it. REMOVING IRRELEVANT INFORMATION The paragraph below lacks unity. As you read it, look for irrelevant information--—information that does not relate to the topic sentence (central idea), which is highlighted: (1) International students at our college are having problems adjusting to the United States. (2) They can't find part-time jobs to support themselves while they attend college because their visas do not permit them to work. (3) Finding part-time jobs isn't a problem for American students. (4) Many international students have left families behind and have no emotional support system to rely on. (5) All find English composition a challenging course. (6) None likes the food in the college cafeteria. (7) Native-born students feel the same way about the cafeteria. In the paragraph you just read, sentences 2, 4, 5, and 6 are about international students, as called for in the topic sentence. But sentences 3 and 7 are about American students. To unify the paragraph, you can remove sentences 3 and 7: (1) International students at our college are having problems adjusting to the United States. (2) They can't find part-time jobs to support themselves while they attend college because their visas do not permit them to work. (4) Many have left their families behind and have no emotional support system to rely on. (5) All find English composition a challenging course. (6) None likes the food in the college cafeteria. BROADENING THE CENTRAL IDEA Another way to correct problems of unity is to broaden your central idea. This approach works well if you have included information that suits your purpose but does not relate to the topic sentence. Let's take another look at the paragraph about international students: The paragraph you just read lacks unity because it contains information about American students, but its topic sentence mentions only international students. So, to correct the problem, you can rewrite the topic sentence to include American students as well: (1) Many problems facing international students at our college are different from those of American students, but many are the same. (2) For example, international students can't take part-time jobs to support themselves while they attend college because their visas do not permit them to work. (3) On the other hand, finding part-time jobs isn't a problem for American students. (4) In addition, many foreign students have left their families behind and, unlike native-born classmates, have no emotional support system to rely on. (5) However, both groups find English composition a challenging course. (6) And neither likes the food in the college cafeteria. The purpose of this version is different from that of the earlier one. It discusses problems of both groups, not just of international students. To learn more about the book this website supports, please visit its . Copyright Any use is subject to the and | You must be a registered user to view the in this website. If you already have a username and password, enter it below. If your textbook came with a card and this is your first visit to this site, you can to register. Username: Password: '); document.write(''); } // --> ( ) .'); } else{ document.write('This form changes settings for this website only.'); } //--> Send mail as: '); } else { document.write(' '); } } else { document.write(' '); } // --> '); } else { document.write(' '); } } else { document.write(' '); } document.write(' TA email: '); } else { document.write(' '); } } else { document.write(' '); } // --> Other email: '); } else { document.write(' '); } } else { document.write(' '); } // --> "Floating" navigation? 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Paddock Dec. 9, 2022 Myanmar’s military, which seized power in a coup d’état in February 2021, has ruthlessly sought to consolidate its authority since then, killing and imprisoning opponents and attacking innocent civilians. At first, resistance consisted of mass demonstrations, work stoppages and a vast civil disobedience movement. Soldiers and the police began shooting protesters in the streets and jailing thousands of people, including opposition leaders and journalists. In the months since, peaceful protest has given way to armed clashes between the Tatmadaw, as the military is known, and pro-democracy forces, who have formed a rebel army and local guerrilla resistance groups. Leaders of the opposition say they are fighting a revolutionary war to overthrow the military, which has ruled Myanmar for most of its existence as a nation. An election erased On the morning of Feb. 1, 2021, Myanmar’s Parliament was scheduled to endorse the results of a national election held the previous November and form the next government. The National League for Democracy, led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi , had won overwhelmingly, taking 83 percent of the available seats. Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace laureate, had been Myanmar’s civilian leader since her party won a 2015 election. But the Tatmadaw had never really given up power. Under the Constitution it adopted in 2008, it retained control over the armed forces and appointed its own commander in chief and key cabinet ministers, ensuring that the military remained outside civilian authority. After the National League for Democracy’s landslide in November 2020, Tatmadaw generals refused to accept the outcome, arguing before the country’s Supreme Court that the results were fraudulent. Bay of Bengal We are having trouble retrieving the article content. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. Already a subscriber?  Log in . Want all of The Times?  Subscribe . Read The Diplomat , Know The Asia-Pacific Central Asia Southeast Asia Environment Asia Defense China Power Crossroads Asia Flashpoints Pacific Money Tokyo Report Trans-Pacific View Photo Essays Write for Us Subscriptions Myanmar’s National Unity Government Must Be Doing Something Right Recent features. Will Indian Courts Tame Wikipedia?  The Asia-Pacific and the Israel-Lebanon Flashpoint: The UNIFIL Variable Voters Show up in Record Numbers to Kick off Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections What Could a Harris Administration Mean for Southeast Asia?  Central Asia: Facing 5 Assertive Presidents, Germany’s Scholz Gets Rebuffed on Ukraine Envisioning the Asia-Pacific’s Feminist Future Normalizing Abnormalities: Life in Myanmar’s Resistance Zone Japan’s LNG Future: Balancing Energy Security With Sustainability Commitments Why Is South Korea’s President Yoon So Unpopular? The Logic of China’s Careful Defense Industry Purge The Ko Wen-je Case Points to Deeper Problems in Taiwan Politics Anarchy in Anyar: A Messy Revolution in Myanmar’s Central Dry Zone The debate  |  opinion. While the country’s shadow opposition has attracted criticism, it has made significant gains on both the political and diplomatic fronts. Leading members of Myanmar’s opposition National Unity Government take part in an online meeting on April 16, 2024. The National Unity Government (NUG) was established in the wake of the February 2021 military coup in Myanmar, by a coalition of ousted democratically elected lawmakers and parliamentarians that sought to establish a parallel or exile government. Since its inception, the NUG has faced constant criticism from various quarters. Formed hastily in April 2021, it immediately encountered challenges in assembling its cabinet members, many of whom had fled the country to evade the junta. Doubts have since persisted among international observers and governments regarding the NUG’s ability to unify or collaborate with armed Ethnic Resistance Organizations (EROs), which had been in conflict with the majority Bamar-dominated Myanmar military for six decades. Initially dismissed as an “online-only” government, the NUG also faced criticism for its perceived strong alignment with members of the ousted National League for Democracy party. In reality, 53 percent of the NUG’s cabinet members are non-Bamar ethnic minorities, and only 38 percent are NLD members. As the NUG marked its third anniversary last month, there are signs that the once unassailable Myanmar military junta may be on the brink of collapse . Struggling to maintain control, the junta has lost key border trading towns, depleting its resources, and relinquished swathes of territory. The military’s nerve centers in Naypyidaw and Pyin Oo Lwin have been breached by drones and homemade rockets, narrowly avoiding significant damage. Recent commentaries and analyses from international observers have cautiously predicted the military’s eventual demise, marking a departure from earlier expectations. This shift underscores the failure of many to fully appreciate the astuteness of the NUG and to understand the complex dynamics among and between EROs, the position of neighboring countries, and the mindset of the Myanmar military, while underestimating the resolve and resilience of the Myanmar people. Early on, the NUG recognized the absolute necessity of coupling its political efforts with armed resistance to challenge the authoritarian military regime, which flouts human rights norms and the laws of war with impunity. Understanding that victory would be impossible without the support of EROs, the NUG realized that its fledgling People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) would be outmatched by the well-equipped military. Historically, the military had employed divide-and-conquer tactics against the EROs, forging ceasefires with some while deploying troops from across the country to overwhelm others. For the first time, the EROs would have to set aside their narrow self-interests, coordinate among themselves, and attack on multiple fronts simultaneously to pin down the Myanmar military. The NUG succeeded in convincing many EROs of the viability of this new strategy, which has culminated over the past year in a series of embarrassing defeats for the Myanmar military in northern Shan, Kachin, Karenni, Karen, and Rakhine states, a phenomenon unseen in the past 60 years. While supporters of the NUG yearn for tangible evidence of close collaboration between the NUG and EROs, geopolitical realities complicate overt displays of solidarity. Landlocked EROs, reliant on a powerful neighboring country for essential supplies and arms, find themselves forced into a delicate balancing act as that country, China, seeks to maintain influence over them while simultaneously bolstering the military regime, hedging on both sides. Consequently, the NUG treads cautiously, wary of drawing unwanted attention from this influential neighbor. The delicate nature of these relationships underscores the intricacies of the NUG’s strategic maneuvering. Encouragingly, in a third anniversary press statement released on April 30, the NUG at last tacitly confirmed the collaboration between its PDFs and EROs in various battlefields. Criticism of the NUG’s alleged lack of support for ethnic Bamar PDFs fighting in Myanmar’s heartlands overlooks the geographical challenges inherent in these regions. Central Myanmar’s flat terrain favors the military and its air force, providing little cover for PDFs and their supporters, who lack mechanized divisions or anti-aircraft measures. Most attempts to smuggle in arms and ammunition through junta-controlled roadways and towns of central Myanmar are intercepted. In contrast, arms shipments through neighboring ERO-controlled territories have proven more reliable. The sooner the EROs prevail in their respective contested areas against the military, the easier and smoother the flow of arms and logistics will be to the PDFs in the central flatlands, highlighting the strategic significance of peripheral regions in gradually encircling the military junta. Despite lacking formal recognition as Myanmar’s government, the NUG has made significant strides on the international stage, engaging with governments at the highest levels. With a liaison office in Washington, D.C., and representation at the United Nations through Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, the NUG has garnered international support. In a sign of its genuine inclusivity, the NUG appointed Rohingya activist Aung Kyaw Moe as its deputy human rights minister in July 2023. This followed the NUG’s Rohingya policy and position announcement in June 2021, which affirmed its commitment to ensure Rohingyas’ right to citizenship, protect their human rights, and repeal the 1982 Citizenship Law that discriminates against ethnic groups, including Rohingyas, that are deemed non-indigenous. While EROs have achieved admirable feats inside Myanmar, they lack international representation, and have benefited from the NUG’s status as the face of the Spring Revolution to the rest of the world. The NUG’s Finance Ministry has also devised creative fundraising methods, as it does not receive any financial support from foreign entities. While the NUG has ample room for improvement, it has made significant strides over the past three years. The tangible outcomes speak for themselves. Surely, the NUG and its leaders must be doing something right. How the New UN Special Envoy to Myanmar Should Approach Her Impossible Mission By scot marciel. 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For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below. Unity in Diversity Essay for Students and Children 500+ words essay on unity in diversity. Unity in Diversity is a concept that signifies unity among individuals who have certain differences among them. These differences can be on the basis of culture, language, ideology, religion , sect, class, ethnicity, etc. Furthermore, the existence of this concept has been since time immemorial. Since then, it has been used by a variety of political and social organizations to symbolize unity among various persons or communities. People from many cultures, religious beliefs, and social statuses coexisting in peace and love is a prime illustration of “Unity in Diversity.” People have consistently shown this praiseworthy behaviour almost everywhere on Earth . The concept has certainly resulted in the ethical and moral evolution of humanity. Unity in Diversity The phrase “Unity in Diversity” refers to harmony and peace. It is employed among various groups to ensure that tolerance is uniform. Caste, creed, race, and nationality are all examples of diversity. Physical, cultural, linguistic, and political differences are also included in unity in diversity. It educates all humans and living beings to unify and find methods to bond with one another despite their differences. This will create an environment in which individuals can coexist harmoniously. “Unity in Diversity” is a long-standing concept that may be traced back to Western and Eastern traditions. Unity in Diversity in India The existence of oneness despite numerous distinctions is the meaning of unity in variety. India is one of the excellent examples one can learn to understand the concept of Unity in diversity. We can clearly observe that people of all religions, creeds, castes, dialects, cultures, lifestyles, dressing sense, faith in God, rituals of worship, and so on coexist peacefully under one roof, i.e. in one country of India. We can never forget the liberation movements led by Indians of all faiths, religions and castes to establish India as an independent country. In India, the struggle for freedom is a magnificent example of unity in diversity. India is the world’s largest and most populous country, home to people of various religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, Jainism, Christianity, and Parsees, all of which believe in the same Dharma and Karma doctrine. The Indian society is god-fearing by nature, believing in soul purification, reincarnation, salvation, heaven’s luxury, and hell’s punishments. People here celebrate their religious holidays (Holi, Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Good Friday, Mahavir Jayanti, Buddha Jayanti, Ganesh Chaturthi and so on) in a very peaceful manner, without causing harm to other religious people. In India, Hindi is the mother tongue, but many other dialects and languages are spoken by people of various religions and regions (such as English, Urdu, Sanskrit, Bhojpuri, Bihari, Punjabi, Marathi, Bengali, Odiya, Gujarati, Malayali, Kashmiri, and so on); however, everyone is proud to be a citizen of great India. The story of India’s unity amid variety is remarkable because it conveys a clear message that the country is more powerful than any religion or community in particular. Around 1.3 billion people live in harmony and contentment. With the world’s second-largest population of numerous ethnic and religious groupings, India is now the most important secular country, with a distinct character of unity in diversity. Advantages of Unity in Diversity First of all, following Unity in Diversity implies an interaction between many types of individuals. These individuals will probably have certain differences among them. This would occur also in workplaces, schools, public places, etc. Most noteworthy, working with diverse people provides an opportunity for exposure. Furthermore, this interaction would build up a tolerance in people. Hence, people would respect the opinion of others. Unity in Diversity certainly enhances the quality of teamwork. This is because of the development of trust and bonding among people. As such the coordination and cooperation becomes very efficient. Consequently, the rate of completion of projects significantly increases. In the world of business, a new principle is being followed. This principle is to think global and act locally. The reason for using this principle by companies is different social and cultural traditions. This principle is certainly a victory for the concept of Unity in Diversity. Also, more and more companies are doing business in different regions of the World. The concept of Unity in Diversity is effective in solving various social problems . This is possible as diverse people tend to know each other. Consequently, this increases mutual respect among the people. Unity in Diversity is very useful for a diverse country. Above all, the concept allows people of different religions, cultures, castes, to live together peacefully. The belief in Unity in Diversity certainly reduces the chances of riots and disturbances. Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas Unity in Diversity in Politics The phrase Unity in Diversity has become a symbol of Canadian multiculturalism. Adélard Godbout, Premier of Quebec, first used this phrase in Canada. Canada certainly is an excellent example of Unity in Diversity. Above all, there is very low racism in Canada. Furthermore, the people of Canada are warm and friendly. They are very welcoming of foreigners in Canada. There are almost no incidents of hate speech and discrimination against foreigners in Canada. The European Union, in 2000, adopted Unity in Diversity as its official motto. Above all, this was in reference to many diverse Nations of the European Union. This diversity of European Union member states was due to differences in culture. Furthermore, the adoption of Unity in Diversity as a motto shows unity. It shows Europeans have come together irrespective of differences. India is another brilliant example of Unity in Diversity . In India, people of diverse religions, cultures, castes, sects, etc. have been living together. Furthermore, they have been living together for many centuries. This certainly shows the intense tolerance and unity of the Indian people. Hence, India is a country that perfectly demonstrates Unity in Diversity. In conclusion, Unity in Diversity is an integral part of ethics and morality. The concept is certainly essential for the future progress of human society. People must display faith in this concept. Above all, they must keep aside feelings of racism , discrimination, and oppression. Without Unity in Diversity, the demise of humanity will certainly happen. FAQs on Unity in Diversity Essay Q1 How Unity in Diversity enhances the quality of teamwork? A1 Unity in Diversity certainly enhances the quality of teamwork. This is because Unity in Diversity causes the development of trust and bonding among people. This ultimately results in significantly increasing the rate of completion of projects. Q2 Why India is a brilliant example of Unity in Diversity? A2 India is certainly a brilliant example of Unity in Diversity. This is because India has people of diverse religions, cultures, castes, sects, etc. Above all, these people have been living together peacefully for many centuries.  Within a kilometer, you can discover mosques, temples, churches, and other religious buildings. Q3. How can one sustain unity in the presence of diversity? A3 . To keep unity in the variety by accepting other people’s choices, letting others express their opinions, and continually interacting with others without questioning their religion, caste, or financial strength. Unity in diversity can also be preserved by raising knowledge about the value of unity in diversity and incorporating the notion into primary education. Also, through instilling tolerance in all people, regardless of their culture, traditions, or values. Customize your course in 30 seconds Which class are you in. Travelling Essay Picnic Essay Our Country Essay My Parents Essay Essay on Favourite Personality Essay on Memorable Day of My Life Essay on Knowledge is Power Essay on Gurpurab Essay on My Favourite Season Essay on Types of Sports Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Download the App Pasco-Hernando State College Unity and Coherence in Essays The Writing Process Paragraphs and Essays Proving the Thesis/Critical Thinking Appropriate Language Test Yourself Essay Organization Quiz Sample Essay - Fairies Sample Essay - Modern Technology Related Pages Proving the Thesis Unity is the idea that all parts of the writing work to achieve the same goal: proving the thesis. Just as the content of a paragraph should focus on a topic sentence, the content of an essay must focus on the thesis.  The introduction paragraph introduces the thesis, the body paragraphs each have a proof point (topic sentence) with content that proves the thesis, and the concluding paragraph sums up the proof and restates the thesis. Extraneous information in any part of the essay that is not related to the thesis is distracting and takes away from the strength of proving the thesis. An essay must have coherence. The sentences must flow smoothly and logically from one to the next as they support the purpose of each paragraph in proving the thesis. Just as the last sentence in a paragraph must connect back to the topic sentence of the paragraph, the last paragraph of the essay should connect back to the thesis by reviewing the proof and restating the thesis. Example of Essay with Problems of Unity and Coherence Here is an example of a brief essay that includes a paragraph that does not support the thesis “Many people are changing their diets to be healthier.”      People are concerned about pesticides, steroids, and antibiotics in the food they eat.  Many now shop for organic foods since they don’t have the pesticides used in conventionally grown food.  Meat from chicken and cows that are not given steroids or antibiotics are gaining popularity even though they are much more expensive. More and more, people are eliminating pesticides, steroids, and antibiotics from their diets.     Eating healthier also is beneficial to the environment since there are less pesticides poisoning the earth. Pesticides getting into the waterways is creating a problem with drinking water.  Historically, safe drinking water has been a problem. It is believed the Ancient Egyptians drank beer since the water was not safe to drink.  Brewing beer killed the harmful organisms and bacteria in the water from the Nile. There is a growing concern about eating genetically modified foods, and people are opting for non-GMO diets.  Some people say there are more allergic reactions and other health problems resulting from these foods.  Others are concerned because there are no long-term studies that clearly show no adverse health effects such as cancers or other illnesses. Avoiding GMO food is another way people are eating healthier food. See how just one paragraph can take away from the effectiveness of the essay in showing how people are changing to healthier food since unity and coherence are affected. There is no longer unity among all the paragraphs. The thought pattern is disjointed and the essay loses its coherence. Transitions and Logical Flow of Ideas Transitions are words, groups of words, or sentences that connect one sentence to another or one paragraph to another. They promote a logical flow from one idea to the next and overall unity and coherence. While transitions are not needed in every sentence or at the end of every paragraph, they are missed when they are omitted since the flow of thoughts becomes disjointed or even confusing. There are different types of transitions: Time – before, after, during, in the meantime, nowadays Space – over, around, under Examples – for instance, one example is Comparison – on the other hand, the opposing view Consequence – as a result, subsequently These are just a few examples.  The idea is to paint a clear, logical connection between sentences and between paragraphs. Printer-friendly version Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices. 11 Unity & Coherence Preserving unity. Academic essays need unity, which means that all of the ideas in an essay need to relate to the thesis, and all of the ideas in a paragraph need to relate to the paragraph’s topic. It can be easy to get “off track” and start writing about an idea that is somewhat related to your main idea, but does not directly connect to your main point. All of the sentences in a paragraph should stay “on track;” that is, they should connect to the topic. One way to preserve unity in a paragraph is to start with a topic sentence that shows the main idea of the paragraph. Then, make sure each sentence in the paragraph relates to that main idea. If you find a sentence that goes off track, perhaps you need to start a separate paragraph to write more about that different idea. Each paragraph should generally have only one main idea. As you pre-write and draft an essay, try to pause occasionally. Go back to the assignment prompt and re-read it to make sure you are staying on topic. Use the prompt to guide your essay; make sure you are addressing all of the questions. Do not just re-state the words in the prompt. Instead, respond to the questions with your own ideas, in your own words, and make sure everything connects to the prompt and your thesis. Activity A ~ Finding Breaks in Unity Consider the following paragraphs. Is there a topic sentence? If so, do all of the other sentences relate to the topic sentence? Can you find any sentences that don’t relate?      The planned community of Columbia, Maryland, was designed as a city open to all, regardless of race, level of income, or religion. When Columbia began in 1967, many cities in the U.S. did not allow people of certain races to rent or buy homes. Its developer, James W. Rouse, wanted to build a new city that had fair and open housing options for everyone. HCC has a building named for James W. Rouse. Today, the city’s nearly 100,000 remain diverse, as shown by recent census data. *****     College can be expensive and difficult. Critical thinking is a very important skill for college students to develop so that they can be successful in their careers. Employers look for graduates who can understand information, analyze data, and solve problems. They also want employees who can think creatively and communicate their ideas clearly. College students need to practice these skills in all of their classes so that they can demonstrate their abilities to potential employers. ***** Bananas are one of Americans’ favorite types of fruit. The Cavendish variety, grown in Central and South America, is the most commonly sold here in the U.S. Recent problems with a fungus called Panama disease (or TR4), however, have led to a shortage of Cavendish bananas. Similar problems occurred a few years ago in parts of Asia and the Middle East. Because the fungus kills the crop and contaminates the soil, scientists are concerned that the popular Cavendish banana could be completely eradicated. Bananas contain many nutrients, including potassium and Vitamin B6. ***** Whether you choose to include a topic sentence or not, all of the sentences in your paragraph need to relate to the one main idea of the paragraph. Another way to think about unity in a paragraph is to imagine your family tree. Draw a quick sketch of your family tree in your notebook. If you were writing an essay about your family, you might write a paragraph about close family members first. Next, you might branch out into another paragraph to write about more distant relatives. You might even include a paragraph about very close family friends, or pets. Each paragraph would have just one main idea (immediate family, more distant relatives, close family friends), and every sentence in each paragraph would relate to that main idea. Activity B ~ Preserving Unity in Your Own Writing Examine a composition that you have written for this class. Do all of your paragraphs have unity? Can you find any sentences that don’t relate to the topic of each paragraph? Exchange papers with a partner to peer review. Ensuring Coherence There are several ways to create connections between ideas in your essay. Here are some suggestions: 1. Repeat key words and phrases. This can be a powerful way to make a point. Consider this excerpt from Rev. Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, in which he uses parallel structure : I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today. 2. Use synonyms , as in this example, where King uses both repetition (“Let freedom ring”) and synonyms (for “mountains”): And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania. Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado. Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California. But not only that: Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia. Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee. Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring. 3. Use pronouns to refer to antecedents , as King does here; this can be more elegant than just repeating the key words and phrases: I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. 4. Use demonstratives ( this, that, these, those ) as adjectives or pronouns, as King does here: I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”…. This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood.   Questions to Ponder Pause for a moment here to think about the examples above. Think about audience, purpose, and context of an academic essay. Would you use the techniques for coherence in the same way that Dr. King did in his speech, or would you use the techniques in a different way? Discuss with a small group. 5. Use transitions. Transition words and phrases will help you to make sure your essay has coherence. Also called signal words/phrases or signposts, these help to guide your readers. Transitions connect your related ideas; they can also show your reader that you are starting a new topic, giving an example, adding information, explaining causes and effects, and so on. Using the correct transition word or phrase in a sentence can make your writing much clearer. Try the activity below to think of possible transitions. Activity C ~ Transition Words & Phrases With your partner, brainstorm a list of transition words and phrases for each of the categories below. Can you think of other transition words and phrases? What other categories do they belong to? After you have completed these activities with your partner, consult  Transition Words & Phrases ~ Useful Lists for more on compare/contrast, addition, cause/effect, and other transitions to try. Activity D ~ Ensuring Coherence in Your Own Writing Examine a composition that you have written for this class for coherence. Find and mark examples of places where you used repetition, synonyms, pronouns or demonstratives to build connections between ideas. Underline your transition words and phrases. Did you use the strongest signal words? Can you find examples where you need to add a transition? Or, did you use too many transitions? Exchange papers with a partner to peer review. Consult our chapter on Transitions for more inspiration on achieving coherence and cohesion in your writing. Challenge yourself to use some new transitions in your next composition. Is this chapter: …about right, but you would like more examples? –> Read “ Cohesion and Coherence ” from George Mason University’s Writing Center. …too easy, or you would like more examples? –> Read “ ESL: Coherence and Cohesion ” from the Writing & Communication Center at the University of Washington/Bothell Note: links open in new tabs. King, Martin Luther, Jr. “I Have a Dream.” March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. 28 August 1963. Washington, D.C. Speech. to start to do something different short piece or sample, for example a direct quote in writing or a few measures of a musical composition to think about ENGLISH 087: Academic Advanced Writing Copyright © 2020 by Nancy Hutchison is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted. Share This Book 302 IMAGES Importance of national unity essay in 2021 (PDF) A 'Unity' Government: A Way Forward for Israel? Essay on National Unity Day for all Class in 100 to 500 Words in English Importance of National Unity Essay: Check the Essay to Know More! Essay on unity and discipline Essay on Unity VIDEO Unity in diversity 15 lines essay in English for class 10, 11, 12 by Smile please world Unity is Strength story/Essay writing || Unity is power story/Essay in English Essay on Need and Importance of Muslim Unity Private VS Government Essay on developing India🇮🇳😆#viral#shorts#funny#comedy#rjabhinav ANC invites parties to form a Government of National Unity English Essay COMMENTS 3.1 The path to a Government of National Unity Although it took hard negotiation and intense debate for the ANC to accept the idea of a Government of National Unity. , something like it was envisaged early on. In his Treason Trial. testimony in 1960 Mandela acknowledged a phased transition to democracy as something that could be contemplated. The possibility was there in broad and vague ... Essay on Power of Unity 500 Words Essay on Power of Unity Introduction. Unity is a principle that not only enhances the strength of a community but also enriches its potential for success. It is a potent tool that transcends the barriers of individual abilities, merging them into a collective force capable of achieving remarkable feats. The power of unity is often ... Essay on Unity for Students and Children Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas. Government's Role in Building Unity. Unity can be achieved if each individual is ready to leave his individual interests and work for the betterment of the nation as a whole. Undoubtedly this spirit must be inborn. But the government can play an important role in building unity among ... To Unite As A Nation, We Need To Begin With The Truth ASSOCIATED PRESS. President Biden made a passionate appeal for unity in his inaugural address Wednesday, saying, "My whole soul is in this: bringing America together, uniting our people, uniting ... Pros and cons of a unity government One advantage of a unity government is that all parties and politicians will temporarily stop arguing and unite under one government. This pause will allow the government to focus on the pandemic and tackle the rising cost of living. However, a unity government can lead to fewer checks and balances as most politicians will be under one ... Creating Unity in a Diverse Society The assertion of "we the people" at the beginning of the preamble to the Constitution was an aspirational move. It didn't describe something that had already been achieved and was there, it described a goal as much as a nation. National unity in a diverse society is always an ambition and aspiration. But we're not a new society now. The Unifying Power of Unity: Building Stronger Communities and Conclusion: In a world marked by division, conflict, and disparities, the concept of unity emerges as a guiding principle for building stronger, more resilient communities and societies. From the ... Essay on National Unity: Strategies for Progress in Unity The government also promoted national identity over ethnic divisions, leading to a strong sense of unity among Rwandans. Germany: Following the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990, the German government implemented policies to promote integration and unity between the two regions. This included investments in infrastructure and ... (PDF) Governments of national unity in the context of coalition At the same time the country specifically use the term that describes a given category of executive power. This is the same name of "government of national unity" ("national unity government"). The first sample of the government of national unity headed by the Prime Minister V. Thorn took place in the span of 24.02.1916 - 19.06.1917. South Africa A national unity government in South Africa could help deepen democracy, he believes, because it means no one political party can "impose its agenda on all and sundry." "You have to get a buy in ... American Identity and Unity American Identity and Unity. Throughout the 17 th and 18 th centuries Americans developed a unique system of government with revolutionary ideals - never seen anywhere else before. Americans adopted representative governments with democratic principles that allowed each person to have a voice in the decisions about their country. South Africa's new unity government must draw on the country's greatest Published: July 16, 2024 10:52am EDT. South African president Cyril Ramaphosa (L) and his deputy Paul Mashatile (R) flank new agriculture minister John Steenhuisen. Rodger Bosch/AFP via Getty ... Opinion: What 'unity' really means in America Erin Keith writes that the calls for "unity" we hear from politicians as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris get inaugurated ring hollow at a time when America sorely needs justice to repair centuries ... Long and Short Essay on Unity in English for Children and Students Unity is the state of being united or working in a unified way. The term is often used for people and communities staying united in face of adversities and threats. It refers to two or more people working as a single unit. In the context of people and societies, unity plays a significant role. History is replete with examples that united people ... South African Government of National Unity (GNU) Government of National Unity 1994. The National Party withdraws from the GNU. The National Party (NP) held its Federal Executive Committee where it decided to withdraw from the Government of National Unity with effect from 30 June 1996. On 3 June 1996, the NP under the leadership of F W de Klerk, who was also the Deputy President at that time ... Why the National Unity Government's Statement on ... Subscribe for ads-free reading. On June 3, Myanmar's National Unity Government (NUG) - a shadow government formed by civilian lawmakers deposed by the military in its 1 February coup ... Unity Learn Two Ways to Improve Unity. Removing Irrelevant Information. Broadening The Central Idea. A piece of writing is unified if all of the details it contains relate to its central idea, also known as its main idea. As you learned earlier, you should express the central idea of a paragraph in a topic sentence. Is Myanmar's National Unity Government Ready to Govern? The world is running out of excuses for not recognizing it. Duwa Lashi La, the acting president of Myanmar's opposition National Unity Government, inspects a People's Defense Force emplacement ... Myanmar's Coup and Its Aftermath, Explained Between them, the unity government says, its forces and the ethnic armies control about half the country's territory. In areas under military control, semiautonomous resistance groups have ... Myanmar's National Unity Government Must Be Doing Something Right Subscribe for ads-free reading. The National Unity Government (NUG) was established in the wake of the February 2021 military coup in Myanmar, by a coalition of ousted democratically elected ... S. African Unity Parties Mark 100 Days Amid Market Optimism Since the so-called Government of National Unity was formed after May's elections, investors have cheered the new political stability in Africa's largest and most-industrialized economy. Unity in Diversity Essay for Students and Children Unity in Diversity is very useful for a diverse country. Above all, the concept allows people of different religions, cultures, castes, to live together peacefully. The belief in Unity in Diversity certainly reduces the chances of riots and disturbances. Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas. Unity in Diversity in Politics Unity and Coherence in Essays Unity is the idea that all parts of the writing work to achieve the same goal: proving the thesis. Just as the content of a paragraph should focus on a topic sentence, the content of an essay must focus on the thesis. The introduction paragraph introduces the thesis, the body paragraphs each have a proof point (topic sentence) with content that ... Unity & Coherence 11 Unity & Coherence Preserving Unity. Academic essays need unity, which means that all of the ideas in an essay need to relate to the thesis, and all of the ideas in a paragraph need to relate to the paragraph's topic. It can be easy to get "off track" and start writing about an idea that is somewhat related to your main idea, but does ... Scotland's seabed being damaged in protection zones The Scottish government says introducing fishing restrictions is "a complex and challenging process". ... Scotland's papers: Prison overcrowding and Starmer under pressure. 21 hrs ago. Scotland. essay homework paper phd project resume review study thesis