The Fleeting Nature of Power
A renowned French philosopher, Simone Weil, conducted an analysis of Homer’s monumental work, the Iliad. She concluded that the narrative serves as a depiction of “power” that fluctuates between those who possess it and those who lack it. Simone highlighted the Homeric conception of “power,” noting its ephemeral nature upon acquisition and the necessity for it to be internalized, comprehended, and assimilated. She articulates this perspective in her writings. She writes:
“But the auditors of the Iliad knew that the death of Hector would be but a brief joy to Achilles, and the death of Achilles but a brief joy to the Trojans, and the destruction of Troy but a brief joy to the Achaeans.”
Nevertheless, this aspect does not prevent the characters from undermining one another, resulting in disorder and a relentless pursuit of the illusory concept of “power.” Simone even posits that those who have been subjugated will still aspire to become the subjugators, inevitably repeating the same errors made by their conqueror during his reign.
Power and Politics in Pakistan
The political landscape of Pakistan can be likened to the critical themes explored in the Iliad. In this arena, the victors often feel vanquished, and the vanquished may experience fleeting triumphs. Nonetheless, there persists an incessant quest for power, which, while ephemeral, captivates those engaged in this relentless game. The transient satisfaction that leaders derive from instigating chaos ultimately serves only those who partake in this shifting dynamic of authority.
As illustrated in the Iliad, it is the common people who bear the brunt of this struggle for power—those who metaphorically reside within the Trojan horse, igniting the flames of Troy. To contextualize for those less familiar with the classic, these individuals represent the backbone of significant movements, whether it be the PPP’s efforts in 1993 to topple the government, the PML-N’s campaign in 2009 to restore former judges, or the PTI’s attempts in 2013 and 2024 to challenge the ruling party’s dominance.
Throughout this entire debacle, one constant can be observed from the historical patterns of Pakistan. No incumbent government has been permitted to complete a full five-year term without facing turmoil instigated by the opposition. Understandably, the opposition would resort to street protests, given their relatively successful track record in utilizing such methods to remove a prime minister, president, or even the ruling party.
The next observation that emerges is that the very rulers who were previously the oppressors now express grievances of being oppressed themselves. In a similar vein, those who once suffered under oppression seize their opportunity to wield power and often replicate the actions of their former oppressors. Regrettably, many of them lack a true understanding of how to effectively exercise this newfound power. Additionally, there exists a misguided belief among those who attain power, as they tend to view themselves as the “Achilles” of this narrative.
In conclusion, this comparative analysis of Simone’s interpretation of the Iliad and its parallels with the political landscape of Pakistan underscores the ramifications of power-driven politics. Initially, such politics fosters a political divide, leading to societal chaos. Subsequently, it exploits the very society it has destabilized to amass power.
Once this power is secured, the focus shifts to subjugating the oppressors rather than fulfilling the responsibilities for which one was elected. This neglect of electoral interests exacerbates societal tensions, thereby providing the opposition with the opportunity to leverage these pressures to attain power, perpetuating a cycle of conflict and instability.
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The views and opinions expressed in this article/paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Paradigm Shift.
Sarmad Usman possesses a Master's degree in Philosophy from the University of Leeds.