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Empirical evidence shows that political change often depends on the formation of collective memory and identity. ... Each of the following case studies—Israel, China, and Spain—serve as examples of how collective identity that is built up from memory, plays an integral role in the political development of their societies. ... stories, history, political theater, physical and spiritual symbols, etc). ... The symbols can be religious or political, but either way they are significant because they are visibility indicators. ...
A major aspect of collective identity that binds Jews together and pushes their politics in a certain direction stems from faith in “the ability of the individual and the society to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and to ‘change the cosmic order. ... By drawing on empirical evidence and reminding the Jewish people of their achievements this narrative has successfully convinced Jews that they have the power to change their own destiny despite all obstacles. This has provided them with the motivation to contribute to and support the political decisions of the country. ... ” Thus the interaction between collective identity and movement activity depends on surrounding historical factors, such as political structures that exist within the boundaries of a society, the cultural norms, the economic situation, and so forth. ... Collective identity that is in the process of formation has the potential to transform into collective or political action but may not always live up to that potential. Thus there needs to be other factors that determine why attempts to push collective identities in a certain political direction have been successful in some countries and less successful in others. ... These moments are called political/historical opportunities and rely on a number of factors such as the repressive capacity of the state, elite coherence, the presence of allies, the timing of protests, and the availability of “points of access” into the political system .
In China, the points of access into the political system were scarce because of its corruption, and powerful state repression was successful in diffusing the momentum of the young movement. ... For example, symbolism—through songs, literature, and political theater—was a safe medium for constructing collective identity. ... For instance, in Chinese political theater, one of the main arenas for political symbolism, the stage often has fluid boundaries, which are beyond the control of the actors. The production of political theater is a strategic narrational event. ... Despite this dilemma, the very act of political theater makes a single statement that resonates in everyone’s minds—it is a claim to entrance into the polity in which all citizens are invited to join . No Chinese regime has ever been able to suppress it altogether and in an environment where collective identity is constantly challenged, it remains a significant and valuable mode of political expression. ...
Democratization in Spain
The Spanish example illustrates the process of democratization through political learning. The path towards democratization requires the development of a strategy that works to create democracy, which can be developed through the process of political learning . Political learning is the process through which people modify their political believes and or tactics as a result of sever crises . In the case of Spain, the Civil War served as the crisis that forced actors to reevaluate the political framework of their society and what did not work in sustaining peace and order. ... The move towards democratization officially began after the death of Franco with the emergence of the Arias government, which sought to avoid at all costs confrontation with political actors obsessed with reconciliation and to ensure a peaceful transition to democracy .
Approximate Word count = 2910
Approximate Pages = 11.6
(250 words per page double spaced)
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