A Philosophical Analysis of the Legitimacy of Political Power in Tanzania from a Lockean Perspective

Robert Masandiko; Thomas Marwa Monchena

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijp.20241203.12

Research Article |

| Peer-Reviewed

A Philosophical Analysis of the Legitimacy of Political Power in Tanzania from a Lockean Perspective

Robert Masandiko^*

, Thomas Marwa Monchena

Published in International Journal of Philosophy (Volume 12, Issue 3)

Received: 17 July 2024 Accepted: 12 August 2024 Published: 27 August 2024

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

This article conducts a philosophical analysis of the legitimacy of political power in Tanzania using John Locke’s political theory as a framework. It evolved from researcher’s observation and empirical studies that concerned political legitimacy in Tanzania. The lack of philosophical approach opened away for philosophical investigations and the necessity of involving philosophical views like that of the John Locke, in addressing of the shaking political legitimacy in Tanzania. The factors such as; allegations of corruption, restricted freedom of expression and limited access to justice, stimulated the author into philosophical inquiring, in accordance to John Locke’s political philosophy on the theory of legitimacy of political power. The Article examines how Locke’s principles of consent, protection of individual rights, and limited government apply within Tanzania’s socio-political context. The study highlights significant challenges to political legitimacy, including allegations of electoral manipulation, constraints on political freedoms, and governance issues such as corruption and lack of transparency. Recommendations are proposed to enhance democratic governance and accountability in Tanzania, emphasizing the critical need to strengthen electoral integrity, protect fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and assembly, and bolster institutional frameworks for transparency and judicial independence. By applying Locke’s principles, this analysis aims to contribute insights into the dynamics of political authority in Tanzania and suggest pathways for fostering a more inclusive, accountable, and legitimate governance framework aligned with the aspirations of its citizens.

Published in	International Journal of Philosophy (Volume 12, Issue 3)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijp.20241203.12
Page(s)	32-39
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Political Legitimacy, John Locke, Tanzania, Consent, Governance

References

[1]	Aaron, Richard I., John Locke, 2nd ed., New York: Clarendon Press, 1955.
[2]	Austen, Ralph A. North Eastern Tanzania: Agriculture in the Age of Globalisation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003.
[3]	Beetham, David. The Legitimation of Power. Atlantic Highlands, NJ: Humanities Press, 1991.
[4]	Cook, Nicolas. Tanzania: Current Issues and US Policy, Congressional Research Service, 2017.
[5]	Coulson, Andrew. Tanzania: A Political Economy, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013.
[6]	Ewald, Jonas. Judicial Independence in Tanzania. Dar es Salaam: Mkuki na Nyota Publishers, 2011.
[7]	Freihold, Michaela von, and Bernd Kaiser. Political Participation and Democracy in Tanzania. Hamburg: Institute of African Affairs, 2002.
[8]	Godard, Andrew, et al. Corruption and Development in Tanzania: A Comparative Perspective. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2017.
[9]	Greeson, M. P., “Hobbes, Locke and the State of Nature Theories: A Reassessment” in Episteme Vol. V, (May 1994) 1-15.
[10]	Habermas, Jürgen. Legitimation Crisis. Boston: Beacon Press, 1975.
[11]	Held, David. Political Theory and the Modern State: Essays on State, Power, and Democracy. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1989.
[12]	Hill, Christopher. Reformation to Industrial Revolution: 1530-1780. New York: Verso Books, 2018.
[13]	Hyden, Goran. Beyond Ujamaa in Tanzania: Underdevelopment and an Uncaptured Peasantry. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1980.
[14]	Iliffe, John. A Modern History of Tanganyika. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1979.
[15]	Kimambo, Isaria N. A Political History of Tanzania. Nairobi: East African Publishing House, 1969.
[16]	Locke, John. Two Treatises of Government, edited by Peter Laslett. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1988.
[17]	Lofchie, Michael F. The Political Economy of Tanzania: Decline and Recovery. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2014.
[18]	Maddox, Gregory H., and James L. Giblin. Custodians of the Land: Ecology and Culture in the History of Tanzania. London: James Currey, 1996.
[19]	Mukandala, Rwekaza. African Socio-Political Development. Nairobi: East African Educational Publishers, 2000.
[20]	Mushi, Samuel. The African Liberation Struggle: The Role of the Ruling Party in Tanzania. Dar es Salaam: Tanzania Publishing House, 1994.
[21]	Mwakikagile, Godfrey. Tanzania under Mwalimu Nyerere: Reflections on an African Statesman. New Africa Press, 2006.
[22]	Mwase, Thomas B. Government and Politics in Tanzania. Nairobi: East African Educational Publishers, 1972.
[23]	Nyerere, Julius. “The Arusha Declaration.” In Nyerere on Socialism, edited and translated by William J. Hanna, 33. Dar es Salaam: Oxford University Press, 1968.
[24]	Nyirabu, Mohabe, “The Multiparty Reform Process in Tanzania: The Dominance of the Ruling Party,” in African Journals Political Science, vol. 7 No. 2, 2002.
[25]	Paget, Dan, “Tanzania: The Authoritarian Landslide,” in Journal of Democracy 32, no. 2(2021): 61-76. https://doi.org/10.1353/jod.2021.0019
[26]	Pratt, Cranford. The Critical Phase in Tanzania, 1945-1968: Nyerere and the Emergence of a Socialist Strategy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976.
[27]	Rawls, John. A Theory of Justice. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1971.
[28]	Scott, Francis Reginald, “Dominion Jurisdiction Over Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms,” in Can. B. Rev. 27, 1949.
[29]	Tanzania Elections Watch. “Final Observation Report on the General Elections Held in Tanzania on October 28, 2020”, N. p., 2021.
[30]	Tripp, Aili Mari, “Political Reform in Tanzania: The Struggle for Associational Autonomy,” in Comparative Politics (2000): 191-214.
[31]	Tully, James. An Approach to Political Philosophy: Locke in Contexts. Vol. 25. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993.
[32]	Weber, Max. Economy and Society: An Outline of Interpretive Sociology, edited by Guenther Roth and Claus Wittich. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1978.

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Masandiko, R., Monchena, T. M. (2024). A Philosophical Analysis of the Legitimacy of Political Power in Tanzania from a Lockean Perspective. International Journal of Philosophy, 12(3), 32-39. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijp.20241203.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Masandiko, R.; Monchena, T. M. A Philosophical Analysis of the Legitimacy of Political Power in Tanzania from a Lockean Perspective. Int. J. Philos. 2024, 12(3), 32-39. doi: 10.11648/j.ijp.20241203.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Masandiko R, Monchena TM. A Philosophical Analysis of the Legitimacy of Political Power in Tanzania from a Lockean Perspective. Int J Philos. 2024;12(3):32-39. doi: 10.11648/j.ijp.20241203.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijp.20241203.12,
  author = {Robert Masandiko and Thomas Marwa Monchena},
  title = {A Philosophical Analysis of the Legitimacy of Political Power in Tanzania from a Lockean Perspective
},
  journal = {International Journal of Philosophy},
  volume = {12},
  number = {3},
  pages = {32-39},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijp.20241203.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijp.20241203.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijp.20241203.12},
  abstract = {This article conducts a philosophical analysis of the legitimacy of political power in Tanzania using John Locke’s political theory as a framework. It evolved from researcher’s observation and empirical studies that concerned political legitimacy in Tanzania. The lack of philosophical approach opened away for philosophical investigations and the necessity of involving philosophical views like that of the John Locke, in addressing of the shaking political legitimacy in Tanzania. The factors such as; allegations of corruption, restricted freedom of expression and limited access to justice, stimulated the author into philosophical inquiring, in accordance to John Locke’s political philosophy on the theory of legitimacy of political power. The Article examines how Locke’s principles of consent, protection of individual rights, and limited government apply within Tanzania’s socio-political context. The study highlights significant challenges to political legitimacy, including allegations of electoral manipulation, constraints on political freedoms, and governance issues such as corruption and lack of transparency. Recommendations are proposed to enhance democratic governance and accountability in Tanzania, emphasizing the critical need to strengthen electoral integrity, protect fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and assembly, and bolster institutional frameworks for transparency and judicial independence. By applying Locke’s principles, this analysis aims to contribute insights into the dynamics of political authority in Tanzania and suggest pathways for fostering a more inclusive, accountable, and legitimate governance framework aligned with the aspirations of its citizens.
},
 year = {2024}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - A Philosophical Analysis of the Legitimacy of Political Power in Tanzania from a Lockean Perspective

AU  - Robert Masandiko
AU  - Thomas Marwa Monchena
Y1  - 2024/08/27
PY  - 2024
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijp.20241203.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijp.20241203.12
T2  - International Journal of Philosophy
JF  - International Journal of Philosophy
JO  - International Journal of Philosophy
SP  - 32
EP  - 39
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-7455
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijp.20241203.12
AB  - This article conducts a philosophical analysis of the legitimacy of political power in Tanzania using John Locke’s political theory as a framework. It evolved from researcher’s observation and empirical studies that concerned political legitimacy in Tanzania. The lack of philosophical approach opened away for philosophical investigations and the necessity of involving philosophical views like that of the John Locke, in addressing of the shaking political legitimacy in Tanzania. The factors such as; allegations of corruption, restricted freedom of expression and limited access to justice, stimulated the author into philosophical inquiring, in accordance to John Locke’s political philosophy on the theory of legitimacy of political power. The Article examines how Locke’s principles of consent, protection of individual rights, and limited government apply within Tanzania’s socio-political context. The study highlights significant challenges to political legitimacy, including allegations of electoral manipulation, constraints on political freedoms, and governance issues such as corruption and lack of transparency. Recommendations are proposed to enhance democratic governance and accountability in Tanzania, emphasizing the critical need to strengthen electoral integrity, protect fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and assembly, and bolster institutional frameworks for transparency and judicial independence. By applying Locke’s principles, this analysis aims to contribute insights into the dynamics of political authority in Tanzania and suggest pathways for fostering a more inclusive, accountable, and legitimate governance framework aligned with the aspirations of its citizens.

VL  - 12
IS  - 3
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Robert Masandiko

Department of Philosophy, Jordan University College (A Constituent College of St. Augustine University of Tanzania), Morogoro, Tanzania

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0005-4076-398X
Thomas Marwa Monchena

Department of Philosophy, Jordan University College (A Constituent College of St. Augustine University of Tanzania), Morogoro, Tanzania

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0005-7848-0037

Download PDF

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Masandiko, R., Monchena, T. M. (2024). A Philosophical Analysis of the Legitimacy of Political Power in Tanzania from a Lockean Perspective. International Journal of Philosophy, 12(3), 32-39. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijp.20241203.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Masandiko, R.; Monchena, T. M. A Philosophical Analysis of the Legitimacy of Political Power in Tanzania from a Lockean Perspective. Int. J. Philos. 2024, 12(3), 32-39. doi: 10.11648/j.ijp.20241203.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Masandiko R, Monchena TM. A Philosophical Analysis of the Legitimacy of Political Power in Tanzania from a Lockean Perspective. Int J Philos. 2024;12(3):32-39. doi: 10.11648/j.ijp.20241203.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijp.20241203.12,
  author = {Robert Masandiko and Thomas Marwa Monchena},
  title = {A Philosophical Analysis of the Legitimacy of Political Power in Tanzania from a Lockean Perspective
},
  journal = {International Journal of Philosophy},
  volume = {12},
  number = {3},
  pages = {32-39},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijp.20241203.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijp.20241203.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijp.20241203.12},
  abstract = {This article conducts a philosophical analysis of the legitimacy of political power in Tanzania using John Locke’s political theory as a framework. It evolved from researcher’s observation and empirical studies that concerned political legitimacy in Tanzania. The lack of philosophical approach opened away for philosophical investigations and the necessity of involving philosophical views like that of the John Locke, in addressing of the shaking political legitimacy in Tanzania. The factors such as; allegations of corruption, restricted freedom of expression and limited access to justice, stimulated the author into philosophical inquiring, in accordance to John Locke’s political philosophy on the theory of legitimacy of political power. The Article examines how Locke’s principles of consent, protection of individual rights, and limited government apply within Tanzania’s socio-political context. The study highlights significant challenges to political legitimacy, including allegations of electoral manipulation, constraints on political freedoms, and governance issues such as corruption and lack of transparency. Recommendations are proposed to enhance democratic governance and accountability in Tanzania, emphasizing the critical need to strengthen electoral integrity, protect fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and assembly, and bolster institutional frameworks for transparency and judicial independence. By applying Locke’s principles, this analysis aims to contribute insights into the dynamics of political authority in Tanzania and suggest pathways for fostering a more inclusive, accountable, and legitimate governance framework aligned with the aspirations of its citizens.
},
 year = {2024}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - A Philosophical Analysis of the Legitimacy of Political Power in Tanzania from a Lockean Perspective

AU  - Robert Masandiko
AU  - Thomas Marwa Monchena
Y1  - 2024/08/27
PY  - 2024
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijp.20241203.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijp.20241203.12
T2  - International Journal of Philosophy
JF  - International Journal of Philosophy
JO  - International Journal of Philosophy
SP  - 32
EP  - 39
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-7455
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijp.20241203.12
AB  - This article conducts a philosophical analysis of the legitimacy of political power in Tanzania using John Locke’s political theory as a framework. It evolved from researcher’s observation and empirical studies that concerned political legitimacy in Tanzania. The lack of philosophical approach opened away for philosophical investigations and the necessity of involving philosophical views like that of the John Locke, in addressing of the shaking political legitimacy in Tanzania. The factors such as; allegations of corruption, restricted freedom of expression and limited access to justice, stimulated the author into philosophical inquiring, in accordance to John Locke’s political philosophy on the theory of legitimacy of political power. The Article examines how Locke’s principles of consent, protection of individual rights, and limited government apply within Tanzania’s socio-political context. The study highlights significant challenges to political legitimacy, including allegations of electoral manipulation, constraints on political freedoms, and governance issues such as corruption and lack of transparency. Recommendations are proposed to enhance democratic governance and accountability in Tanzania, emphasizing the critical need to strengthen electoral integrity, protect fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and assembly, and bolster institutional frameworks for transparency and judicial independence. By applying Locke’s principles, this analysis aims to contribute insights into the dynamics of political authority in Tanzania and suggest pathways for fostering a more inclusive, accountable, and legitimate governance framework aligned with the aspirations of its citizens.

VL  - 12
IS  - 3
ER  -

Copy | Download