Political Documents:
Definitions and Examples

Introduction[Farsi]

In the realm of politics, words hold immense power, capable of shaping ideologies, inspiring movements, and rallying masses. Political documents such as charters, manifestos, doctrines, declarations, proclamations, and statements serve as vessels for aspirations, values, and visions. Therefore, understanding their historical context, prevailing ideologies, and diverse perspectives is crucial. In this regard, diligent efforts have been made to shed light on the significance of political terminology through the collection of information and the precise formulation of an informative document. This document not only provides concise definitions of each term but also offers compelling examples accompanied by backstories and critical analysis. By highlighting the imperfections and inherent limitations of these documents, it emphasizes the ever-evolving nature of political discourse and the imperative to scrutinize even the most influential texts. 

Charter

A charter is a formal document that sets out a specific set of rights and obligations, and serves as a basis for governance and decision-making. In the modern usage of the charter, it grants certain rights, privileges, authority, powers, or functions to the recipient(s) to exercise them. In the context of a political uprising, a charter might lay out the basic principles and goals of the movement, define the organizational structure of the movement, and describe the roles and responsibilities of its members. A charter is typically more detailed and specific than a manifesto and is often used to establish the legal and institutional framework for the movement.

Examples

1. The Magna Carta (1215) signed in 1215 by King John of England, was a charter that established the principle that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law. It also limited the power of the monarchy and established the rights of barons to petition the king. It is sometimes viewed as a document that only protected the rights of the wealthy barons, rather than the common people. Some historians also argue that it was not as revolutionary as it is often portrayed [1].

2. The United Nations Charter (1945) signed in 1945, established the United Nations and outlined its mission and purpose. It also established the principles of international law and committed member states to work together to promote peace, security, and human rights. It has been criticized for not doing enough to prevent or resolve conflicts around the world. Critics argue that the UN is too bureaucratic and that its decision-making processes are often influenced by the most powerful member states [2].

3. The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (2000) adopted in 2000, established a set of fundamental rights for EU citizens, including the right to freedom of expression, the right to privacy, and the right to a fair trial. It also established the EU as a union founded on the values of democracy and the rule of law. It has been criticized by some for being too broad and vague, and for potentially conflicting with the legal systems of individual EU member states [3].

Manifesto

A manifesto is a public declaration that outlines the intentions, motives, views, principles, values, goals, and policy priorities or visions of the publisher. It may also include a call to action for its supporters. The publisher can be an individual, group, political party, or government. Manifestos serve as rhetorical and symbolic declarations, aiming to inspire and mobilize people towards a shared objective. They often present specific proposals and may undergo revisions or updates. Manifestos are frequently employed by political parties during election campaigns to persuade voters to endorse their agenda.

Examples

1. The Communist Manifesto (1848) written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in 1848, was a manifesto that outlined the principles of communism and called for the overthrow of capitalism. It has been a hugely influential document in the history of socialism and communism. It has been controversial since its publication, with some critics arguing that it advocates for the violent overthrow of capitalism and the establishment of a totalitarian state. Others argue that it has been misinterpreted and that its principles have been distorted by authoritarian regimes [4].

2. The "Port Huron Statement" (1962)  was a statement of principles and values that was issued by the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), a student activist organization in the United States. This manifesto called for greater democracy, individual freedom, and social justice, and it challenged the prevailing norms of American society at the time. The "Port Huron Statement" helped to inspire a generation of young activists and was a defining document of the New Left movement. It has been criticized for being too radical, wanting utopian and unrealistic changes [5]. 

3. The Feminine Mystique (1963) written by Betty Friedan in 1963 (not a very traditional manifesto, but is considered one by some), was a manifesto that argued that women's lives in post-World War II America were unfulfilling and oppressive. It helped launch the feminist movement in the United States and influenced the development of second-wave feminism. It has been criticized by some for being too focused on the experiences of white, middle-class women, and for not doing enough to address the experiences of women of color, working-class women, and other marginalized groups [6].

Doctrine

Doctrine on a broad scale encompasses a body of principles within a specific field of knowledge or a comprehensive system of beliefs. In the realm of politics, this term encompasses several key aspects. Primarily, it signifies a formal declaration of strategic government policies, particularly in the context of international relations. Additionally, it can pertain to military principles or a strategic framework. Doctrine precedes the establishment of a political identity and serves as a guiding force for the actions undertaken by a political group or party. In other words, it serves as a theoretical foundation for proposing policies, ensuring coherence and consistency throughout the party's platform. Adherents of a doctrine aim to promote its acceptance through teaching and advocacy.

Examples

1. The Truman Doctrine (1947) announced by President Harry Truman in 1947, was a doctrine that committed the United States to containing the spread of communism around the world. It was a key policy of the Cold War and shaped U.S. foreign policy for decades. It has been criticized for contributing to the escalation of the Cold War and for promoting U.S. interventionism around the world. Critics argue that it was a justification for U.S. imperialism and that it undermined the principles of self-determination and sovereignty [7].

2. The Reagan Doctrine (1985) announced by President Ronald Reagan in 1985, was a doctrine that committed the United States to supporting anti-communist rebels around the world. It was a key policy of the Cold War and shaped U.S. foreign policy in the 1980s. It has been criticized for supporting anti-communist rebels who committed human rights abuses and for contributing to civil wars and conflicts around the world. Critics argue that it was a continuation of U.S. interventionism in the affairs of other countries [8].

3. The Bush Doctrine (2002), announced by President George W. Bush in 2002, was a doctrine that asserted the right of the United States to preemptively attack countries that posed a threat to national security. It was used to justify the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. It has been controversial since its announcement, with critics arguing that it was a pretext for the U.S. invasion of Iraq and that it set a dangerous precedent for preemptive war. Others argue that it was necessary for U.S. national security in the post-9/11 world [9].

Declaration

A declaration denotes a formal and deliberate statement, communicated either in written or spoken form, that expresses intent or opinion. Its primary function is to announce the introduction of a novel policy or initiative, or to assert the position of a political group or party regarding a particular matter. Declarations are often used to make a public statement of values or beliefs, and may be used to rally support or generate publicity.

Examples 

1. The Declaration of Independence (1776) adopted by the Continental Congress in 1776, was a declaration that announced the separation of the American colonies from Great Britain. It asserted the principles of natural rights and popular sovereignty, and helped inspire revolutions around the world. It has been criticized for not doing enough to address the issue of slavery, and for perpetuating the exclusion of women and indigenous peoples from political power. It has also been criticized for its Eurocentric perspective [10].

2. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789)  issued by the French National Assembly in 1789, was an official declaration that asserted the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. It was a key document of the French Revolution and influenced the development of human rights around the world. It has been criticized for not doing enough to protect the rights of women and enslaved people. It has also been criticized for failing to live up to its ideals in practice, particularly during the Reign of Terror [11].

3. The Balfour Declaration (1917) issued by the British government in 1917, was a declaration that expressed support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine. It was a key document in the history of Zionism and the creation of the state of Israel. It has been controversial since its issuance, with critics arguing that it paved the way for the displacement of the Palestinian people and the establishment of the state of Israel. It has also been criticized for being inconsistent with earlier British commitments to the Arab people [12].

4. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, was a declaration that established a set of basic human rights that should be protected and promoted by all nations. It has been a cornerstone of international human rights law and has influenced the development of national and international human rights institutions. It has been criticized for being too Western-centric and for failing to address the specific concerns and experiences of non-Western cultures and societies [13].

Proclamation

A proclamation is an authoritative declaration made by a person in a position of power to disseminate specific announcements on some policy related actions. Proclamations are commonly used within the governing framework of many nations and are usually issued in the name of the head of state. They serve as a means to communicate important information, set forth government policies, and signal the stance of the governing authority on particular matters. Proclamations may be published through official channels, such as government websites or media outlets, to ensure their broad dissemination and public awareness.

Examples

1. The Emancipation Proclamation (1863) was an executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War. It declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were to be freed, and it paved the way for the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States. It has been criticized for not actually freeing any slaves, since it only applied to states in rebellion against the Union. It also did not apply to slave-holding states that were still loyal to the Union [14].

2. Proclamation of accession of Elizabeth II (1952) formally announced her accession to the throne, Following the passing of her father, King George VI, and proclaimed her as the sovereign ruler of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms. The event symbolized a transition of power and initiated a new era in the monarchy. The Proclamation of accession served as a public declaration, affirming the continuity of the monarchy and the beginning of Queen Elizabeth II's reign [15].

3. The President of the United States conveys information regarding holidays, commemorations, special observances, trade, and policy through official Proclamations. Once a Proclamation is signed by the President, it is forwarded to the Office of the Federal Register (OFR) by the White House [16].

Statement

A statement refers to a succinct and precise articulation of an opinion, idea, attitude, or factual information. It can be expressed through various means, such as acts, verbal communications (both written and oral), or non-verbal forms. Within the political realm, statements serve as a common tool for conveying a specific perspective or message to the general public, other political entities, or international organizations. They are frequently utilized to present policy proposals, address criticisms or allegations, or make official announcements. By employing statements, individuals, groups, or organizations can effectively communicate their stance and influence public discourse.

Examples

1. Berlin wall speech [17]; President Ronald Reagan about the Berlin Wall (1981-1989): 

"Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" - Remarks at the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, June 12, 1987 .

2. President Donald Trump on COVID (2017-2021) [18]: 

"We have it totally under control. It's going to be just fine." - Statement, January 22, 2020.

3. President George W. Bush on Iraq invasion (2001-2009) [19]:

"Our nation enters this conflict reluctantly, yet our purpose is sure. The people of the United States and our friends and allies will not live at the mercy of an outlaw regime that threatens the peace with weapons of mass murder." - Address to the Nation, March 19, 2003.

4. President Bill Clinton on atomic bombing of Hiroshima (1993-2001):

"The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki shocked the conscience of the world, and have had profound and lasting effects on the course of human events." - Statement on the 50th anniversary of the bombings, August 6, 1995.