Emotions, beliefs and inertia
It is worthwhile at this point to remind ourselves that the human animal is emotional and does not act rationally all the time (if ever). Behavioural economics was based on a critique of economic theory, it assumed that “homo-economicus” was a rational actor. The same applies to the use of power and when blood has been spilt the difficulty of getting over the emotional reactions and the desire to give it back becomes massive – but it can and has to be overcome as has been seen in South Africa and Northern Ireland. In the case of Both Africa Truth and Reconciliation Commission was used, in both cases a large amount of political capital, going right to the top, had to be expended to make progress.
Entrenched beliefs have to be overcome – specifically the belief that there is no alternative to the current order. This will only occur if a different, provably true and better narrative is told. As we have seen in the previous sections this can be done. What is needed is unflinching advocacy coupled with challenge – the challenge of democracy and equal citizenship against purchased advantage.
Inertia has to be overcome – specifically the idea that the upheaval of moving to a different system will be disruptive, difficult or even violent. Non of this need be true. With the intelligent selection of means holistic political economy can come about through an evolutionary process, one of adaption and learning that can unfold organically. This does not mean it has to be slow, but it has to be deliberate.