If Michel Foucault had been alive during the Brexit debate and the aftermath period, he would have argued that the “truth” had little relevance to the political discourse that surrounded it. The debate and the conflicting narratives about Brexit were not about presenting a fixed set of facts but rather a contested field where different actors push their agendas, trying to establish their version of reality as the dominant narrative.
This aligns with Foucault’s critique of how knowledge and power are intertwined. He posits that knowledge (or what is accepted as truth) is used to exercise control and that those in positions of authority can define and propagate what is considered true. In political debates, such as the Brexit debate in the United Kingdom, this can lead to a situation where ‘truth’ becomes a tool for advancing certain political goals rather than a reflection of objective reality. ‘Truth,’ during the Brexit debate became a tool that those in power used to sustain and amplify their power.
I found myself contemplating Foucault’s concept of the ‘regime of truth,’ and how deeply truth is intertwined with power, while I was reading Rory Stewart’s political memoir, Politics on the Edge. Despite my keen interest in politics, I rarely read political memoirs. In most cases, they serve as a platform for former politicians to justify their actions or decisions while in office. Often, are dull. However, Rory Stewart has been on my radar since the referendum days, and I was particularly intrigued by his leadership campaign. He has not been the typical politician. His background, before entering politics, was broad and varied. He appeared to be honest and competent, with definite views and principles, that he upheld. He seemed to be both idealistic and pragmatic, and he genuinely appeared to care about people. He enjoys walking, just as I do. He was an outsider.
Politics on the Edge is a chronicle of Rory Stewart’s experiences and observations as a Member of Parliament, Minister, and a candidate for the leadership of the Conservative Party when one of his opponents was (the then-next prime minister) Boris Johnson, perhaps that most unsuitable person (aside from Liz Truss’ 45 disastrous days) to be prime minister or even member of Parliament.
One of the first things that the reader finds or rather confirms, is the lack of earnestness, the shallow opportunism and petty rivalries among our politicians. This culture of decay, particularly within the Conservative Party, has led to the dysfunction of the political system and a distrust in the political process. Apart from a few exceptions, the politicians appear to be more concerned with maintaining power and catering to a selected few rather than addressing the collective needs and interests of the public. It’s hardly surprising that the distance and disconnect between the electorate and their elected representatives has grown over the last several decades with serious implications for democracy. This alienation leads to apathy, reduced voter turnout, and more dangerously, fuels support for anti-establishment or populist movements, as seen in various elections around the world.
Steward’s dedication and passion for public service are evident throughout the book. His reflections, such as when he discusses his own failed leadership, highlight the immense personal toll that the political arena can take, even on those with the best intentions. Overall, the book paints a bleak picture of the current state of British politics, reflecting the uncertainty and concerns that many people have about the future.
His firsthand accounts of the Brexit campaign and its aftermath provide a particularly illuminating view of how rhetoric and political slogans, in particular, have increasingly replaced in-depth discussion in politics. Complex political and social topics, such as Brexit or immigration, have been reduced to catchy slogans that can be easily communicated with sound bites and social-media posts and then repeated extensively across fast-paced digital platforms. Get Brexit Done. Stop the Boats. As the political discourse has become oversimplified and dominated by emotive language rather than meaningful analysis, people are increasingly struggling to grasp the nuances of important issues, leading to confusion and disillusionment with the political process.
In Politics on the Edge, Rory Steward discusses, some of the reasons, ideologies, influence of elites, and personal ambitions that shaped the political environment in the UK today. UK’s journey since the Brexit referendum has been complex and continues to evolve. Populism has become a significant factor in British politics, the political discourse became more polarised, and Britain’s future in the world remains uncertain. However, if you are looking for solutions, on how to get out from this challenging political climate, Rory Stweart does not provide any. The book is a critique of the current state of politics, and as such it could be serve as a foundation for discussion on how to address the challenges we are facing.
The core of the solution lies in the decisions we, the citizens, make. Politics is not about who is winning the argument of the day, but about solving problems. To shape our collective future, we must be prepared to make informed decisions on the critical issues facing our society. Voting is our power and how we will vote in the next elections will determine our future for decades to come.