Hyderabad: Exploring Fractal Politics: Michael C. Williams at GSHS
On March 11, 2024, GITAM School of Humanities and Social Sciences (GSHS), Hyderabad, hosted an insightful talk titled ‘The Geometry of Justice: An Odyssey into Fractal Politics’ by Prof. Michael C. Williams. Dr. Williams, an American Writer, Entrepreneur, Lawyer, and Philanthropist from Denver, Colorado, USA, shared his perspectives on governance and political structures.
Dr Williams drew attention to the modern and ancient separation of powers in his talk, highlighting the triad of Executive, Legislative, and Judicial powers in modern times. He contrasted this with the old tripartite division of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy. The core of his discussion centred around a ‘Cubic’ Constitution, consisting of executive, legislative, democracy, monarchy, judicial, and aristocratic elements, proportioned with democracy, legislative, and federal aspects.
Prof. Williams offered a groundbreaking perspective from his learning from his influential book, America on Trial; Williams revealed a new theoretical framework for political organization that could revolutionize the approach to governance.
Dr. Williams’s talk is more than a mere academic exercise; it is a call to action for reimagining the very foundations of how we govern ourselves. He hopes to ignite a critical reevaluation of governance structures by challenging conventional wisdom and introducing these innovative pillars. The potential impact of Williams not only reshapes our understanding of democratic systems but also offers tangible pathways toward more just, equitable, and balanced political institutions.
Concluding his talk, Prof. Williams asserted that Executive, Legislative, Judicial, Monarchy, Aristocracy, Democracy, Federal, State, and Local elements are fundamental to governance. He touched upon intriguing concepts such as infinite regress, self-similar shapes at all scales, constitutions mirrored in nature and the fractal nature of governance. According to him, a state comprised of states forms a fractal, and a nation built on the 6-part separated power structure at every level represents a fractal and harmonic constitution.
During the Q&A session, Dr. Williams engaged with queries from students and faculty, providing additional insights. Prof. Sunny Gosman Jose, Director of GSHS, extended felicitations to the guest, and Dr. Mayank Mishra, the coordinator of the Department of Political Science, welcomed the gathering. Dr. Ashok Gurram, Assistant Professor, proposed the vote of thanks. The event proved to be a thought-provoking exploration of political structures from a unique fractal perspective.
