Democracy has thus far shown itself to be open to corruption, manipulation, and inefficiency. In other words, it has not delivered on the goods it has always promised. Rather, democratic politics is a form of ‘democracy’ in name only, despite the relative progressive nature of western political systems. It has still not truly been a political process representative for the people – especially when the choices for voting are so limited. It has been similar to deciding between two varieties of product on the shop shelf (only to find out later that both products are owned by the same multi-national company!). Political processes the world over fall short in their offerings. They have yet to represent a truly inclusive and transparent political process. For this reason, the political process is set for change during the Phoenix Generation years. I suggest the following:

So-called ‘political parties’ will not be exclusively for politicians. The domain of politics will diversify and will consist of peoples from all areas of life to represent local, national, and international regions. Governments, and the political process, will not exclusively be the domain of career politicians: it will be comprised of representatives from all walks of life. These will include, but not be limited to, civil society; community representatives; trade representatives; scientists; well-known thinkers/intellectuals; architects/designers; and cultural creatives and artists. Furthermore, each person (voter) will be able to be included in the various stages of the political process through digital forms of participation.

The new young voters of the Phoenix Generation will no longer accept the bickering and name-calling that has generally been called ‘politics’. The new youth will not want the old divisive energies from the previous era. The new minds will wish for integrity, honesty, and transparency in the political process, irrespective of geography and culture. There will no longer be any space for the old debates – politics will have to drop the crude, often simplified and manufactured discussions of Left vs. Right; Capitalism vs. Anti-capitalism; Democratic vs. Republic, and the rest. The old paradigm mentality will wish to continue fighting over these ruptured and antiquated distinctions; yet those of the new model will no longer accept their rudimentary and divisive tactics. Increasing human awareness and instinctual intelligence will see through the theatrical two-dimensional charade that was once used to sway the masses. Those of the Phoenix Generation will instinctively know that the most destructive decision that an individual can make is to give away their own authority and decision-making power. This new era of change will herald the rise of participatory politics.

Technologies for more inclusive and participatory democracy will emerge that will benefit the people. The political processes that will survive the transition years of the next two decades will be those that represent the participatory spirit of the people. The survival of politics as we know it will depend on the ability of personages and processes to re-calibrate and be in alignment with the increasing numbers of awakening individuals. Our digital technologies will ensure that participatory politics is a practical reality. The generation(s) to come will ensure that the practical reality becomes a genuine one.

There will emerge a wave of conscious leaders who will not be out to sell themselves on superficial short-term promises. There will still be leaders in the field of politics, as there will be in other fields. However, the new leaders that will emerge from among the Phoenix Generation will be fully involved in participatory politics. They will know that they have a responsibility to listen to the feedback of others. The new wave of leaders will instinctively understand that theirs is a planetary society where a long-term future vision is required. This long-term political perspective will instinctively embrace a planetary perspective where peoples, nations, issues, and needs are all woven together into a penetrating and interlacing worldview. Participatory politics inherently recognizes that any regional problems and issues are global ones too and therefore shared. The young leaders of the Phoenix Generation will carry the new energy into the conflict regions, such as the Middle East and Africa. The new wave to emerge in politics will not be confined only to the so-called ‘industrialized’ nations but will, importantly, rise up and develop in those areas most in need.

Political responsibility will be seen as critical. The goal of participatory politics that is set to emerge will have peace and transparent political responsibility as a priority. The prospect of peace and unity upon a diverse planet will be one of the radical shifts that signifies a change in direction for our planetary species. It will not happen overnight and will need time and effort.

The political process may be one of the harder institutionalized systems to adapt and change. Yet it will do so, in time, mainly because of a new wave of younger people entering its ranks with renewed vision and goals.

To summarize:

So-called ‘political parties’ will not be exclusively for politicians.
The new young voters of the Phoenix Generation will no longer accept the bickering and name-calling that has generally been called ‘politics.’
Technologies for more inclusive and participatory democracy will emerge that will benefit the people.
There will emerge a wave of conscious leaders who will not be out to sell themselves on superficial short-term promises.
Political responsibility will be seen as critical.