By Dr. Younis Ahmad Sheikh

In a democratic society, knowing the health of our political life is just as vital as knowing the state of our physical or economic well-being. Yet, political health often goes unnoticed, even though it shapes every aspect of our collective existence. Here lies the quiet, yet significant role of political scientists. These individuals are often mistaken for politicians, but their work is far more analytical, reflective, and foundational to the democratic process.

Political scientists are not involved in party politics or election campaigns. Instead, they act as society’s doctors: diagnosing the political well-being of a country, identifying the symptoms of democratic decline, and prescribing remedies for political dysfunction. They observe how power is distributed and exercised, how institutions function, and how citizens engage with the system.

Political health can be assessed through several........

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