Radical Realism: Why Electoral Participation is Key to Building a Better Future
For many people, politics feels distant, abstract, or even irrelevant to their daily lives. Yet politics is everywhere — it’s in the air we breathe, the food we eat, the schools we send our kids to, and the future of our planet. And the single most powerful way to shape politics is through electoral participation.
But participating in politics doesn’t mean jumping into chaos or losing sight of long-term goals. This is where radical realism comes in — a school of thought that combines practical action with big ambitions. It’s about acknowledging the challenges we face while taking strategic steps to solve them. For progressive and alternative political movements like green politics, radical realism emphasizes the need to participate in elections, struggle to win, and lay the bedrock for lasting change.
What is Radical Realism?
Radical realism is a way of thinking about politics that focuses on engaging with the world as it is while working toward what it could be. It rejects both blind idealism and cynical inaction. Instead, it takes a pragmatic approach, recognizing that meaningful change happens through consistent, incremental action within existing systems.
Key Principles of Radical Realism
- Start with Reality
- Radical realism acknowledges the current political landscape, including its flaws and power structures, and finds ways to work within it to create change.
- Example Argument: While ecosocialism dreams of dismantling capitalism entirely, radical realism focuses on practical steps, like advocating for green energy policies within current economic systems.
2. Actionable, Incremental Change
- Instead of waiting for perfect conditions, radical realism emphasizes taking small, strategic actions today to build a better future.
- Example Argument: Large-scale revolutions rarely succeed in the modern era; radical realism builds change piece by piece, starting with what’s achievable.
3. Power is a Tool, Not a Threat
- Radical realism argues that engaging with political power isn’t inherently corrupt. Instead, it’s a necessary step to create justice and equity.
- Example Argument: Staying out of elections cedes power to those who may not prioritize sustainability or fairness, making participation critical.
4. Learning Through Persistence
- Change doesn’t happen overnight. Radical realism values learning from setbacks and using those lessons to refine strategies.
- Example Argument: Leaders like Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Brazil) and Gustavo Petro (Colombia) lost elections multiple times before winning, proving that persistence and adaptability are key.
By focusing on these principles, radical realism provides a roadmap for action that balances ambition with practicality. It’s a school of thought inspired by figures like Reinhold Niebuhr, who believed in the moral use of power, and Antonio Gramsci, who emphasized the importance of gradual cultural and political shifts.
Why Electoral Participation is Essential
Radical realism views electoral participation as the cornerstone of political engagement. Without it, progressive movements risk irrelevance, allowing others to make critical decisions that shape the future. Here’s why elections matter so much:
- Visibility and Credibility
Elections give progressive movements a platform to bring their issues to the public. Campaigns highlight underrepresented concerns, raise awareness, and establish the movement as a credible political force.
- Example: The Green Senator Initiative in Indonesia (2017–2019) saw activists like John Muhammad and Daniel Awigra run for Regional Representative Council (DPD) seats. While they didn’t win, their campaigns raised public awareness about environmental sustainability and showed the potential of alternative movements.
2. Building Political Infrastructure
Electoral participation isn’t just about winning — it’s about creating a foundation for future success. Campaigns train leaders, build networks and refine strategies, all of which are essential for long-term change.
- Example: Lula da Silva lost three elections before becoming Brazil’s president in 2002. Each loss taught him valuable lessons, helped him build alliances, and strengthened his movement’s infrastructure. When he finally won, he was ready to implement transformative policies.
3. Influencing Policy and Public Debate
Participating in elections ensures that alternative voices are part of the decision-making process. Even without outright victories, electoral campaigns can shift the political conversation and push mainstream parties to address progressive issues.
- Example: Gustavo Petro’s 2018 campaign in Colombia, though unsuccessful, laid the groundwork for his historic 2022 victory, which made him the country’s first leftist president.
4. Overcoming Systemic Challenges
Radical realism recognizes that existing systems are imperfect, but it works within them to create opportunities for progress. Sitting out of elections leaves the playing field to those who may perpetuate the status quo.
- Example Argument: Critics of electoral politics often claim it’s too corrupt to engage with, but radical realism shows that participating strategically can shift the balance of power.
Lessons from Radical Realism in Action
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Brazil)
- Lula ran for president three times before finally winning in 2002. Each campaign built his experience, strengthened his alliances, and expanded his support base. When he won, he implemented policies that lifted millions out of poverty and improved education.
- His return to power in 2022, after narrowly defeating a far-right incumbent, highlights the importance of persistence and adaptability.
Gustavo Petro (Colombia)
- Petro’s first presidential bid in 2010 earned him just 9% of the vote, and he lost again in 2018. But he used each loss to refine his platform, build coalitions, and engage more voters.
- In 2022, he made history as Colombia’s first leftist president, showing how strategic participation can challenge deeply entrenched systems.
Green Senator Initiative (Indonesia)
- Between 2017 and 2019, activists in Indonesia ran for DPD seats under the banner of green politics. While they didn’t win, their campaigns brought attention to environmental issues and demonstrated the importance of electoral participation for progressive movements.
What Happens When We Don’t Participate?
Radical realism also highlights the risks of staying out of elections:
- Loss of Influence: Without participation, progressive movements cede space to political actors who may prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability.
- Public Disengagement: Movements that avoid elections can appear disconnected from governance, making it harder to gain public trust.
- Missed Opportunities: Elections are critical moments to shift public debate and introduce new ideas into mainstream conversations.
How You Can Get Involved
Radical realism isn’t just for politicians or activists — it’s for everyone who wants to build a better, greener future. By supporting green political movements and progressive initiatives, you can play an active role in driving meaningful change. Here’s how you can contribute:
Join Green Political Movements:
- Become a member or supporter of a green political movement. Membership allows you to actively participate in shaping their strategies, policies, and campaigns.
- Example: Look for green-focused groups like Hijau Itu Gerakan, Bukan Sekedar Warna or similar initiatives in your area and get involved.
Volunteer for Initiatives:
- Support green political events, campaigns, or outreach programs. Volunteer your time and skills to help spread the message and organize impactful activities.
- Example: Assist in local environmental cleanups, educational programs, or community projects advocating for sustainability.
Attend and Promote Events:
- Participate in town halls, political discussions, and green events organized by the movement. These gatherings are a great way to learn, connect, and amplify the message.
- Example: Join events like “Mimbar Hijau untuk Semua” (Green Forums for All) or “Hijau Bermain, Bijak Berpikir” (Green Game Nights) to engage with others who share your vision.
Support Campaigns Financially:
- Donate to green political movements to help fund their campaigns and initiatives. Every contribution, big or small, helps them grow and reach more people.
Be Part of Grassroots Efforts:
- Change often begins locally. Join grassroots initiatives that align with green politics, such as renewable energy projects, sustainable agriculture efforts, or urban greening programs.
- Example: Get involved in projects like community gardens or renewable energy advocacy in your neighborhood.
Spread the Word:
- Use your voice to share the goals and activities of green political movements with your network. Social media, personal conversations, and local meetups are powerful tools for raising awareness.
- Example: Share posts, write blogs, or host discussions about why green politics matter and how others can join.
Advocate for Policy Change:
- Push for policies that reflect green values. Engage with local representatives, attend public hearings, or participate in advocacy campaigns. Your voice can influence the decisions that shape your community.
Stay Educated and Inspire Others:
- Keep yourself informed about environmental issues, climate policy, and green politics. Inspire others to take action by sharing your knowledge and leading by example.
By taking even one of these steps, you can support the growth of green political movements and help lay the foundation for a more sustainable and equitable future. Together, small actions can create big change. Let’s make it happen!
A Call to Action
Radical realism reminds us that politics isn’t just about big dreams — it’s about taking real, practical steps to achieve them. For green politics and other progressive movements, electoral participation is the cornerstone of building a fairer, greener, and more just society.
Change doesn’t happen overnight. But every vote cast, every campaign run, and every conversation started brings us closer to a better future. Let’s show up, participate, and build the foundation for the world we want to see. The future of Indonesia — and the planet — depends on it.
