Disequilibrium Model: Order amidst Chaos

Amidst chaos there is order. This is the basic premise of the Disequilibrium model. Unlike the Equilibrium model which eliminates any conflict that threats the current system, the Disequilibrium model operates in the chaos that surrounds it. Conflict, per se, is a function of the whole mechanism of this model. Amidst the stresses and threats of the external environment, the government should be able to equilibrate itself. Its equilibrating mechanism usually takes the form of state policies, programs, and statutes. The environment is seen as the source of stresses and strains that threaten the existing system. Against the constant conflicts brought about by public grievances, criticisms, and threats of destabilization, the government is expected to perform its function of maintain the current system. In examining any system, particular attention should always be given to all the factors in the environment that cause the stresses and strain. Otherwise, any analysis done for the part of any individual will be lacking and biased. In this regard, two contexts were given to illustrate the disequilibrium model and the factors that were involved in them.

Middle East

With the recent social unrest in Egypt, a lot of media reports focus on the magnificence of the peaceful uprising aimed at dethroning their supposed cruel dictator. Much attention is given at how the negative power of the Egyptian people is being used to air their grievance against the ruling dictator Mubarak. Looking closer, no one reports about the potential external factors that are at play in this event. No one bothers to find out if the United States has any hand in orchestrating this Egyptian “people power”. External environment’s stresses and strains are often left unnoticed by the general public. In the current Egyptian uprising, the implications arising from the mandates of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund should be carefully analysed. The encroachment of these foreign institutions in the interests of the Egyptian sovereignty would pose a serious threat to other dictator-led countries. Critical and unbiased reporting of these events should reveal the true makeup of the external environment of the situation.

EDSA Revolution & Presidency of Erap

The second context is a bit closer to the hearts of the Filipinos. The People Power of the 1986 EDSA Revolution is popularly remembered by its supposed monumental achievement of toppling an abusive dictator. A lot of comparison is being drawn between the Philippines’ people power and that of the Egyptian’s current struggle. As expected, no one cared to see the clearer picture. The Egyptian’s uprising was caused by extensive famine while ours was primarily a media event. Perhaps the greatest disaster that occurred because of the 1986 incident is the politicization of the military. The same incident would only repeat itself in 2001 during the Presidency of Erap. Being a student from the School of Economics, it comes as a bit of a surprise to know his level of Statemanship in regards to his effective policymaking decisions. His detractors ultimately saw his friendly relationship towards the then-blossoming China as something detrimental to the interests of the country. These external forces, though left unnoticed, have led to the eventual fall of a surprisingly deserving national president. I wonder when will the Philippine media turn its focus on the invisible forces at work in this country. (02/08/2011)