Abuse of power

Misuse of incumbency

Nature

Power tends to corrupt and has proved itself addictive to many, who have institutionalized it along with its misuse and abuse. Some of the dehumanizing effects of "power for its own sake" are exploitation, poverty, greed, bigotry, inequality, superstition, racism, sexism, war, overpopulation, genocide, environmental destruction, oppression, and human misery of every imaginable kind.

One important difference between conventional crime and acts involving abuses of power is that many of the latter are committed under the guise of legitimacy. Concentration camps are justified by the need to protect internal security. Police abuse of power is legitimized as necessary to combat crime, to fight 'evil' with force. Extra-judicial executions are portrayed as acts of self-defence. The use of 'dirty tricks', undemocratic or outright illegal means, the overt or covert violations of civil liberties are thus rationalized and presented to an unsuspecting or an uninformed public as necessary and legitimate.

Background

Abuse of power has been documented throughout history, with early records from ancient civilizations highlighting rulers’ excesses and the resulting social unrest. Its global significance gained prominence during the Enlightenment, as philosophers and reformers exposed systemic abuses in governance and institutions. In the 20th century, international human rights frameworks, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), further underscored the widespread recognition and condemnation of power misuse across political, corporate, and social spheres.

Incidence

Abuse of power is a pervasive issue affecting both developed and developing nations, manifesting in government, corporate, and institutional settings. Reports from organizations such as Transparency International and Human Rights Watch indicate that millions of people worldwide are impacted annually, with consequences ranging from corruption and human rights violations to the erosion of public trust and social stability. High-profile cases regularly emerge, underscoring the global scale and persistence of this problem.
In 2022, Sri Lanka experienced a significant instance of abuse of power when government officials were accused of mismanaging public funds and suppressing dissent during the country’s economic crisis, leading to mass protests and political upheaval.

Claim

Abuse of power is a deeply troubling and urgent problem that corrodes trust, destroys lives, and undermines the very foundations of justice and democracy. When those in authority exploit their positions, they betray the people they are meant to serve. This toxic behavior perpetuates inequality, silences victims, and allows corruption to flourish. Addressing abuse of power is not optional—it is absolutely essential for a fair, safe, and functioning society.

Counter-claim

Abuse of power is vastly exaggerated as a concern. Most leaders and officials act responsibly, and the rare instances of misconduct are blown out of proportion by sensationalist media. Society has checks and balances in place, making it nearly impossible for anyone to wield unchecked authority. Focusing on abuse of power distracts from more pressing issues and undermines trust in institutions that generally function well for the benefit of all.