Political myopia

Nature

Political myopia stems from the inability of policymakers to give serious attention to problems whose effects may not be fully visible for several years. If effects are unlikely to become apparent prior to a politician's's departure, then the problem gets put aside in favour of those whose effects can be used to bolster prestige. The long-term result of political myopia is that problems are passed on to succeeding generations.

Background

Political myopia emerged as a recognized global concern in the late 20th century, as scholars and policymakers observed recurrent failures to address long-term challenges such as climate change, fiscal sustainability, and demographic shifts. Heightened scrutiny followed major crises—like the 2008 financial collapse—when short-term policy decisions were linked to systemic vulnerabilities. International organizations and think tanks have since increasingly documented the pervasive impact of short-termism on governance, prompting calls for institutional reforms.

Incidence

An example of political myopia is the failure to instigate a ban on the manufacture and stockpiling of nuclear weapons, following the explosions at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Claim

Political myopia is a grave threat to our future. Short-term thinking by leaders sacrifices long-term stability, progress, and the well-being of generations to come. This reckless focus on immediate gains over sustainable solutions fuels crises like climate change, economic instability, and social division. Ignoring the long view is not just irresponsible—it’s dangerous. We must demand visionary leadership that prioritizes enduring progress over fleeting political victories, or we risk catastrophic consequences.

Counter-claim

The so-called issue of "political myopia" is vastly overstated. Politicians must respond to immediate needs and the will of the people, not hypothetical long-term scenarios. Prioritizing present challenges ensures stability and progress. Accusing leaders of short-sightedness ignores the realities of governance and the necessity of adapting to ever-changing circumstances. Frankly, political myopia is not a significant problem—it's a manufactured concern that distracts from real, pressing issues facing society today.