The Definition of True Statesmanship A Case Study

Statesmanship in Public Administration

Public administration is one of the most important facets of any government. It is responsible for executing the policies and laws passed by the legislature, as well as providing services to the public. Due to its importance, public administration must be conducted in a professional and ethical manner. This requires statesmanship on the part of those in positions of authority. Statesmanship is a way of conducting oneself in public office that is characterized by integrity, wisdom, and foresight. It involves making decisions in the best interests of the country, even when those decisions are unpopular. Statesmanship is an essential quality for any public administrator, as it helps to ensure that the affairs of state are conducted in a responsible and effective manner.

The case of Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation is an example of statesmanship in the mold of Publius from the Federalist Papers: of a public administrator who “had the courage and magnanimity enough to serve [the people] at the peril of their displeasure (Livingstone, 1999, p. 2003). For Lincoln did not follow the attitudes of the Union regarding slavery; the northern states did not want free blacks migrating north as freed men—but Lincoln saw it as being in the best interests of the Union and the nation to free these same blacks. In other words, Lincoln was elected to serve the nation and the people by making the right decisions for the nation—even if those decisions flew in the face of popular opinion.

This is an important and helpful case to consider because it shows what a true statesman should be. Indeed, while the Emancipation Proclamation is one of the most controversial documents in American history, it is also one of the most important and most pivotal moments in American history and public administration. On the one hand, it is seen as a bold and noble act that helped to bring about the end of slavery. On the other hand, it is seen as a cynical political maneuver that did little to actually improve the lives of African Americans. Whether one views the proclamation in a positive or negative light, there is no denying that it was a brave and statesmanlike act on Lincoln's part. At a time when public opinion was overwhelmingly against emancipation, Lincoln had the courage to do what he believed was right, regardless of the consequences. This kind of strength of character is what true statesmanship is all about. In fact, some have argued that true statesmanship exists outside of any constitutional order; it transcends all and serves the one, the good, the true, and the beautiful—the transcendental ideals in other words (Overeem & Bakker, 2019).

Unfortunately, to many, the very idea of statesmanship is something that exists only in the past. In an age of 24-hour news cycles and ever-shifting public opinion, it can be easy to forget that there was a time when politicians were expected to think about more than just the next election. But what exactly is statesmanship? According to one definition, it is the art or science of government (Jones, 2019; Skemp & Oswald, 1992). In other words, it is the ability to make decisions in the best interests of the state, even if those decisions are not popular in the short term. This is not to say that statesmanship is always easy. In fact, it can be very difficult to strike a balance between what is best for the country and what is best for one’s political career. But those who are able to do so are often remembered as being some of the most effective leaders in history. That is why Lincoln is remembered to this day as a great statesman: he made a decision that might have seemed wrong at the time, but in the long run it has been honored as a great decision for the future of the nation.