Progressive Socialism is a political ideology emerging in the Greater Ardokian Empire during the late 19th Century. Originally being an exclusive Socialist ideology, it quickly adapted to the various views of Ardokian society and became much more moderate closely resembling the economic stances of Liberal Socialism. Like other socialist schools of thought, such as Marxism-Leninism, Progressive Socialism rejects multi-party democracy accusing it of causing disorder, instability and a lack of national unity along with the corruption and popularity contests it creates. Instead, supporting a single-party state to unite the masses and usher in an "eternal march of progress and advancement".
Political Theory
Progressive Socialism supports the establishment of a single-party state, where the citizens directly elect representatives (all candidates must be members of the party, and approved by the party) to their Local Assembly every 5 years. The Local Assembly then elects some of its members to go up to the District Assembly. The pattern then repeats through the Regional Assemblies, the Provincial Assemblies and up to the National Assembly. The National Assembly is the national legislature, though just acts as a rubber stamp for the party's legislature. The lower assemblies sever no purpose any more, except to filter out candidates for the National Assembly.
Members of the party elect representatives to their local branches, who then elect representatives to the district, regional, and provincial branches. The representatives of the Provincial Branches of the party, then elect representatives to the National Congress of the party which meets every six months. The National Congress (of 5000 members) then elects a Central Committee (of 250 members and meets every month) which then elects the Politburo (of 25 members) who rule make party and national policies. The Council of Ministers, is responsible for carrying out policies and legislation designed by the Politburo and approved by the National Assembly. The Council of Ministers is composed of the Premier (head of government) and other ministers who are selected by the Politburo from within the party. The leader of the Politburo, is also the President (head of state) and the General Secretary (of the party).
Economic Theory
Progressive Socialism stands as a sort of compromise, taking elements of classic socialism and capitalism and merging them together to create a superior system. From a fundamental outlook, Progressive Socialism supports economic theory of Ordoliberlism, emphasising the need for state intervention to create a truly free and competitive free market, while also having elements of Dirigisme characterised by the state direction and subsidisation certain sectors of the economy when necessary. Back to its socialist roots, Progressive Socialism strongly supports a welfare state in order to assist those who need it, however free and high quality education job guarantee system have practically eliminated poverty in Ardoki. While also maintaining a monopoly on certain sectors of the the economy, such as the resource, telecommunications and utilities sectors, while also supporting the use of state-owned corporations to take part in the market economy to act as a price-stabiliser and for-profit enterprise.
The implementation of Progressive Socialism in Ardoki has had a profound impact on the nation. Before the Progressive Revolution (1905) the economy was stagnated and there was vast inequality, by 1911 the economy had started growing rapidly and by 1920 had effectively doubled in size. Today Ardoki has a GDP (nominal) of over NS (US) $68 000, along with very low wealth inequality and a high and stable economic growth rate. The liberal free market, government intervention and direction (when necessary), and policies to reduce poverty and increase the living standard of the people, combine perfectly to create the most ideal society. Ardoki, is proof of the 'Progressive Socialist Economic Miracle' and the possibility of mixing socialism and capitalism to create a more prosperous, fairer and equal society for all.
Social Theory
Progressive Socialism is very socially liberal, supporting the legalisation of abortion, prostitution and euthanasia along with a strong tendency to base policies of scientific reason and evidence in stark opposition to the traditionalism of conservative ideologies. It is a strong supporter of scientism and rationalism, and stands actively against superstition and supernaturalism. The ideology supports state atheism in order to foster a "scientific and rational populace", though does not literally prohibit religious practice. However organised religion, the promotion of religion to children, attempts at conversion, public display or support of religion, are all prohibited. Along with the active support of rationalism and science, creativity and the arts are also heavily encouraged as they are all believed to "advance humanity and provide a richer society".
Progressivism is believed to be the natural state of humanity, while conservatism (and reactionaryism) are deemed to be "unnatural, dangerous and must be eradicated". Thus, Progressive Socialism has no problems with social liberalism and has shown a heightened ability to modernise and change with the times, as mentioned previously Ardoki has social freedoms non-existent in a lot of countries (such as marriage equality).
