Management is a complex activity. That is, the success or failure of the government depends on the confluence of various wills. So thought Thomas Hobbes, in his work entitled Leviathan, or the matter, form, and power of an ecclesiastical and civil state. When you look up the definition of Leviathan, you will find that it is described as a giant monster that dominates a territory. For Hobbes, the state is Leviathan.

Hobbes describes the state apparatus as a giant composed of miniature people. In the sum of that multitude lies the awesome power of Leviathan. The explanation of this metaphor is developed when Hobbes affirms that each person possesses a small power; you can work with it, stop working or be indifferent to the context that surrounds you. But every citizen gives that part of that power to Leviathan (the state), so that the state performs gigantic tasks, which are impossible without the support of citizens.

These are the offers that Aquiles Álvarez, the virtual mayor of Guayaquil, made in the campaign

Hobbes stated something that was not obvious in the time when monarchies ruled and people thought that the success or failure of a government came down to the genius of its rulers. Hobbes fully understood that every person, however humble, plays an important role in maintaining power. But what happens if the wills disappear? According to Hobbes, the state becomes imposing and inoperative.

Pabel Muñoz: The mayor of Quito is me and Rafael Correa, the lifetime president of the organization

Replacing anomie with democracy is possible, but it requires the goodwill of the citizens.

In Ecuador, we are a few weeks away from a change in the administrations of the decentralized governments of the provincial, cantonal and parish territories. Those who leave the administration have under their power information, data and decisions that they must deliver to their successors. If things are done according to reason and the law, each group of politicians who finish their mandate will provide all the information requested by the new ruler in detail, politely and clearly, and the administrative apparatus will continue its activities.

However, in times of crisis, logic and law are underestimated, which is called anomie, which implies at least two main aspects. On the one hand, the inadequacy of the law, and on the other, the social climate of deliberate disobedience. At worst, anomic societies are saturated with corrupt, delinquent and criminal behavior. In an anomic society, institutions cease to be reliable and respectable. Therefore, various international organizations periodically measure “trust” in governments; because the absence of this is one of the detonating aspects of anomie.

When a new government takes office, citizens await its actions, answers and speeches. Changes in administration are hopeful times that can heal social contexts. Returning to Hobbes’ thought, for the state to be effective, the consent of the will of the citizens is needed, but especially of the army of public servants, who have the duty to ensure that the new authorities receive complete, true and accurate information. Replacing anomie with democracy is possible, but it requires the goodwill of the citizens. (OR)