Another contrast in these definitions is that between what has zero sum, and non-zero-sum theories of politics This terminology is derived from the mathematical theory of games a zero sum game is the usual sort of game such chess in which a A zero-sum theories, on the part of the player or players. There is a fixed amount that the gains of one side are, by definition, losses to the other Obviously many politicians, and political scientists, see politics this way. Thus Weber and (implicitly) Lasswell both seem to suggest t the political success of one individual may well be at the expens of others who oppose them. It is also a feature of Marxist theories, like that of Poulantzas, that the interests of classes are opposed and ate gained at the expense of each other However, not all games are of this sort or instance in collective make-believe children's games, new themes introduced by one player in a game of can enrich the enjoyment of the game for everyone Cowboys versus Indians, the introduction of Aliens may lead to everyone having a better time. There is not a fixed amount of winnings', but by co-operation both sides can achieve In a ar way, Parsons explicitly argues that, by co-operation, different groups in society can each obtain greater benefits than would be the case if they work in competition. This view seems to fit well with contemporary emphasis in many parts of the Western world on the practice of mainstream politicians seeking to build coalitions, which different involves co romise. Thus different theories place radi emphasis on consensus agreement and COnflict in their theories of There is a growing sense that politics in the established Western his (en democracies is struggling. This uneas6 as been referred to as a u emocratic deficit, political alienation or civil disillusionment. The possible explanations for such changes are examined by Gerry Stoker (2006), but the argument is that citizens have been increasingly turned off by traditional political behaviour, such as voting in elec tions. This has manifested itself in a decline in partisanship, or a lessening sense of identifying with key political actors and structures it has been suggested that increasingly
politically active citizens have ignored the coalition compromises offered by the existing Political elite,and have instead turned to single-issue pressure group activity. But does this apparent decline in traditional partisan