The implementation of a meritocratic state can begin with a leader supported by a group of individuals with the determination and the ability to implement a meritocratic state. The whole group would need an above average IQ, reasonable success in private life, nationalism, strong control on emotions, spirituality, ability to deal with own ego, and a reasonably good understanding of human nature. A little power hunger will not harm. It would help having experts (e.g. economics, technology, political science, marketing), leaders with practical work experience in their fields.
While it is always ideal to have things from the "scratch", I am not an advocate of revolution as it is messy. Reform from within will be better for the society as a whole, but may be more difficult to implement due to entrenched vested interests of existing power centres. Nevertheless it is doable if done slowly but surely (boil the frog). Also, since human life is short, it is advisable to focus on the issues that are likely to have maximum impact and leave something for the next generation.
The ultimate aim would be political/legal/constitutional changes that institutionalise meritocracy. This is the only way to make meritocracy permanent. Economy and education are the primary tools to both work towards it and strengthen it. However, before that can happen, to first gain traction the team needs to first work at the grass root level.
This can begin with identify and solving key local problems, and then marketing the success. Consider the following two steps to identify problems to solve:
1. Zero down on a few key issues likely to lead to positive press for meritocracy (4 at most)
Meritocracy is not an established system. To start with, it needs to be in the press and recognised for its excellent results. In the beginning, it is advisable to focus on issues that are easy to market, popular, and doable. This is about picking battles big enough to matter and small enough to win, and important for at least 25% of the population. Surveys and reports, backed by information gained by working amidst people, should help in this.
2. Analyse the identified issues and zero down on one to target
Consider team resources and expertise, ask for public opinion to identify pain points and possible improvements, analyse short-comings of current system, and prepare a plan of action.
In the beginning, it is advisable to not upset any existing power centres as far as possible. Ultimately they are going to get upset, but the later we upset them the lesser obstacles we would face in implementing our plans.
In initial years, the aim should be to cultivate image of efficiency, integrity, and no-nonsense to demonstrate the capability of meritocracy. For this the team will have to both do the work and communicate it effectively to people. Get youth involved, use street plays, harness social media, conduct seminars/ talks, organise public/visible debates, create sponsorships for the best and the brightest. In short, get the word out there and back it up with actual, tangible results.
The ultimate aim is to enter the political sphere and change the way things are run. Therefore the core team would need to develop grass root level of cadres and work intensively amidst people: travelling, listening to their problems and aspirations, where possible helping them with their issues, vociferously highlighting identified public problems, and learning about the society. To begin with, for minimum resistance, the team should target an area that is:
- reasonably prosperous and eager to boost its economic dominance; or
- sufficiently economically desperate and eager to turn-around its fortune.
The areas with following characteristics could be very challenging and are best tackled at later stages:
- strong religious or caste based influence
- severely affected by militant/terrorist activity
- strong influence of Communism
The group should also create a fund-raising plan and involve industrialists in their plans to ensure adequate financing.
These key steps should help the team to lay down the foundation for a meritocracy.
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