Mercedes Chicken Head Technology & Strong Countries

By Ayman Okeil

 In short, Mercedes-Benz, the German luxury car brand, which I love, inspired the suspension system in its cars from the head of a chicken in what is known as “chicken head technology.” This concept means that the head of the chicken remains fixed and its gaze is straight, even if other parts of its body move due to external influences. The purpose of this technology is to indicate stability and safety, ensuring that the Mercedes passenger is not affected when encountering bumps while driving.

This analogy, in my view, extends to how countries should function; they must remain stable even when faced with a torrent of crises or development challenges that could diminish the morale of their officials. But where do countries derive their strength? Some argue that strength comes from military arsenals, while others believe that economic stability is more critical, when compared with other states. International indicators that classify countries as strong, developing, or poor rely on criteria such as gross domestic product, per capita income, natural resources, and political stability, among others.

However, the concept of strong states transcends these traditional metrics. Strong, cohesive countries must have components beyond military and economic power, such as a robust civil society that serves as a vital link between the state and its citizens, assisting in achieving sustainable development goals.

But can civil society alone support the government? I believe the answer is no. Vital and resilient states require political parties capable of empowering citizens and educating them about their rights. A state cannot fully realize its potential without effective political parties that can reach elected parliaments. The legislative body aims to draft, amend, or abolish laws as necessary, and parties must have the flexibility to adapt their internal regulations based on democratic principles through regular conferences and majority opinions.

Stable and resilient countries, much like Mercedes, promote values of citizenship and do not discriminate among their citizens. This is accomplished through education and awareness of citizenship principles within official institutions, aided by civil society and the private sector. Prioritizing citizenship in governmental plans fosters individuals who are aware of their rights—intellectually, socially, and humanly—while being conscious of justice, equality, and human rights. Conversely, countries that treat citizenship as a marginal issue face numerous obstacles on their path to progress. Encouraging a culture of citizenship and dialogue are noble values that elevate societies.