Changing Political Landscape Research Articles

Disconnectivity in a Changing Media and Political Landscape: A Multi-Contextual and Interdisciplinary Lens

This thematic issue examines disconnectivity in a world where connectivity is often assumed to be the norm. Drawing on multiple areas of research, such as political unfriending, digital disconnection, migration studies, and media censorship, it delves into the complexities of disconnectivity, moving beyond its framing as voluntary choice and individual practice. Collectively, studies in this issue highlight disconnection as a compelled act for self-protection and a collective strategy to tackle systemic problems. By examining enforced and coerced disconnection, they also reveal disconnection’s dual role as control and resistance. Through a multi-contextual and interdisciplinary lens, this issue challenges the normative assumptions implicit in our current understandings of disconnection, and, in doing so, advances the field.

Violence as a Tool

This article studies violence in the region of North-Western Africa in the 20th century, which witnessed a radical shift in the perpetrators of violence. While at the beginning of the century it was Sufi marabouts who issued the call to arms, in the course of the century they were succeeded by Salafi nationalists, Islamists, and jihadists. The motivations for violence also changed. In the first half of the century, acts of violence committed by Muslim groups in the region often had a “side” agenda and were used as a tool by Sufi and Salafi to achieve some un-religious goals. Later, following changes in the whole Muslim world, violence became a tool of religion, used by Islamists and Salafi movements to hijack the system. The explanation for these changes lies not just in theregion itself but also in its changing political and religious landscape.

A path forward: social democratic strategies and responses to far-right populist challenges

ABSTRACT Social Democratic parties have been in crisis across Europe in recent decades. The once dominant party family has struggled to adapt to the structural challenges of post-industrialization, changes in its core constituency, and increased political competition from alternative parties. This article analyzes the welfare chauvinist shift embraced by some Social Democratic parties to assess its viability as an electoral strategy in response to this changing political landscape and far-right party challenges. The article analyzes individual-level data from 26 European countries from successive European Voter Survey rounds for 2014 and 2019. This article tests the relationship between voter positions on government intervention, redistribution, and immigration and support for Social Democratic parties. Issue salience data is also examined to identify the importance granted by the public to different concerns over time. Despite claims that welfare chauvinist approaches represent a path forward for Social Democrats, this research finds that this strategy is not a broad winning formula. Rather there are incentives for Social Democrats to return to their egalitarian and progressive roots on key socioeconomic and sociocultural issues.

ANALYZING THE POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES OF TUN MAHATHIR IN TWO ERAS: A CORPUS-BASED ANALYSIS OF LEXICAL CHOICES

The ideology behind Tun Mahathir’s way of thinking always been the subject of interest for many. This research will investigate the political ideology of Tun Mahathir based on his lexical choices and words frequency in his speeches during two different Prime Minister eras and will compare the two corpora lexical choices, words frequency and political ideology that exist within.A total of 151 texts were compiled which consisted of 79 texts from the first era (2001-2003) and 72 texts from the second era (2018-2020). The comparative analysis of the two corpora were conducted through two stages, its word frequencies especially nouns to help determining lexical choices and Critical Discourse Analysis in revealing Tun Mahathir's political ideologies. The result shows some differences in word frequencies and lexical choices in both eras in which reflected Tun Mahathir's political ideology in the two eras. The word ‘negara’, a noun, has the highest frequency for both eras and yet words that were ''economy'' related has the highest frequency during the first era whereas society related was the highest during the second era. The changes in Tun Mahathir political party during the two eras may be a contributors to the changes of the lexical choices and slight changes of political ideology that occur. The changes in political landscapes and social problems in Malaysia contributes to the factor as well. Investigating Tun Mahathir's lexical choices in different speeches can help to investigate deeper into Tun Mahathir''s political ideology.

From Secularism to Islamism: A Portrait of Minority Dynamics in Turkey's Changing Political Landscape

This study examines the evolving dynamics of minority groups within Turkey's shifting political landscape, from Atatürk's secular reforms to the rise of Islamist ideology under Erdoğan's leadership. It traces Turkey's political transformation from the decline of the Ottoman Empire through the establishment of a secular republic and the recent resurgence of Islamic influence in governance. The research employs qualitative methods, including historical analysis and case studies, to explore how these political shifts have impacted minority rights, cultural expressions, and societal integration. Findings reveal that both secularization and Islamization processes have presented challenges for minority communities, albeit in different ways. The study highlights the ongoing tension between modernization, traditional values, and religious identity in shaping Turkey's national character and its treatment of minority groups. This research contributes to broader discussions on the role of religion in public life, the limits of secularism, and the complexities of managing diversity in modern nation-states.

‘I praie ye send for the courall’: children’s coral as the physical embodiment of parental hopes and fears in early modern England

ABSTRACT Mediterranean red coral has long been believed to be imbued with sacred, spiritual and healing power and was given to children across Europe in the form of an amulet, teether or medicine. In early modern England, portraits of children from affluent families and medical receipts provide snapshots of coral usage, a moment in time, which do not adequately reveal the spiritual, therapeutic and affective significance of this material within the context of unique family circumstances and a multitude of perceived threats to children’s health. Focusing on five case studies, this article delves into the lived experience of families who deemed coral objects an essential childhood accessory in the period from 1590 to 1775. Julian Herrick, a goldsmith’s widow, Sir John Oglander, a knight caught up in the civil war, Dr Garencières, a doctor confronting dangerous infection, Lady Blackett, a devoted grandmama, and Ann Lord, a woman facing destitution, all placed value on coral for their young children. This study draws on a diverse range of material and documentary evidence from the seventeenth and eighteenth century to unpack the significance of red coral for parents within a changing religious, political and medical landscape. Building on scholarship within material culture studies and the history of emotions, this study also situates children’s coral objects within emotional relationships and seeks to uncover the implicit meanings such objects held which could not be written or articulated due to illiteracy, controversy or persecution. By combining a micro-historical approach with a broader thematic analysis, the case studies presented indicate that coral occupies an important place in the history of the early modern family as the embodiment of the anxieties of parents and grandparents, a means to soothe and protect young children and a material expression of hope, love and faith, particularly during periods of crisis and separation.

Two decades of research capacity strengthening and reciprocal learning on sexual and reproductive health in East Africa – a point of (no) return

ABSTRACT As the world is facing challenges such as pandemics, climate change, conflicts, and changing political landscapes, the need to secure access to safe and high-quality abortion care is more urgent than ever. On 27th of June 2023, the Swedish government decided to cut funding resources available for developmental research, which has played a fundamental role in the advancement of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) globally, including abortion care. Withdrawal of this funding not only threatens the fulfilment of the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGS) – target 3.7 on ensuring universal access to SRHR and target 5 on gender equality – but also jeopardises two decades of research capacity strengthening. In this article, we describe how the partnerships that we have built over the course of two decades have amounted to numerous publications, doctoral graduates, and important advancements within the field of SRHR in East Africa and beyond.

Do Filipinos Really Hate Duterte’s Leadership? Uncovering Duterte Controversies in the Philippines

This article investigates whether Filipinos genuinely have negative feelings about President Duterte’s leadership. It examines public opinions through surveys, media discussions, and actions in socio-political groups. Using a descriptive research approach, this article aims to understand diverse perspectives on Duterte’s leadership in the Philippines. It delves into why some people support him and others criticize him, considering factors like economic policies, leadership style, and responses to significant events during his presidency. This article seeks to uncover the various reasons that influence people’s opinions in a changing political and social landscape in the Philippines. It recognizes that different factors shape Filipinos’ beliefs about their leader. Finally, it offers insightful perspectives into the complex sentiments surrounding Duterte’s leadership, providing a clearer understanding of what Filipinos truly think about their president.

The Role of International Law in Addressing Transnational Organized Crime

This study delves into the pivotal role of international law in combatting transnational organized crime. This phenomenon has significantly evolved and expanded in its scope and complexity. The paper begins with an introduction to transnational organized crime and the critical importance of international law in addressing these challenges. It then provides a historical background, tracing the evolution of these crimes and the corresponding development of international legal frameworks. Further, the paper categorizes various types of transnational organized crime. A comprehensive analysis of key international laws and treaties, including the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and various regional treaties, forms a crucial part of the study. The role of international organizations like the United Nations, Interpol, and regional entities in enforcing these laws and promoting cooperation is critically evaluated. The paper addresses the significant challenges in implementation, including jurisdictional issues, disparities in national legal systems, and political and economic barriers. Through case studies, the paper analyzes successful international cooperations as well as notable failures, providing a real-world perspective on the effectiveness of current strategies. The emerging trends and future challenges section looks at the impact of technology and changing political landscapes on transnational crime. Finally, the paper proposes potential solutions and policy recommendations, focusing on strengthening international legal frameworks and enhancing global cooperation and intelligence sharing. The conclusion summarizes the findings and reflects on the future of international law in effectively tackling transnational organized crime within the evolving global landscape.

Predatory rule and the rise of military coups: Insights from the 2020 Malian case

ABSTRACT This research employs a theoretical framework to investigate the interplay between factors that lead from predatory governance and predatory rule to military coups, utilising the frustration-aggression theory as its guiding lens. It adopts a case-oriented approach and employs thematic analysis to examine the socio-economic, governance, and political environment that precipitated the August 2020 Malian military coup. Presenting seven key themes, it reveals how predatory rule and its manifestation in the Malian context, was a critical factor in paving the way for the military coup. The study provides critical reflections into the historical, regional, and political dynamics reshaping Africa’s changing political landscape. It presents a conceptual model to comprehend how predatory governance fosters conditions favourable for military coups. Insights from the Malian case study offers valuable perspectives for analysing events in comparable contexts. This understanding is crucial for grasping the precursors and impact of predatory rule and popular frustrations in contexts where military coups emerge.

The Law and Concept of Fiscal Devolution in the United Kingdom

Fiscal devolution is a multifaceted and evolving concept that plays a pivotal role in the governance of the United Kingdom, which is still under an ongoing development process. At the end of the 1990s the subnational governments achieved various stages of autonomy since the 1998 devolution acts, which ratified the administrative and fiscal devolution, provide the formal structure for revenue-raising and expenditure powers. The devolutionary process was facilitated after the Great Recession, assigning different income raising and welfare authorities to Scotland and Wales, while the same progress was dampened in Northern Ireland, because of the looming political instability. The system is complex, consisting of several essential elements that are closely linked to each other: devolution acts, fiscal frameworks, block grants, tax devolution, tax-varying powers, borrowing powers and the reserved matters. The results are not the same or uniform, each country has its own set of rules, negotiated with and enacted by the Westminster Parliament. It reflects the evolving nature of governance and the recognition that one-size-fits-all policies may not be suitable for a nation as diverse as the United Kingdom. It can be regarded as a testament to the adaptability of the constitutional and legal framework in response to changing political and social landscapes. The fiscal devolution experience in the UK underscores the need for a delicate balance between local autonomy and national cohesion. The legal and conceptual framework underpinning fiscal devolution has profound implications for economic policy, public finance, and intergovernmental relations and it is still subject of ongoing debates and reforms and not without complexities and challenges.

Are Filipinos Really Hate Duterte’s Leadership?

This study aims to determine whether Filipinos genuinely hold negative feelings towards President Duterte’s leadership. It analyzes public opinions through existing surveys, media discussions, and socio-political group actions. Using a descriptive research approach, the study seeks to understand the diverse perspectives on Duterte’s leadership in the Philippines. It explores the reasons behind both support and criticism, taking into account factors such as economic policies, leadership style, and responses to significant events during his presidency. By uncovering the various influences on people’s opinions in a changing political and social landscape, the research aims to provide valuable insights into the complex sentiments surrounding Duterte’s leadership. Despite facing widespread criticism for his authoritarian leadership style, war on drugs, and attacks on the media, President Rodrigo Duterte maintained high levels of public support throughout his presidency. The study concludes that Duterte’s leadership has both strengths and weaknesses, with high approval ratings attributed to his perceived strength, populist messaging, and effective communication. While not universally trusted, Duterte’s ability to connect with a significant portion of the population suggests a willingness among Filipinos to support leaders who promise to address their concerns, even in the face of authoritarian measures. Overall, this research contributes valuable insights into the intricate tapestry of sentiments surrounding Duterte’s leadership, shedding light on the diverse perspectives that define the Filipino public’s stance on their president.

Using MI-LASSO to study populist radical right voting in times of pandemic

As immigration issues waned in salience during the COVID-19 pandemic, populist radical right (PRR) parties repositioned themselves by politicizing various pandemic policies. In light of this changing political landscape, scholars have analyzed what factors are associated with PRR voting. Yet, most studies focus on small sets of covariates that could easily ignore other key determinants. To address this limitation, we use MI-LASSO logistic regression, which is a more inductive data-driven approach that can incorporate a huge number of covariates. Our research analyzes the key determinants of voting for the People’s Party of Canada—a PRR party that rose rapidly during the pandemic. Using the 2021 Canadian Election Study dataset ( N = 14,841), we confirm that PRR voters in the pandemic were both protest and policy-oriented voters. They were protest voters since anti-establishment attitudes consistently correlate with their vote choice. On the other hand, PRR voters’ policy concern was about pandemic policies rather than immigration, as nativist attitudes never emerge as key determinants. Additionally, we uncover that the ideological placement of the mainstream right party and the defense of hate speech are strong correlates, while conventional variables like sociodemographics are not. These findings enrich our understanding of PRR voting during the pandemic.

ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЯ РАДЯНСЬКОГО НАРАТИВУ ЗАПЕРЕЧЕННЯ ГОЛОДОМОРУ НА РУБЕЖІ 1980-X – 1990-X PP.

In the latter half of the 1980s, the communist regime in Moscow found itself compelled to revise its propaganda narrative concerning the denial of the Holodomor of 1932-1933 in Ukraine. This necessitated a deep examination of the famine of 1932-1933 on an international scale, taking into account the activities of various political opposition groups such as the Ukrainska Helsynska Groupa, Narodnyj Ruch Ukrainy, and Spilka Nezalerznoji Ukrainskoji Molody, which had emerged in Ukraine during 1988-1989. In response to these developments, the Soviet leadership opted to construct a new official perspective on the events that unfolded in the early 1930s in Soviet Ukraine. Under these transformed circumstances, it became untenable for Soviet authorities to continue disregarding or refuting the factual occurrence of the 1932-1933 famine. Consequently, the Soviet leadership acknowledged that a famine had indeed transpired in Ukraine at the outset of the 1930s. However, the communist regime sought to explain this famine as an outcome of an unfortunate convergence of various objective and subjective factors, a "deviation from the Leninist principles of cooperative policy," and as a distortion of true socialism. While conceding that Joseph Stalin, who wielded dictatorial authority over the Soviet Union from 1929 to 1953, had made errors during the transition from the 1920s to the 1930s, the Communist Party of the USSR continued to dispute the notion of malicious intent in his decision-making. This revision in the official narrative marked a significant shift in the historical perspective on the Holodomor, reflecting the changing political landscape and the increasing awareness of the famine's reality, while retaining a commitment to maintaining the legitimacy of the communist regime in the USSR.

Approaches to Tribal Development Models in India: Its Implications and Prospects

Tribal development models in India have evolved in response to the changing socio-economic, cultural, and political landscapes. This paper provides an overview of the various approaches employed to address the developmental needs of tribal communities and their implications. The study examines isolationist, assimilation, welfare, protective, integrated, empowerment, and inclusive growth approaches, analyzing their strengths and limitations. Drawing from historical context and contemporary perspectives, the paper discusses the implications of these approaches on tribal identity, cultural preservation, livelihoods, and social empowerment. Moreover, it highlights the prospects for more holistic and participatory models that recognize the unique needs of tribal populations while fostering sustainable development and preserving their heritage. By exploring the multifaceted nature of tribal development, this study contributes to a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in fostering the well-being of indigenous communities in India.

Policymakers' perspective onthe importance ofprocedural fairness to implement andsustain health financing reforms.

Fair process is instrumental to implementing and sustaining health financing reforms. Ensuring a fair process during the design and adoption phases can garner political capital and secure a sense of citizens' ownership. This will prove useful when reforms are contested before benefits are yet to be fully materialized. Since many well devised health financing reforms are vulnerable to being dismantled after a few years of being launched, fair process should play a more strategic role in the implementation and evaluation phases when policies get challenged and reformulated to reflect the changing political and socioeconomic landscapes and to better manage early evidence on performance.

Current state and prospects of the development of judicial control of administrative courts by public administration bodies

Introduction. In an era marked by rapid changes in governance and legal paradigms, the role of judicial control exerted by administrative courts on public administration bodies has emerged as a cornerstone of modern legal systems. This study aims to delve into the current state of this judicial control, exploring its evolution, challenges, and impact on the functioning of public administration. It also aims to forecast the future development of this interplay, considering the changing legal, social, and political landscapes. The primary purpose of the paper is to comprehensively assess and understand the current state and future prospects of judicial control exercised by administrative courts over public administration bodies. This involves a multifaceted exploration of the role, challenges, and evolving dynamics in this area of governance. Results. The in-depth analysis of the current state and the potential future developments in the judicial control exerted by administrative courts by public administration bodies has led to several key findings: The current state reveals a heightened emphasis on the role of administrative courts in ensuring that public administration bodies adhere to legal and ethical standards. This increased scrutiny is a response to a growing demand for transparency and accountability in public administration. The study indicates significant variation in the approaches and intensity of judicial control among different countries. Some regions show a trend towards more rigorous judicial oversight, while others maintain a more traditional, restrained approach. Conclusion. In summary, the growing influence of judicial control by administrative courts is a response to the evolving needs of modern governance. It reflects a societal shift towards greater accountability and legal compliance in public administration. The future will likely see continued efforts to refine this relationship, ensuring that it fosters a system of governance that is both effective and just, and which upholds the principles of democracy and the rule of law.

Bridging Faiths and Empires: The Assumptionists and the Mission d’Orient (1863–1923)

This paper examines the Assumptionists’ mission, known as the Mission d’Orient, initiated in 1862 with the aim of uniting the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches against the backdrop of a changing political and religious landscape. Despite their aspirations, the mission encountered numerous challenges and obstacles, leading to its ultimate failure. The paper focuses on the Ottoman response to Roman Catholic missions, using the Assumptionists as a case study. It explores the factors contributing to the Mission d’Orient’s failure and scrutinizes the Assumptionists’ efforts to foster unity between the two churches. The study argues that the failure can be attributed to complex power dynamics between the Ottoman Empire and Western powers, resulting in a hostile environment for Christian communities. The Ottoman response encompassed state-level actions driven by political conflicts and the direct targeting of Catholic missions as symbols of Western imperialism. The paper examines historical sources and primary documents to shed light on the challenges faced by the Assumptionists and their impact on interfaith relations and diplomacy during this significant chapter in Christian missions’ history.

Witchcraft accusations and older adults: insights from family members on the struggles of well-being

ABSTRACT In Africa, witch doctors are consulted not only for healing diseases, but also for invoking curses. There has been a paradigm shift involving the types of people often accused of using witchcraft in response to the changing political, economic, and social landscape, and the most affected group is older adults. While efforts are being made to eliminate accusations and lynching, little attention is paid to understanding the experiences of accused older adults and their families. The study collected data through face-to-face interviews from 12 family members of accused older adults who are living in their communities to identify their wellbeing challenges. The findings of this study will offer significant contributions because a lot of attention has been given to older adults confined in “witch” camps, but this paper looks at those in the communities. The study found that ostracism and marginalization, as well as emotional and psychological distress, are key wellbeing challenges experienced by older adults and their families accused of witchcraft. The findings suggest that there is a need for governmental involvement in actively enforcing existing laws that criminalize banishment of accused persons and recognizing that victims of such accusations need trauma-related support services which is currently non-existent. Specifically, a clarion call is placed on the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to spearhead reforms around trauma-related support provision.

Abortion law in Aotearoa New Zealand.

This article outlines the history of abortion law in Aotearoa New Zealand from colonial times to the present. The struggle for law reform has been long and difficult, with marches and rallies, protests and placard-waving, and firebombing of abortion clinics. Aotearoa New Zealand elections have been fought on this issue. Abortion was regulated here under the Crimes Act until 2020. Finally, after 150 years, procuring an abortion in Aotearoa New Zealand is no longer a crime, it is a women's healthcare issue along with others relating to women's reproductive health, including obstetric, contraceptive, sexually transmitted disease and other gynaecological care. The new law promotes autonomy, reproductive health, patient safety and health equity. The abortion struggle serves as an illustration of our changing political and social landscape, with a public move from conservative towards more liberal values. However, the issue continues to divide people, and events in the United States have shown how quickly change can occur, with their Supreme Court overturning Roe v Wade and states now banning abortions. We should not be complacent.