Deliberate Strategy Research Articles

Creating and sustaining urban green spaces in Africa under phenomenal urbanisation: residents’ perspectives on home gardens in Wa, Ghana

Attaining the goals of the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which aims for sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities, necessitates accelerated efforts to green urban environments. While keeping home gardens is not new, it offers a unique potential as a deliberate strategy for urban greening in Africa. However, Ghana has limited empirical evidence regarding the motivations, challenges, and constraints of keeping domestic gardens, which is essential for informing urban greenery policy. This study addresses this knowledge gap by employing the self-determination theory and conducting an exploratory cross-sectional survey with 285 structured questionnaires administered to residents in seven rapidly growing neighbourhoods in Wa, Ghana. The results reveal that 56% of respondents had gardens within their properties, with beautification (56.1%) and food production (52.3%) being the primary motivations. Vegetables (46.7%) and trees (30.2%) were the most commonly cultivated plants. Conversely, limited space (49%) and busy schedules (34%) were identified as the main barriers to home gardening. The findings indicate that the motivation for owning gardens aligns with the autonomy need of the self-determination theory. In contrast, the relationship need, which correlates with environmental motivations, was notably low among residents. The study recommends that local authorities, civil society organisations, and neighbourhood planning committees implement aggressive sensitisation and education campaigns to promote the environmental benefits of domestic gardening.

“The Game Changers”: How Equity-Driven Pedagogical Scaffolding Reduces Participation Disparities in Physical Education

Achieving gender equity and social inclusiveness remains a key priority in education. In the context of Physical Education (PE), fostering inclusive practices is critical to ensuring all students, regardless of gender, ability, or social status, can participate meaningfully. By examining the impact of three pre-service teachers’ (PSTs) equity-driven pedagogical practices on gender equity and student engagement in game-based activities, this study investigates how targeted pedagogical interventions can reduce gender disparities in engagement and promote inclusivity in student game interactions within PE classes. Specifically, we aimed to determine whether students of different sexes exhibit similar engagement rates, identify any existing disparities, examine changes in these disparities during the intervention, assess the equity and inclusiveness of student game interactions, and explore the link between these interactions and engagement rates. A total of three PSTs were engaged in a yearlong study, divided into two units: basketball (3v3) and volleyball (4v4). A pedagogical scaffolding intervention aimed at fostering equity and inclusion was implemented through their yearlong engagement in school-placement teaching practices. Data concerning students’ participation in game-based activities were collected in the first and last unit of the schoolyear (Basketball—first semester; and Volleyball—second semester). Engagement rates, measured as participation time (PT) and Rate of Play (RoP), were recorded through video analysis. A Social Network Analysis (SNA) was used to evaluate the equity and inclusiveness of student interactions. Initial disparities in engagement rates favoured boys in both sports. However, post-test results indicated a significant increase in engagement for both sexes, with disparities decreasing over the intervention period. Basketball showed a significant reduction in gender differences in RoP (p < 0.05), while volleyball results indicated no significant gender disparities post-intervention. The SNA revealed more equitable and inclusive game interactions over time, particularly in volleyball. The results suggest the pedagogical intervention’s effectiveness in increasing students’ engagement and reducing game-based gender disparities. These findings underscore the importance of deliberate scaffolding strategies to enhance equity and inclusion, highlighting the potential of the reported strategies for fostering a more inclusive and engaging environment for all students.

Valence sound symbolism facilitates classification of vowels and emotional facial expressions.

Research on iconicity or sound symbolism chronicles associations between aspects of word meaning and word form. In valence sound symbolism, specifically, vowels were demonstrated to be associated with valence, so that the vowel /i/ (as in English sea) is judged to fit positively valenced stimuli, whereas the vowel /o/ (as in German Boot) is judged to fit negatively valenced stimuli. However, because previous findings were based on judgments or name invention tasks, they may reflect deliberate strategies. The present research aims to demonstrate the automaticity of valence sound symbolism in online language processing by means of a speeded response task. A total of 163 participants performed a speeded categorization task in which they were requested to classify one of two simultaneously presented stimuli, pseudowords containing the vowels /i/ or /o/ and pictures with positive or negative emotional facial expressions. Thus, stimulus pairings could be either congruent (/i/-words and positive expressions; /o/-words and negative expressions) or incongruent (/i/-words and negative expressions; /o/-words and positive expressions). We observed faster and more accurate responses for congruent over incongruent combinations (the simple effects were significant for positive but not for negative expressions). Thus, sound symbolic congruency (vs. incongruency) of an irrelevant stimulus facilitated responses, which accords with an automatic process contributing to valence sound symbolism and indicates that valence sound symbolism is deeply engrained in the human cognitive system. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Deliberate Amorphization of Co-MOF for Constructing Crystalline-Amorphous Heterostructures Toward High-Performance Water Electrolysis.

The endowment of metal organic frameworks (MOF) with superior electrocatalytic performance without compromising their structural/compositional superiorities is of great significance for the development of renewable energy devices, yet remains a grand challenge. Herein, a deliberate partial amorphization strategy is developed to construct a heterostructured electrocatalyst consisting of crystalline Co-MOF and amorphous Co-S nanoflake arrays aligned on the carbon cloth (CC) substrate (abbreviated as Co-MOF/Co-S@CC hereafter) through a rapid sulfuration method. The simultaneous implement of crystalline-amorphous (c-a) heterostructure and nanoflake arrayed architecture on CC substrate renders the Co-MOF/Co-S@CC with abundant and tight active sites, accelerated charge transfer rate, regulated electronic structures, and reinforced structural stability. As such, the obtained Co-MOF/Co-S@CC electrode demonstrates outstanding electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performances with the overpotentials of 64 and 217mV at 10mA cm-2, respectively. Moreover, a two-electrode electrolyzer assembled by Co-MOF/Co-S@CC electrodes exhibits the lower cell voltages and larger current densities than those of Pt/C and RuO2 counterparts, excellent reversibility and prominent long-term stability, representing a great prospect for feasible H2 production. This adopted concept of c-a heterostructure for electronic regulation may bring about insightful inspiration for designing high-performance electrocatalysts for sustainable energy systems.

Pivot Subtitling on Netflix

This study examines the impact of English as a pivot language in the Turkish subtitles of Squid Game. As an integral part of global media, pivot subtitling (indirect subtitle translation) should not be understood as a response to an alleged talent crunch of subtitling professionals but rather as a deliberate policy and strategy pursued by streaming services and their language service providers to streamline subtitling workflows between non-English language pairs. The present research uncovers the multilingual nature of this practice and exposes its limitations through a case study of the Turkish subtitles of Squid Game. The findings suggest that English as a pivot language may have limitations in conveying the full range of sociopragmatic aspects present in the Korean discourse. This has implications for the social dynamics between the characters and the thematic undertones of the series. Beyond its function as a pivot language, English also serves as a dominant cultural filter that mediates Korean culture into downstream languages through an Anglo‑American lens, which may obscure the stratified facets of Korean and impose an added layer of cultural interpretation on target viewers. Lay summary When you kick back to watch the latest trending show, you may notice more non-English content topping the charts. That’s likely how you found Squid Game, which became the most-watched show in 94 countries. Like many others, you probably used subtitles in your local language to follow along because not everyone speaks Korean, right? But here’s the catch: the subtitlers of the show do not speak Korean either! Instead, they used English as a “pivot” language - meaning that the Korean dialogue was first translated into English, and then into your language. This practice is common in the industry to speed up translation due to an alleged shortage of subtitlers who can translate between non-English language combinations, like Korean and Turkish. But why should you care? Think about it. The creator of Squid Game spent 12 years bringing his vision to life. However, when going global, subtitles are just a necessary evil in the post-production stage. A step that has to be ticked, rather than a communicative goal to be achieved. If you use social media, you might have seen debates about the English subtitles of Squid Game. Now, imagine the situation for other languages. Using English as a bridge can dilute or alter important cultural and linguistic elements. For instance, when English is used as a middle step, certain Korean nuances might not fully come through in the Turkish subtitles. This can change how viewers understand the characters and the deeper themes of the series. My research highlights the need to rethink how we handle multilingual translations so that viewers worldwide can experience shows as they were truly meant to be understood. So, the next time you settle in for a binge-watch, know that you’re in good hands.

STRAIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY AND THE MODERNIST USE OF PREVISUALIZATION

This essay recharacterizes Edward Weston, Paul Strand, and others’ use of ‘straight photography’ as a deliberate modernist strategy that invites the viewer to distinguish between what the photographer foresaw in their photographs and what they intended. As such, ‘previsualization’ is shown to be a method that engages genre conventions inherited from fine art painting and not a necessary quality of art photographs. The first portion of this essay illustrates how versions of previsualization and foresight informed the aesthetic theories of John Ruskin and Peter Henry Emerson. Then, it shows how ‘straight’ photographers pushed against this tradition, inviting viewers to distinguish between photographic foresight and artistic intention. I conclude by suggesting ways the separation of foresight and intention could ramify into our understanding of other arts.

Combined loading of unreinforced and Z-pin reinforced composite pi joints: An experimental and numerical study

Blind predictions of experimental responses of non-reinforced and z-pin reinforced composite pi joints were established using a progressive damage and failure model. The finite element model used a novel mixed-mode cohesive formulation to model intra-laminar and inter-laminar damage. A deliberate meshing strategy was used for cohesive interlayers to capture the interaction between intra- and inter-laminar damage modes. A smeared cohesive zone modeling approach was implemented to efficiently include the effects of z-pinning for the z-pin reinforced specimens. Using material properties obtained through experimental correlation of simpler joint configurations, blind predictions for large element specimens subjected to combined loading (axial compression and push-off loading) were established. To assess the predictive capabilities of the model, experimental and numerical comparisons were made in terms of load-displacement response, critical loads, and failure progression. Comparisons between the experimental results and predictions for the unreinforced joints were found to be in good agreement across the range of compressive loads tested. For the z-pin reinforced joints, initial responses were accurately predicted; however, ultimate loads and the toughening effect of the z-pin reinforcement was overpredicted.

Human rights and corruption: Problems and potential of individualizing a systemic problem

Abstract This article examines the advantages and challenges of a deliberate legal-political strategy that addresses corruption at an individual, rather than systemic, level. Empirical research has highlighted the correlations between the extent and nature of corruption and the level of human rights enjoyment. In response to these observations, anti-corruption and human rights policy agendas have been converging at the international and regional levels. However, framing corruption as a human rights violation that incurs international state responsibility poses conceptual difficulties. Additionally, the risks and benefits of this convergence need to be assessed. This article concludes that the human rights approach provides significant added value, outweighing its limitations. Yet, it remains an open question whether human rights are the appropriate normative framework for denouncing and combating corruption. The article suggests that the human rights perspective, by opening up new avenues for monitoring and litigation, effectively supplements the criminal law approach. It argues for a more balanced integration of corruption concerns within human rights frameworks, with equal emphasis on human rights considerations in all anti-corruption monitoring schemes. Such integration would likely foster a positive feedback loop, where anti-corruption efforts enhance human rights conditions, while certain human rights facilitate the fight against corruption.

Economic insecurity and pension participation in Ghana’s music sector

ABSTRACT Economic insecurity represents an existential threat to many workers, not least those in the Creative and Cultural Sector (CCS). Based on recent survey data from Ghanaian musicians gathered between April 2022 and March 2023, this paper presents indicative findings which demonstrate a persistent pension savings gap, with only about one in seven musicians in the sample (14.6%) reporting participation in a pension scheme – explained by both demand-side reasons (i.e. indecision about enrolment, not having the financial wherewithal to contribute regularly or not knowing about existing pension schemes) and supply-side reasons (i.e. limited pension options developed with the involvement of musicians). The paper also finds that while education level, age, location, and marital/family status appear to be important factors, in relative terms, there was little evidence to suggest that any group was more likely than the other to participate in a pension scheme. To improve pensions uptake, the paper argues that a long overdue, deliberate policy strategy should involve piloting a dedicated group personal pension scheme for musicians and testing savings commitments in the case of voluntary schemes over the long term and short term, respectively, with both going hand in hand with pension literacy programmes and incentives, wherever necessary.

A Semiotic Analysis of the Verbal and Non-Verbal Slogans Used in the Day of Ashura

Slogans serve multifaceted purposes. They elucidate intricate concepts, articulate group philosophies and objectives, foster identification, spark violent conflicts, and anticipate future expectations. This study delves into the examination of the slogans articulated by Imam Al-Hussein (peace be upon him) or his adherents during Ashura revolution in response to the deviations in Yazid's rule. The primary objective is to unravel the meanings embedded in the visual signs, encompassing both denotation and connotation, inherent in these slogans. Employing Barthes's (1968) semiotic theory, the researchers scrutinize six selected images, each featuring impactful slogans sourced from various websites. The analysis reveals that these images encompass a fusion of verbal and non-verbal signs. Furthermore, the study finds that slogans not only have denotative meanings, but are also rich in various connotations. The inclusion of colour in conjunction with the slogans in the images is a deliberate strategy to capture the reader's attention and evoke psychological responses.

Fungal primary and opportunistic pathogens: an ecological perspective.

Fungal primary pathogenicity on vertebrates is here described as a deliberate strategy where the host plays a role in increasing the species' fitness. Opportunism is defined as the coincidental survival of an individual strain in host tissue using properties that are designed for life in an entirely different habitat. In that case, the host's infection control is largely based on innate immunity, and the etiologic agent is not transmitted after infection, and thus fungal evolution is not possible. Primary pathogens encompass two types, depending on their mode of transmission. Environmental pathogens have a double life cycle, and tend to become enzootic, adapted to a preferred host in a particular habitat. In contrast, pathogens that have a host-to-host transmission pattern are prone to shift to a neighboring, immunologically naive host, potentially leading to epidemics. Beyond these prototypical life cycles, some environmental fungi are able to make large leaps between dissimilar hosts/habitats, probably due to the similarity of key factors enabling survival in an entirely different niche, and thus allowing a change from opportunistic to primary pathogenicity. Mostly, such factors seem to be associated with extremotolerance.

Effectiveness of caring behaviours course on decision-making and caring behaviours in undergraduate nursing students: An experimental study.

Although caring is a core principle of the nursing profession, students often lack the knowledge, comprehension and ability to integrate care into all aspects of nursing practice. Students may have few opportunities to practise caring behaviours on patients who create the impression of providing care and elicit a feeling of receiving care. Studies of strategies to enhance caring behaviours in nursing education are limited. This experimental study aimed to examine the effect of nursing caring behaviours course based on interactive learning strategies on the caring behaviours and decision-making abilities of nursing students. A purposive sample of 50 undergraduate students was recruited from a faculty of nursing. Students in the intervention group (n = 24) received 2 h of training per week for 14 weeks in accordance with caring behaviours course based on interactive learning strategies including discussion, brainstorming, concept mapping, reflection and simulation training. Nursing students in the control group (n = 26) received training according to other elective courses in the curriculum. Data were measured at the baseline time point, 7th week and 14th week with the Caring Behaviours Inventory and Nursing Decision-Making Instrument. Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U-test, Friedman test and mixed repeated measures ANOVA were used to assess the data. No significant difference was determined in terms of baseline caring behaviours and decision-making scores between the intervention and control groups (p > 0.05). A significant difference in caring behaviours between the two groups and time effect was not found (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant interaction between time and groups (F = 3.484, p = 0.047). There was a significant increase in the decision-making in intervention groups over time (F = 9.372, p < 0.001) and interaction between time and groups (F = 4.160, p = 0.019). A deliberate strategy to raise students' awareness of caring behaviours and incorporate interactive learning methods into education enhances both caring behaviours and clinical decision-making.

A Comprehensive Literature Review on Volatile Memory Forensics

Through a systematic literature review, which is considered the most comprehensive way to analyze the field of memory forensics, this paper investigates its development through past and current methodologies, as well as future trends. This paper systematically starts with an introduction to the key issues and a notable agenda of the research questions. Appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria were then developed, and a deliberate search strategy was adopted to identify primary research studies aligned with the research question. The paper goes into specific details of six different memory categories, notably volatile memory, interpreting their advantages and the tactics used to retrieve the data. A detailed comparison with existing reviews and other relevant papers is made, forming a broader and wider picture of the research. The discussion summarizes the main findings, particularly the rise of more complex and advanced cyber threats and the necessity of more effective forensic methods for their investigation. This review pinpoints the possibilities for future study with the purpose of staying ahead in the evolving technological landscape. This overview is undoubtedly an essential resource for professionals and researchers working in digital forensics. It allows them to stay competent and provides enough insight into the current trends while marking the future direction in digital forensics methodology.

Analysis of Topological Properties and Robustness of Urban Public Transport Networks

With the acceleration of urbanization, public transport networks are an important part of urban transport systems, and their robustness is critical for city operation. The objective of this study is to analyze the topological properties and robustness of an urban public transport network (UPTN) with a view to enhancing the sustainability of urbanization. In order to present the topological structure of the UPTN, the L-Space complex network modeling method is used to construct a model. Topological characteristics of the network are calculated. Based on single evaluation indices of station significance, a comprehensive evaluation index is proposed as the basis for selecting critical stations. The UPTN cascading failure model is established. Using the proportion of the maximum connected subgraph as the evaluation index, the robustness of the UPTN is analyzed using different station significance indices and deliberate attack strategies. The public transport network of Xuzhou city is selected for instance analysis. The results show that the UPTN in Xuzhou city has small-world effects and scale-free characteristics. Although the network has poor connectivity, it is a convenient means to travel for residents with many independent communities. The network’s dynamic robustness is demonstrably inferior to its static robustness due to the prevalence of cascading failure phenomena. Specifically, the failure of important stations has a wider impact on the network performance. Improving their load capacity and distributing the routes via them will help bolster the network resistance against contingencies. This study provides a scientific basis and strategic recommendations for urban planners and public transport managers to achieve a more sustainable public transport system.

Syntax, Technology and Politics: Analyzing Political Facebook Posts

This study used Halliday’s Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) theory to analyze syntactic complexity in digital communication. Thirty Facebook posts made between August and December 2023 by John Dramani Mahama, a Ghanaian former president, were analyzed in this study. A textual analysis was conducted on the data. The findings affirmed that grammatical categories are functional. There was a deliberate linguistic strategy marked by a prevalence of declarative sentences and a notable dominance of complex structures in this genre of digital writing. The strategic use of non-finite clauses contributes to the complexity of the discourse. The genre of writing is also characterized by information ranking and integration. The linguistic choices align with the formal expectations of political and digital communication – precision, depth, and engagement. These observations challenge and enrich existing theories of political discourse and communication strategies in the digital era. Keywords: Syntactic Complexity, Digital Communication, Facebook, Sentence Types, SFL

Pollution acceleration before braking: Evidence of environmental deterioration from the anticipated steel restriction policy in China

This research employs China’s steel restriction policy as a backdrop to investigate environmental policies’ unintended and counterproductive effects. Using high-resolution satellite-derived data and panel Difference-in-Differences regression, we found that the air pollution concentration in cities implementing the steel restriction policy is 5.688 μg/m3 higher than in control group cities. Additionally, the growth rate of air pollution in these cities is 6.577% faster. This quantitative evidence substantiates the backfire effect of the anticipation of environmental policy, where the delay between a policy’s announcement and its enforcement leads to a short-term surge in pollution levels. For China and other emerging economies, the development of a thorough and deliberate intergovernmental cooperation strategy is critical when formulating environmental policies. It involves synchronizing the efforts of different government levels in applying pollution controls and diminishing the interval of potential intense pollution in the pre-implementation phase.

Unmasking the Info War: The Communication Dynamics of Reliable and Misinformation Sources During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a parallel crisis emerged in the form of an “infodemic,” where misinformation proliferated through social media at an unprecedented scale. This article delves into the evolving landscape of reliable and misinformation sources reporting on the pandemic, examining their communication dynamics. Leveraging a comprehensive data set encompassing 437,832 news published online by media organizations from January 2020 to December 2021, I employ structural change analysis and network-based natural language processing to explore these dynamics. The findings illuminate the contrasting approaches adopted by reliable sources, which prioritize scientific discourse, and misinformation, which exhibits high topic volatility—rapid change in the focus—suggesting that misinformation sources frequently shift their attention to different topics. Notably, this highlights a deliberate strategy employed by misinformation purveyors, that is, creating false crises without authoritative resolutions, thereby fostering a sense of lack of control, chaos, and uncertainty. Furthermore, the sentiment and morality analysis of COVID-19 news reveal that reliable news tends to maintain a balanced and neutral tone, while misinformation often exhibits a highly negative and morally charged narrative. These results carry significant implications for devising effective social countermeasures against misinformation at various stages of the pandemic.

Virulence and proteomic responses of Metarhizium anisopliae against Aedes albopictus larvae

The tropical climate in Malaysia provides an ideal environment for the rapid proliferation of Aedes mosquitoes, notably Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, prominent vectors of dengue fever. Alarmingly, these species are increasingly developing resistance to conventional pesticides. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Metarhizium anisopliae isolate HSAH5 spores, specifically on conidia (CO) and blastospores (BL), against Ae. albopictus larvae. The study centered on evaluating their pathogenic effects and the resultant changes in protein expression. Spore suspensions with varying concentrations were prepared for larvicidal bioassays, and protein expressions were analysed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Subsequently, protein annotation and network analysis were conducted to elucidate infection mechanisms and the proteomic response. Based on the lethal concentrations and time frames, CO exhibited faster larval mortality than BL at lower concentrations. Despite this, both spore types demonstrated comparable overall pathogenic effects. Results from the proteomic profiling revealed 150 proteins with varied expressions following exposure to Ae. albopictus extract, shedding light on distinct infection strategies between the spores. Gene Ontology enrichment and network analysis illustrated the diverse metabolic adaptations of M. anisopliae and interactions with mosquito larvae. This highlighted the complexity of host-pathogen dynamics and the significance of biosynthetic processes, energy storage, and cellular interaction pathways in disease progression. The BL network, consisting 80 proteins and 74 connections, demonstrates the intricate fungal mechanisms triggered by host stimuli. Conversely, the CO network, though smaller, displayed notable interconnectivity and concentrated involvement at the cell periphery, suggesting a deliberate strategy for initial host contact. This study offers valuable insights into proteome dynamics of M. anisopliae's BL and CO for managing mosquito populations and combating disease transmission, thereby significantly advancing public health and environmental conservation efforts.

Presuppositions in Steve Job’s Commencement Address at Stanford University on June 12, 2005

This study explores the utilization and impact of various types of presuppositions in Steve Jobs' Commencement Address at Stanford University on June 12, 2005. The data were analysed according to the models proposed by Karttunen, L. (n.d.). The analysis reveals that presuppositions are used extensively in this commencement address, which significantly contributes to the success of the speech. The data suggested that existential presuppositions predominate, comprising 63% of the analysed segments, thereby underscoring their integral role in the address. Structural triggers and lexical items were also significant, constituting 23% and 14% of the data, respectively. These findings reveal the nuanced and strategic deployment of presuppositions by Jobs to foster a deeper connection with his audience. The extensive use of presuppositions, especially existential ones, highlights a deliberate rhetorical strategy. By embedding assumed truths within his narrative, Jobs not only enhanced the speech’s relatability and engagement but also steered audience perception with minimal resistance. This tactic of embedding presuppositions allowed Jobs to convey his messages more effectively, ensuring they were received with open minds and minimal critical resistance.

Securing brand trust and reputation in an era of political polarisation and AI-driven disinformation

This paper analyses the seismic reputational risks now facing brands as two major sociotechnical forces converge — the rise of ideological polarisation and the emergence of AI’s ability to generate synthetic media impersonating organisations. It examines how brands have embraced polarised stances on social issues to build deeper connections with values-driven consumers, especially younger demographics like millennials and Gen Z. By adopting partisan positions. Brands also become targets for ideological attacks seeking to erode trust. Meanwhile, rapid advances in generative AI empower malicious actors to disseminate disinformation, attacking brands with harmful narratives, misinformation and disinformation on an unprecedented scale and realism to do financial and reputational harm. The paper provides an in-depth examination of both dynamics. It explores how younger consumers increasingly demand corporate advocacy on divisive issues, forcing brands to navigate complex sociopolitical fault lines. Taking progressive stances risks a backlash from ideological opponents ready to instigate reputation-damaging retaliation. The paper also details the exponential threats introduced by AI synthesis technologies like generative adversarial networks. It explains how even modestly resourced attackers could soon produce unlimited volumes of fake content, misinformation and disinformation to target brands across all digital channels and media types. To address these converging risks, the paper recommends that brands invest in capabilities including monitoring sociocultural tensions, technologically authenticating communications, establishing early disinformation warning systems, educating consumers on resisting manipulation, crafting proactive narratives, practicing radical transparency and testing defences. It emphasises the need for holistic ‘narrative intelligence’ combining data analysis, cultural discernment and human wisdom. With deliberate strategies focused on verification, transparency and continuous learning, brands can foster resilience and enduring trust despite inevitable disruptions. The paper concludes that competence in navigating partisan debates and AI deception will become a competitive advantage in determining which brands lead in this complex future.