Democratic Development Research Articles

THE PHILOSOPHY OF FREEDOM AND ITS LIMITS: UKRAINIAN EXPERIENCE OF DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT

The purpose of this research is a philosophical reflection on the category of freedom in the context of Ukraine’s democratic development, with a focus on its limits in light of current political and social challenges, particularly war and crises. The study analyzes the historical stages of the concept of freedom in Ukraine, the legal and ethical constraints placed on it, and the existential dimension of responsibility tied to individual choice. The research methods include critical analysis of philosophical and political works, synthesis of approaches from different philosophical schools (particularly liberalism and existentialism), comparative analysis of freedom and responsibility concepts, and systematic analysis of the legal and ethical challenges facing modern Ukrainian society. The results of the study reveal that the concept of freedom in Ukraine has specific historical features, related to the ongoing struggle for national independence, and dynamically changes under the influence of external threats and internal political processes. It is determined that the limits of freedom are shaped not only by legal norms but also by ethical and societal factors that actively shape Ukrainian public discourse. Special attention is given to the existential dimension of freedom as responsibility, which manifests in complex moral choices in the context of war. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the combination of historical, legal, and existentialist approaches to understanding freedom in the context of Ukrainian democratic development, providing deeper insights into the relationship between freedom and responsibility during periods of social crises. The theoretical significance of the work lies in expanding the philosophical understanding of the category of freedom within the Ukrainian context, its interaction with legal and ethical norms, which is essential for further research in political philosophy and law.

The effect of the Public Order Act of 1994, (Act 491) on Democracy in Ghana

Background: The thirty-year-old Public Order Act of Ghana of 1994 (Act 491), is seen as archaic legislation over the people’s civil libertarian rights to assemble in protest against inimical and corrupt government actions. It has become the bane of democratic development in Ghana, preventing the citizens right to conduct non-violent civil disobedience acts, and seen as anti-establishment act. Methods: This is an exploratory as well as retrospective review of government security apparatchik’s interpersonal relationship with the Ghanaian public who engage(d) in non-violent demonstrations and protests since the promulgation of the act. Results: The assessment revealed that, for the average Ghanaian citizen, his or her only means of getting the attention of government is through public demonstration or protest. The Parliamentarians for their constituencies are disconnected from them giving them no avenue for the redress of grievances. It also found that, the international development partners operating in Ghana are perceived to be siphoning the life-blood out of the people of Ghana, sort of domestic economic hit men, who promote Ghana as a democracy despite the realities on the ground, due to the effect of their role on increasing income inequalities among the populations. Conclusion: Despite the persistent denial of the public’s right to assemble and protest against government conduct: corruption, stealing, extravagant living and spending, denial of meritocratic job placement, and the harm caused to their freedoms, the international development partners and nations continue to issue endorsements to the government as running a democratic system, despite evidence-based corruption, indebtedness to both international and domestic creditors and poor socio-economic outcomes for the people of Ghana due poor leadership and management of the economy.

The Fragility of Democracy: Political Conflict in South Asia

The complex interplay between political conflict and democratic fragility in South Asia is the focus of this research paper. The study examines South Asia to understand how conflict catalyzes and hinders democratic progress. The research delves deep into the root causes of conflict, including socio-economic disparities, ethnic and religious tensions, and institutional weaknesses. It analyzes how conflict can trigger democratic reforms through popular mobilization and erode governance and institutions. The study highlights the fragility of democratic systems in the face of deep-rooted conflicts and the challenges of balancing competing interests. It underscores the need for South Asian nations to address underlying grievances to strengthen democratic institutions and foster inclusive dialogue to navigate conflict constructively and secure a stable democratic future. The research employs a qualitative approach, relying on a comprehensive literature review and case study analysis to draw insights into the multifaceted relationship between political conflict and democratic development in the selected region.

Análisis de la Evolución del Derecho Constitucional en Ecuador: Implicaciones para el Desarrollo Democrático

The study addresses the evolution of constitutional law in Ecuador, focusing on the transformations introduced by the 2008 Constitution and its impact on democratic development. The objective is to analyze how these reforms have changed the country's legal framework, with emphasis on the rights of nature, plurinationality and citizen participation. The methodology employed is qualitative, based on an exhaustive review of relevant bibliographic sources including scientific articles, historical documents and specialized analyses. Among the results, it stands out that, although the 2008 Constitution introduced significant advances, its implementation has been uneven due to structural barriers and political resistance. Despite advances in terms of inclusion and environmental sustainability, hyper-presidentialism continues to limit the development of an effective system of checks and balances. The discussion concludes that, although the Constitution has generated important legal innovations, implementation challenges persist, affecting the consolidation of a more inclusive democracy. The conclusions suggest that institutional strengthening is necessary to ensure that the progressive principles enshrined in the Constitution translate into tangible benefits for Ecuadorian society.

Contrasting Democratic Trajectories: A Comparative Analysis of Costa Rica and Nicaragua

The main focus of this paper is the democracy process in Central America. It is a case study focuses on Costa Rica and Nicaragua and its respective trajectories towards democracy. Despite their shared historical backgrounds, culture, similar size, and geographical location, Costa Rica has one of the most peaceful and enduring democracies, while Nicaragua has been a tumultuous country with internal conflicts that have directly impacted its democratization. The historical context of colonial exploitation, socio-economic disparities, and political unrest has significantly shaped the contemporary political landscape of the region. This research uses Costa Rica and Nicaragua as examples to highlight the diverse paths of democratic development in Central America. Since 1948, Costa Rica has been a democratic country, while Nicaragua has undergone a dual transition, one through revolution (1984) and the other through democratic elections in 1990. By emphasizing the unique historical peculiarities of the region, valuable insights into the democratization processes are provided. The study uses a historical method to analyze the democratization processes in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. It examines the impact of the conquest period, the role of key factors such as landed oligarchies and military forces, the influence of international economic crises, and the current democratic quality in both countries. The study shows that historical legacies have lasting effects on democracy.

Civil Society in Providing the Development of Democracy in the Countries of the Eurasian Economic Union

This study aims to explore the influence of civil society on the level of democracy in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and propose mechanisms to enhance civil society formation for strengthening democratic processes. A comprehensive review of scholarly literature on civil society and its relationship with democratic development was conducted, alongside an analysis of the unique characteristics of EAEU member countries. Comparative assessments were made to determine the extent of civil society development, as measured by the Civil Society Participation Index, and the characteristics of democratic procedures, as measured by the Democracy Index. The findings indicate a link between civil society strength and democratic advancement. Specifically, countries with robust civil societies, such as the Republic of Armenia and the Kyrgyz Republic, demonstrate higher levels of democratic development. This underscores civil society’s role as a catalyst for political and social transformations and state-building processes.

Party politics, dearth of political ideology, and the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria

ABSTRACT This article undertakes a critical examination of the paucity of political ideology within Nigeria’s party system, with a particular focus on the 2023 presidential election. It further explores the ramifications of this deficiency on the political landscape and developmental trajectory of the country. In liberal democracies, political ideology plays a crucial role in shaping the political system and determining the course of a state’s political and economic development, but Nigeria’s political landscape currently suffers from a lack of ideology. Political parties in Nigeria are not driven by ideas, beliefs, and values. They are not groups of individuals who share a common ideology, but rather serve as platforms for patronage and wealth accumulation for the political elites. This article advances the argument that the lack of political ideology in Nigerian politics weakens the political system and creates a democratic deficit. These factors challenge the process of democratic development in Nigeria.

Leadership And Democratization In Kazakhstan And Kyrgyzstan: Comparative Analysis Of Political Systems Of Post-Soviet Countries

This study aims to investigate the prospects of democratization in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan by comparing their political systems. The primary objective is to identify the factors influencing the varying degrees of democratic development between these two Central Asian countries, despite their similar socio-cultural and historical backgrounds. The methodology employed involves a systems analysis approach, examining both "input" and "output" functions of the political systems. Key variables include the levels of democracy as the independent variable, and political parties, leaders, resource distribution, and opposition suppression as dependent variables. Results indicate that Kazakhstan, under Nazarbayev, maintained a more controlled political environment through patronage networks and resource allocation, effectively limiting opposition and preserving stability. In contrast, Kyrgyzstan exhibited a more dynamic political landscape with multiple power shifts, driven by competitive party politics and less centralized control over resources. However, both countries face significant challenges, including regional fragmentation, corruption, and the influence of Islamist movements, which complicate their democratic trajectories. The findings suggest that while Kyrgyzstan shows potential for democratic development due to its parliamentary system and active civil society, Kazakhstan's path is hindered by entrenched authoritarian practices and elite control.

Theoretical and legal nature of the concepts of supervision and control and their relationship

It is indicated that in the modern conditions of the transformation of the legal system of Ukraine, the study of the concepts of supervision and control acquires special relevance. This is due to the need to ensure the effective functioning of state administration, compliance with law and order, as well as to improve the quality of public services. The article examines the theoretical and legal nature of the concepts of supervision and control and their relationship. The author draws attention to the fact that supervision and control are important elements of the legal system of Ukraine, which ensure compliance with legality and proper implementation of legal norms. Despite the common features, these institutes have different theoretical and legal nature and perform specific tasks. The article notes that understanding the theoretical and legal nature of supervision and control, as well as their relationship, is necessary for the effective functioning of the legal system and ensuring the rule of law in Ukraine. Attention is drawn to the fact that in the modern conditions of the development of the Ukrainian state, the role of supervision and control is becoming particularly relevant. They are important tools in the fight against corruption, ensuring legality and increasing the efficiency of public administration. Improving these mechanisms and adapting them to modern challenges is a key task for ensuring sustainable development and strengthening the rule of law in Ukraine. the study of the concepts of supervision and control in Ukraine is extremely relevant and important. Attention is drawn to the fact that in the modern conditions of the development of statehood and the legal system, the study of supervision and control acquires special significance for ensuring the stable and harmonious development of society and the state. One of the key aspects of the relevance of the study of the concepts of supervision and control lies in their role in ensuring legality and law and order. In the conditions of democratic development of the state, it is important that the activities of state bodies, organizations and institutions meet the requirements of legislation.

A gender perspective on the role of technology in democratic development through wartime civic engagement

ABSTRACT Civic engagement during crisis response not only addresses immediate challenges but also acts as a catalyst for democratic development. In a diverse society facing collective threats, such as a military invasion, people learn to manage and respond to crises cooperatively, searching for effective instruments of self-organizing and responding. Technology plays a crucial role in empowering civic actors, enabling them to acquire both interpersonal and political power for effective co-action. Recognizing that their actions take place within socio-technical arrangements where technology, institutions, and societies are interconnected and mutually influential is essential. Although, technology use entails certain risks, this interconnectivity enhances inclusivity, providing benefits to individuals of all genders, particularly those who encounter barriers to physical participation. It amplifies the voices of women and LGBTIQ+ individuals, thereby increasing the efficiency and convenience of engaging in efforts to address socially significant issues. This paper delves into the nuanced, gendered role that technology plays in the democratic development of a society at war through its civic engagement in the collective response to threats, highlighting the transformative potential of technological inclusivity in fostering democratic resilience against external threats.

Bulgarian Media Since 1989: From Instrumentalization to Capture

In the second decade of the 21st century, Bulgaria earned the unsavory reputation of having the least media freedom in the EU’s (Reporters Without Borders). This paper examines the current state of Bulgarian media based on two research concepts: for instrumentalization, respectively the capture of media. The latter, especially when talking about the specifics and consequences of political-oligarchic pressure on media, is more appropriate for countries with serious deficits in their democratic development. The main purpose of the paper is to study media capture in Bulgaria at a structural level: regulatory capture, control of public service media, use of state financing as a control tool, ownership takeover (based on concepts by Dragomir, 2019, IPI, n. D.), including appropriate cases. The analysis makes use of material from to scientific articles, media publications, other publicly available sources, expert interviews.

Democratically digging together: A study of archaeology and civil society

Protecting archaeological sites increases the sense of belonging among the population. Political culture in authoritarian countries limits citizens’ opportunities for freedom of action and civic engagement. The authorities may perceive such engagement as a threat to the regime. Nevertheless, civic activism in protecting archaeological sites can provide an opportunity to increase the role of civil society in policymaking. This article interrogates civil society’s role concerning archaeology and its preservation in Kazakhstan. It considers three cases of how local communities participate in archaeological projects and their protection. It concludes that the degree of community involvement and the number of people involved in rural and urban settings differ. Kazakhstan occasionally manifests vigorous civic activity on archaeological issues at the national level. However, a certain level of resistance may demonstrate the potential for democratic development, with archaeology as one of the practical tools of civil liberty at the grassroot level.

고등학교 한국사 서술과 평가 문항에 투영된 1960년대

The current Korean history textbook inherited the former Korean history textbook system centered on the April 19 Revolution, the Jang Myun government, the May 16 military coup, and the Park Jeong-hee administration in the 1960s. In addition, the current Korean history textbooks have largely followed these cases and the previous narrative structure of the government. However, certain differences were found between the descriptions of textbooks. The relationship between the April 19 evolution and the U.S. government, the reevaluation of the Jang Myun government period, the military government's policy that emerged shortly after the May 16 military coup, and the public security incident manipulated by the Park Jeong-hee administration can be pointed out as representative examples of the current Korean history textbook. As a result of reviewing the questions of the College Scholastic Abilily Test(including mock test) and Natonal academic evaluation, it was found that the national history test for high school seniors was focused in the April 19 Revolution. This trend is the result of focusing on the historical significance of the April 19 Revolution in the developm ent of dem ocracy based on the achievement standards that focuses on the April 19 Revolution.

Defects of democracy: The continuity of identity politics in post-reform regional elections

Identity politics in Indonesia is more closely related to issues of race, religion, ideology and local interests than other issues. This research aims to determine the impact of identity politics in every regional election (pilkada) in Indonesia. There are various ways in winning regional election (pilkada) strategies used by each candidate, one of which is the use of identity politics. Identity politics is a sign of the flaws in the nation’s democracy that has been built since the reform was initiated. There are still many political elites who still preserve their political identity, hampering democratic development. This research is a qualitative descriptive study with arguments built from facts and supported by secondary sources. The results of this research found that in the regional elections (pilkada) in several regions, it was proven that political identities were still visible, such as politicizing religion and certain ethnic symbols, which were involved in the victory of one of the candidates. Apart from that, this research also explains the history of democracy that has occurred in regional elections (pilkada), showing the political identities that still exist in them. This study concludes that one of the impacts of identity politics is the erosion of national unity which results in the Indonesian nation’s national resilience faltering.

Comprehending Manipulative Tactics In Elections

General elections (Pemilu) are a strong foundation of democracy, but are often affected by various manipulative tactics used by political actors. This article aims to present a literature review of manipulative tactics that often appear in the context of general elections. We analyze various empirical and theoretical studies that highlight manipulative practices such as duping the masses, spreading fake news, money politics, voter intimidation, and gerrymandering. Through a synthesis of the literature, we identify the factors that drive the use of manipulative tactics and their impact on democratic integrity. Additionally, we explore efforts to address manipulative tactics, including stricter regulations, voter education, and the role of media and civil society in combating practices that undermine democratic processes. This analysis provides a deeper understanding of political dynamics in general elections and their relevance in the context of sustainable democratic development.

Constantin Stere’s View on the Self-Government of Romania’s Sub-National Territorial Collectivities in the First Decades of the 20th Century

Contemporary democratic states make a clear distinction between the matters of national importance and those of regional or local importance. The population of sub-national territorial collectivities, by means of the elected deliberative or executive public authorities, handle an important part of the regional- and local-interest affairs. Thus, the level of local self-government development may be deemed an index of democratic development of the contemporary states. A century ago, the professor, publicist, writer and politician Constantin Stere (1865–1936) used to treat the issues of sub-national territorial collectivity self-government considering the historical, national, and mainly rural particularities in the Romanian area. C. Stere considered that the local self-government phenomenon might and could be treated just starting from the necessity of upholding human rights and liberties, especially the right to elect and be elected within the deliberative and executive public authorities. The results of C. Stere’s research have not lost their relevance and may serve as theoretical grounds for the study and settlement of issues regarding public affairs governance at regional and local level in the contemporary Romanian space

Populist Politics in Pakistan: Case Study of Pakistan Tehreek-I- Insaf Regime

The advent of right-wing populist parties in Europe and America has given populist politics in South Asia more clout. There has been a lot of discussion among political analysts about how the rise of populist governments around the world is likely to undermine established democracies and eventually impede democratic advancement in developing countries. The research paper gives deep insights of populist regime of PTI and shedding light on frequent democratic decline in the country owing to this style of politics and also exploring that democracy has been inflicted by the populist politics is critical discourse of contemporary times and particularly in the context of Pakistan. The paper finds out that owing to its populist politics, the PTI government subverted the process of democratic development in the country, stifled the dissenting voices and curtailed the freedom of media.

Ho Chi Minh’s Ideology on the Rule of the Law State and the Meaning of That Ideology in Building the Rule of the Law State in Vietnam Today

The idea of the rule of law is always associated with the idea of democratic development that has been established since ancient times. This ideology exists and develops to this day and has become a symbol of democracy. Ho Chi Minh’s Ideology on the rule of law is the inheritance of cultural traditions and the experience of building and managing the state of many generations of Vietnamese people, and is the result of experience, research, and survey of many world democratic ideological systems, many revolutions, and many typical states in the world; at the same time, the penetration and creative application of the Marxism-Leninism’s perspective on a new style state to the specific conditions of Vietnam. This study has shown that with the nature of the people’s democratic revolution, stemming from the reality of a semi-feudal colonial country like Vietnam, the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and President Ho Chi Minh has chosen the path of building a socialist rule of law state in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh’s comprehensive and profound views on the rule of law are extremely great and valuable “spiritual assets”, laying the ideological and theoretical foundation for the policy of “continuing to build and perfecting the socialist rule of law state in Vietnam” of CPV today.

No Country for God: The Brutality of Western Territorial Appropriation in Blood Meridian

Abstract In 1985 American author Cormac McCarthy published Blood Meridian, a novel that is set against the backdrop of the conquest of the West, a momentous and still relevant process that has acquired quasi-mythical dimensions throughout history and that is undoubtedly embedded in the United States’ national consciousness. In this article I will show the different mechanisms employed by Cormac McCarthy to deconstruct conventional Western narratives that glorify and sanction the Westward expansion as a courageous endeavour that shaped the American nation, hence underplaying the more devastating and pernicious side of this chapter of America’s imperialistic undertakings. To that end, I will argue that McCarthy contests the main tenets of the crucial 1893 Frontier Thesis proposed by Frederick Jackson Turner, in particular the depiction of American colonial expansion as a source of progress and democratic development; likewise I will contend that, in Blood Meridian, McCarthy aligns himself with the ideas of New Western Historians that offer a revisionist perspective of the country’s past, revealing such brutality and wickedness exerted in the appropriation of the western territories that seemed to deprive the process of any hope of God’s mercy.

The banking system of Ukraine as a factor of social stability in the war

Before the collapse of the USSR, Ukraine was one of the 15 socialist republics. Along with Belarus, the Russian Federation, and the USSR, Ukraine is one of the founders of the United Nations. Ukraine has gone through transformations from a command-administrative to a market system in 30 years. The driving force behind this development was the national democratic forces, the leaders of which were former dissidents of the USSR. One of the main factors of market transformations in Ukraine is the national private banking business. In the conditions of Russia’s direct military aggression against Ukraine in 2022, the banking business of Ukraine has shown its institutional capacity and is one of the stabilizing factors of society. Thanks to the integration of Ukraine’s banking business into the global financial system, millions of Ukrainian refugees have the opportunity to use their accumulated funds in the national currency abroad. The purpose of this article is to analyze the impact of the banking sector of Ukraine on the country’s democratic development, and the contribution of the banking system to countering Russian aggression. The article considers further ways of development of the banking system of Ukraine in the post-war period.