Democratic Framework Research Articles

Conflict and coexistence: analysing the dynamics between traditional leadership and democratic governance in Dukuduku, KwaZulu-Natal

This paper examines the conflicts arising from the coexistence of traditional leadership and democratic local governance in Dukuduku, KwaZulu-Natal, a region marked by overlapping authority and contested land claims. Despite constitutional recognition, traditional leadership in post-apartheid South Africa remains ambiguously defined, leading to clashes with democratically elected structures over roles, responsibilities, and territory. This study uses a qualitative methodology to analyse archival materials, media sources, and meeting records and conducts semi-structured interviews with 25 stakeholders, including traditional leaders, senior citizens, and subsistence farmers. The findings reveal that introducing a local government system under the Amakhosi jurisdiction precipitates confrontations, particularly where duties intersect. In Dukuduku—proclaimed a state forest—the recognition of traditional authority creates disputes over land ownership and governance, complicating the administration of land and impacting service delivery. The analysis suggests that the institutional "invention" and subsequent "recognition" of traditional leadership in areas like Dukuduku not only challenge the perceptions of state land but also exacerbate power struggles, thereby affecting local development and governance. The study contributes to understanding the dynamic interplay between traditional and democratic governance systems in rural South Africa. It highlights the implications for policy and local administration in managing such dual governance structures effectively. This study explains how hard it is to combine traditional structures with a modern democratic framework. It also gives us a better understanding of what this means for rural governance and land management in changing societies.

Democracy as Political Jihad: Evaluating Yusuf Qaradhawi's Vision and its Application in Indonesia

This article examines the influence of Western secular thought on Islamic civilization, focusing on its repercussions within the political domain. The dominance of secular politics, which often conflicts with Islamic values, poses a significant challenge to Islamic governance principles. In response to this ideological shift, Yusuf Qaradhawi has called for a political reformation grounded in Islamic teachings, framing this transformative effort as a form of jihad. To investigate this perspective, the study employs qualitative research methods, specifically library-based research, and document analysis. Primary data is sourced from Yusuf Qaradhawi's own writings, while secondary data includes a range of books, scholarly journals, bulletins, and encyclopedias pertinent to the topic. The analysis reveals that the core principles of democracy—such as the right of citizens to elect their leaders freely—are compatible with Islamic values. However, the study also identifies notable deviations from these democratic ideals in practice. In the context of Indonesia, where Islamic values have been incorporated into the democratic framework, discrepancies between theoretical principles and actual political practices remain significant. This paper not only highlights the alignment between Islamic principles and democratic values but also critically assesses the challenges and inconsistencies faced in their implementation.

Economic and Political Factors in Defense Strategy Formulation: a BRICS Country Perspective

This narrative provides a comprehensive analysis of the economic, political, and diplomatic factors influencing defense strategy formulation within the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) context. Drawing on a wide range of sources, the narrative explores the historical evolution and recent shifts in BRICS defense strategies, highlighting the diverse approaches of member nations. The research adopts a qualitative descriptive approach, systematically gathering secondary data from academic journals, governmental reports, and reputable websites. The analysis focuses on the interplay between economic conditions, political dynamics, and defense strategy formulation in BRICS nations, providing nuanced insights into how these factors shape defense policies. It examines the influence of economic dependency on defense policies, emphasizing the role of economic stability in sustaining robust defense capabilities. Additionally, the narrative delves into the impact of political systems and leadership dynamics on defense strategy formulation, as well as the significance of diplomatic relations and security considerations. The findings underscore the complex interplay between economic, political, and defense factors within the BRICS framework, with implications for regional stability and resilience. The study finds that economic dependency is a pivotal factor in shaping BRICS defense strategies, with economic stability underpinning the capacity for robust defense capabilities. Political systems and leadership dynamics also play a crucial role, with centralized systems facilitating assertiveness and democratic frameworks emphasizing consensus-building. Diplomatic relations and security cooperation are integral to these strategies, highlighting the importance of strategic collaboration in addressing shared security challenges. The expansion of BRICS introduces new dynamics, particularly in energy investment and trade, requiring adaptive strategies to maintain stability and resilience. Finally, the narrative suggests future research directions to further explore these dynamics and enrich our understanding of BRICS defense strategies in the evolving global security landscape.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & DEMOCRACY IN INDIA A POLICY ANALYSIS FROM TRIPURA & WEST BENGAL

This research article delves into the intricate relationship between sustainable development and democracy, with a specific focus on the states of Tripura and West Bengal in India. Through a comprehensive policy analysis, it examines the extent to which democratic governance influences sustainable development initiatives in these regions. Tripura and West Bengal offer contrasting socio-political landscapes, making them ideal case studies to explore the interplay between democratic principles and sustainable development policies. By scrutinizing the implementation, effectiveness, and outcomes of various sustainability initiatives in both states, this study aims to identify key factors that either facilitate or hinder the integration of sustainable development goals within democratic frameworks. Furthermore, it evaluates the role of governmental institutions, civil society organizations, and grassroots movements in promoting sustainable development practices amidst democratic governance structures. The findings of this research contribute to a deeper understanding of how democracy can serve as a catalyst or a constraint in fostering sustainable development at the regional level, offering valuable insights for policymakers, development practitioners, and scholars alike.

Kematian dan Kebangkitan Jurnalisme:

In his critique of the mass media, Habermas maintains that the media is inappropriate for democracy. Because of its proclivity to favor money and political power, Habermas believes that the media can no longer serve as a democratic outlet. Sandra L. Borden showed that the media, whatever it is, is able to assist democracy. Journalism has a solid heritage as long as it adheres to democratic, citizenship, knowledge, and freedom principles. In that sense, both Habermas and Borden believe journalism to be extinct. The article aims to find a way out of Habermas and Borden's simultaneous assessment of journalism's end. Today, when untruths may be camouflaged as facts and the people choose social media to determine the truth, the function of journalism expected by Habermas and Borden is truly required. What is democracy if there are no watchdogs? The author is looking to highlight the importance of self-improvement in the press and journalism through the way of analyzing literature sources. Both Habermas and Borden maintain that the press and journalism must follow a democratic path if they are to be independent and not be influenced by money and political power. In accordance to the author, an appropriate channel within a democratic framework is required to ensure that every truth and public opinion eventually contributes to the healthy growth of democracy.

Striking Balance in Democratic Governance: The Battle for Control between the Administrative and Legal Branches

Striking Balance in Democratic Governance: The Battle for Control between the Administrative and Legal Branches

A Conceptual Approach on Disaster Response Management and The Legality of Disaster Response: A Case Study of February 6 Kahramanmaras Earthquakes in Türkiye and Presidential Decrees Under the State of Emergency

This article aims to critically analyze the legal and democratic framework of disaster response within the context of the Republic of Türkiye Presidential Decrees (PDs) issued during the state of emergency (SOE) declared following the earthquakes in Kahramanmaras on February 6th. This research analyzed the PDs issued during the SOE in ten provinces using content analysis techniques The published PDs’ have been analyzed by dividing them into three groups: operational, organizational, and psychological response, and thus a conceptual approach to disaster response management has been put forward. It is concluded that actively pursuing legal remedies during disaster response enhances the effectiveness of interventions and provides a valid, democratic, and legal basis for processes, thereby optimizing disaster response and crisis management. As such, the article pointed out that the proactive policy in disaster intervention strategy during the Kahramanmaras Earthquakes offered valuable lessons for handling future disasters.

Chinese Constitutonal Performance Unveiled: Text Mining Insights in Civil Litigations

Abstract This article presents a comprehensive examination of the role of constitutions in private disputes, with a specific focus on the Chinese Constitution. Utilizing an extensive dataset of digitized court adjudications, this study delves into a relatively unexplored area, yielding crucial factual and legal insights. The research reveals that the Chinese Constitution significantly influences civil adjudications, both implicitly and explicitly. Furthermore, court judgments emerge as pivotal forces shaping public awareness of constitutional principles. These findings hold profound implications for comprehending the role of constitutions in contexts beyond democratic frameworks, particularly within the private sphere. The study underscores how the capitalist market in China empowers individuals to assert and safeguard private rights, consequently affording the Constitution a protective role in this realm. Concurrently, the existing regime has systematically eroded the Constitution’s influence in public affairs, maintaining its symbolic and rhetorical role. Notably, the concept of judicial independence remains a sensitive subject in China, leading many civil courts to eschew constitutional provisions in favor of political expediency. This paradox underscores the necessity of establishing a reasonably independent judiciary as an integral facet of constitutionalism in such settings. In sum, this research challenges prevailing assumptions about constitutionalism’s contours. It transcends the conventional focus on political authority, illustrating how empirical investigations into constitutional performance within civil litigation can illuminate the emergence of constitutionalism in the shadows of non-democratic systems. These findings offer valuable insights into the role of constitutions in private disputes and pave the way for further exploration within this evolving scholarly domain. Ultimately, this study advances our comprehension of constitutional realities and their far-reaching impacts on the legal landscape and society within contemporary China.

Motherhood and Childcare

The aim of this article is to explore the origins of social and health protection for mothers and children in the first half of the twentieth century in Spain, with particular attention to the continuities and ruptures that occurred in the notions, practices and entanglements between the state and the various collective agents involved in these campaigns. The Civil War (1936-1939) and the origins of Francoism provide an opportunity to analyse the transition from a liberal democratic framework to an authoritarian one. In a context of the dismantling of civil society, the Falange Women's Section played an exceptional role as a collaborating agent in the application and dissemination of Franco's welfare provisions. It imposed a model of political discipline and specialised training for visiting nurses and educators that generated dynamics of female professional promotion and left its mark on welfare practices.

Faith, politics, and power: The evolution of secularism and authoritarianism in Bangladesh

AbstractThis third article in the 2024 World Affairs special issue examines the intricate interplay between secularism, religious sentiment, and authoritarian politics in postindependence Bangladesh. Despite being founded on secular principles in 1971, the notion of Bangladesh as a strictly secular state is challenged. This article contends that while secularism was enshrined as a foundational state principle, its imposition occurred top‐down, diverging from prevailing societal ethos. The immediacy of the public backlash following its inclusion compelled ruling elites to adopt religion‐sensitive policies. I assert that the widespread religiosity among the populace steered subsequent political decisions. Notably, the shift from secularism to state‐sponsored Islam, the elevation of Islamic figures to cabinet roles, the recognition of Qawmi madrassa credentials, and the proliferation of Islamic rhetoric ensued. Analyzing a blend of archival data and field interviews, the article argues that the current authoritarian regime, emerging from an unconsolidated democratic framework, strategically exploits Islam as a political tool for legitimacy. By tapping into the prevailing Islamic sentiment, the regime aims to solidify its hold on power and navigate the complex political landscape of contemporary Bangladesh.

Towards Multilingual Deliberative Democracy: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities

ABSTRACT In the present article, I offer a theoretical and explorative overview of the relationship between deliberative democracy and multilingualism to claim that multilingualism is an asset for deliberative democracy. I argue that the traditional approaches to deliberative democracy have often overlooked the importance of linguistic diversity, partially due to the dominant narrative of the prerequisite of a common language for – deliberative – democracy. This paper examines why it is worthwhile to reconcile democratic deliberation and multilingualism, exploring the benefits and challenges of integrating linguistic pluralism into deliberative democracy. By unpacking the positive impacts of embracing multilingualism and providing insights into suggestive possibilities on how deliberative mini-publics can best accommodate multilingualism, I advocate for a more robust and inclusive deliberative democratic framework.

A Conceptual Analysis of the Theories of Development Under a Democratic Framework

A Conceptual Analysis of the Theories of Development Under a Democratic Framework

The Making of India’s Resilient Opposition in the 1970s

This article seeks to focus on the changing nature of India’s parliamentary opposition in the 1970s. The article argues that, unlike the previous decades, the Opposition in India was resilient, even if not organised in the face of the authoritarian tendencies of Indira Gandhi pre- and during the Emergency. The analytical framework helps to understand the reasons for the growing opposition’s resilience. The manifestation of this resilience can be traced to the programmes and actions of the opposition parties undertaken in the 1970s inside and outside the parliament as the crisis of democratic governance deepened, as explained in this article. This article attempts to make sense of parliamentary opposition in the 1970s, unlike any other existing study that either focused on the Congress, party system, or emergency per se. This article brings the spotlight on the Opposition as a category that lacks constitutional safeguards, thereby missing the ‘equality of conditions’ in a democratic framework. An emphasis is given to analytically understanding the political processes that played a significant role in the government–opposition relationship. The study has been conducted with the help of primary archival materials, newspaper reportings, memoirs, commentaries and governmental records such as parliamentary debates, along with existing academic works (though scarcely) on the making and functioning of the Opposition in India. The analytical approach in studying this particular moment in the political history of India helps us to understand the primacy, effectiveness, limitations and failures of democratic governance from the Opposition’s standpoint.

Rethinking Political Organization from a Feminist Standpoint: Politicizing an Ethics of Care and Vulnerability

In this paper, I develop a philosophical account demonstrating how alternative feminist concepts, in particular an ethics of care and vulnerability, would help improve our political policies and practices. I suggest that reviewing our political institutions from a feminist standpoint allows for a rethinking of these structures and practices in a more democratic framework, opening the field to all minoritized groups that are excluded from it still. I rely on a positive account of vulnerability, understood as an inherent relational dynamic of interdependency and solidarity between embodied subjects, rather than an individual show of weakness in reaction to violence. The central question I address is: if caring relations of solidarity are a possible response to vulnerability, how can this inform politics despite the ambiguity of vulnerability itself? Is such a positive reframing of the concept even possible? In other words, how do we articulate vulnerability with violence, and can it be reframed outside of these ties to violence? First, I look at Judith Butler’s positive renewal of the concept (Butler 2004). Second, I contrast this approach to the complementary findings of Adriana Cavarero (Cavarero 2011) that would allow for the emancipation of vulnerability from its dichotomous ties to violence. These findings could have political ramifications for addressing a revisited account of vulnerability that informs alternative political institutions and practices, which I explore in the final section.

The Factors of the Fall of the Republic Government and Political Crisis in Afghanistan: A Survey of Public Attitudes

Afghanistan, a nation marked by longitudinal internal conflict and a field of rivalry among global and regional powers for many decades, grapples with a deeply intricate and multifaceted political predicament. This complexity arises from a duality of issues: the pervasive intra-ethnic and intra-group tensions within Afghanistan and the intricate interplay of neighbouring states, regional dynamics, and global interests that have transformed the country into a quagmire of conflict and terrorism. This research adopts a quantitative, applied research approach utilizing questionnaires as its primary data collection method. Its core objective is to systematically investigate and unearth the underlying causes contributing to the collapse of the Afghan republic. The research reveals that ethnic politics have dominated Afghanistan, exerting substantial, irreparable damage upon the democratic framework. This dominance manifests through ethnic-centric political manoeuvres that undermine the democratic system’s foundations. The downfall of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan can be attributed to a multitude of factors, including widespread administrative and financial corruption, the managerial inadequacies of top-tier officials, the monopolization of power, ethnocentrism and discriminatory practices, political dependency on foreign nations, the self-interest and ambitions of political leaders, the dearth of rule of law, economic reliance on foreign entities, a conspicuous absence of merit-based governance, a crisis of political legitimacy, and the inefficacy of the judiciary. Ultimately, the republic’s governance disintegrated when President Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan, facilitating the scaling of the Taliban to power.

Political Communication Strategy of the Indonesian Labor Party in the Campaign for Labor Rights

Within Indonesia's democratic framework, political parties ostensibly committed to public welfare face a pervasive skepticism rooted in the perceived prioritization of elite interests. This erosion of trust stems from instances of corruption, collusion, and nepotism. Addressing this, the previously dormant Labor Party underwent a revival, introducing new symbols and leadership. Employing a descriptive analytical approach through interviews, observation, and documentation, this research delves into the party's political communication strategies. Findings reveal the adoption of the AIDDA strategy (Attention, Interest, Desire, Decision, Action) as a persuasive tool aligning with the party's emphasis on social capital over financial resources. This strategic shift aims to rebuild public trust and underscores a commitment to the workforce's well-being. The party's nuanced approach to political communication emerges as a response to broader challenges, presenting a persuasive narrative to engage the community within the confines of Indonesia's intricate political landscape.

Constitutionalisation of Law – Public Office

Constitutionalisation expanded and intensified, especially after the expansion of the European Union, consecrating itself on the foundation of state sovereignty. The idea must be perceived as integrating fundamental rights and freedoms and the guarantee or security each state can provide its citizens. Although an old phenomenon, the constitutionalisation of law imposed itself on the political market after the 20th century through the awareness that a clear and solid constitution could establish a democratic framework for developing the rule of law. Constitutionalisation occurs in all legal systems based on a fundamental law that enjoys supremacy. However, constitutionalisation takes on its features from state to state, considering each one’s particularities. In a narrow sense, the constitutionalisation of law is the action by which a legal norm is given constitutional status, or a legal institution is consecrated by a constitutional norm.(G. Cornu, 2003). This research is a concise summary of the phenomenon of constitutionalisation and its effect on the civil service. As can be seen, the civil service is consistently a product of the constitution, being regulated by various fundamental texts.

POLITICAL CULTURE LEGACY HINDERING EUROPEANIZATION EFFORTS IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS

In recent years, the democratization efforts required for EU integration have been challenged by authoritarian regimes' persistence across some Southeast European countries. This study focuses on Albania as a case study, examining the endurance of political and administrative cultural legacies within its public institutions. Despite numerous reforms aimed at EU integration and democratization processes, institutional transformation remains impeded by outdated behavioural attitudes, concepts, and mindsets. The efficacy of democracy is intrinsically linked to the adherence to fundamental principles within the realm of Public Administration, encompassing key values such as meritocracy, impartiality, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to public service. Moreover, a resilient judiciary is pivotal in upholding integrity by acting as a bulwark against malfeasance and procedural impropriety. Additionally, the autonomy of the media and the empowerment of civil society are indispensable requisites for sustaining a robust democratic framework. Collectively, these elements serve as the bedrock for establishing and perpetuating a well-functioning democratic system. Various scholars highlight that political culture can impact the implementation of good governance practices, values, and behavioural methods. This research delves into the challenges Albania, an early-stage EU aspirant, encounters over three decades as it endeavours to adopt EU norms during the transformation of public institutions. The study considers the influence of internal hindrances, including political memory and past legacies, on the reform process and the Europeanization of Public Administration. By analysing these factors, the research aims to gain insights into the negative internal dynamics and provide recommendations for fostering a democratic political culture that strengthens institutions through effective reforms.

A Model of Cooperation for a United Europe Avant la Lettre. Premises and Evolution of the Little Entente in a New Paradigm: the Pact of Organization (1933)

The end of the First World War determined structural changes on the map of Europe, resulting from the disintegration of the Great Empires and the emergence of new state actors. A paradigm shift arrived, revolving around the liberal model, the Wilsonian vision summarized in the “14 points”, the principles, values and the democratic framework underpinning the Covenant of the League of Nations and the activity of the Geneva forum. The new model for building peace and interstate relations generated, besides clear benefits, several challenges. They were more acutely experienced by Romania and the states in Central and Eastern Europe, mainly driven to preserve the status quo, combat revisionism and build lasting alliances.

Exploring the Role of Duma in the Power Structure of Contemporary Russia

The state of Russian politics has always attracted the attention of many scholars, especially the unique authoritarian system of Russia, which maintains a democratic framework, and the role of the Duma in this is a natural focus of scholarly research. The Duma, the legislative body of the Russian Empire since 1905, reappeared after the collapse of the Soviet Union and assumed the role of the post-Soviet transition, as well as the Putin era. This study researches the question that what the role of the Duma plays in the power structure of the contemporary Russian regime. In terms of the significance of the study, it is important to understand the dynamics of the institutions role in Russias political system, as it is vital to contribute to academic research and to improve and assist political practice. Regarding the research methodology, a systematic review of the relevant academic literature was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline and a review of the latest decade of academic literature was sought to refine this study. Finally, this study concludes that the role of the Duma is dual and functional, due to its role in promoting authoritarianism as well as in maintaining democratic power structures, and its constructive role in foreign policy.