Democratic Ideals Research Articles

The EU’s Fifth Freedom: Why and How to Develop the ‘Freedom of Knowledge’

The goal of a fifth EU freedom – the ‘freedom of knowledge’ – emerged from working towards a unified European research area, expanding upon the four basic freedoms of the Single Market. This additional freedom is not yet guaranteed and so this task should be taken up anew. Here, I support this goal by explicating the meaning of the ‘fifth freedom’, then justifying its importance via four arguments concerning scientific progress, freedom of research, the economic and technological progress of societies, and the democratic ideals of the European project. To end the main article, I then argue that this freedom should be viewed as a right. In the supplementary material, I present problems that arise in the administration, funding, and organization of science within the EU to demonstrate that the fifth freedom is still a long way from being a reality. The evidence includes cases of national rules and practices that reduce or block the mobility of EU researchers and weaken collaboration and progress. For each type of problem, I present specific policy proposals for advancing the fifth freedom goal. The proposals are directed at academic administrations, funding agencies, and political actors at the regional, national, and European levels.

Finding the “way back”: Displacement and the imaginings of home in Niq Mhlongo’s Way Back Home

ABSTRACT This article explores the polysemy and ambivalence of “home” in Niq Mhlongo’s Way Back Home, identifying “home” as a place of belonging and origin, as well as a repository of history. It begins by situating the novel in a post-apartheid context, identifying the allegorical potential of its main characters. The article primarily focusses on the material and spiritual journeys of Kimathi, the novel’s protagonist, while also giving consideration to the journey of his victim, Senami (alias Lady Comrade Mkabayi). Informed by Homi Bhabha’s conception of the unhomely, this article argues that the loss of home constitutes a trauma of displacement for Kimathi and considers whether his return home suggests the possibility of closure for both him and South Africa as a nation. Finally, it observes how Way Back Home invokes Njabulo Ndebele’s assertion that South Africans are “yet to return home” to justice and the ideals of democracy.

India As a Democratic Nation- Concepts and Perceptive

India, as the world's largest democracy, presents a unique and diverse political landscape. Since gaining independence in 1947, it has upheld democratic ideals amidst challenges of diversity, inequality, and external threats. This paper explores the foundational concepts of Indian democracy, its key features, and its role as a beacon of democratic governance in the global arena. By examining India’s electoral system, constitutional framework, and challenges, we gain insights into how democracy functions in one of the most populous and complex nations in the world.

Between State Media Use and Democracy: An Investigation into the Role of Botswana Television for Democracy

Although Botswana is commonly heralded as a democratic country, its national television service—Botswana Television (BTV)—has for close to two decades grappled with trying to perform the roles of nurturing democracy and gratifying the despotic instructions of the government. With the limited privately owned media in Botswana, expectations are that BTV offers itself as a platform for civic participation, serves as a conduit between the state and the public, broadcasts content that informs and educates society, and reports impartially on issues that concern members of the public such as politics, questionable government activities, unemployment, and socio-economic inequalities. Instead, BTV has its programming skewed towards the ruling elites. BTV's performance in this regard results from its funding and control by the government. This article argues that for a national media service to nurture democratic ideals in society, the state should introduce policy reforms that serve the interests of all stakeholders and allow media practitioners to exercise professionalism without any unnecessary pressures from the government.

Dystopian Visions and the Making of Privacy Law

This article explores the role of references to dystopian literature in the context of developing privacy laws. Drawing on a qualitative analysis of a large corpus of legislative and judicial texts from Germany and the United Kingdom, I demonstrate that references to popular dystopian works of fiction like Orwell’s 1984 have animated and shaped the legal recognition of privacy. Specifically, dystopian visions are evoked as reasons that warrant the legal protection of privacy rights. I explore lawmakers’ vision of a technologically empowered totalitarian state and discuss how these connect to historical, contemporary, and hypothetical examples of unjust regimes. I argue that literary imaginations of dystopia are often themselves built on historical experience, suggesting that the aptness for social critique is, as literary critics suggest, built into dystopia as a genre. I furthermore explore how the theme of democracy is employed as a counterpoint to fears of dystopian totalitarianism. Portraying privacy invasions as harmful to democratic ideals discursively amplifies their dangerousness—and thereby works to justify regulatory intervention. My research findings prompt us to view legal norms as a cultural artifact that reflect cultural imagination and literary narratives.

Weaponization of Social Media – Challenges and Responses

The use of social media as a tool for manipulation poses significant challenges worldwide, affecting public sentiment, intensifying divisions, and endangering democratic systems. This article investigates these issues and examines the responses from governments, tech companies, and civil society. The swift evolution of social media has changed the way we communicate while also facilitating the rapid dissemination of false information and polarizing narratives, threatening societal unity. Researchers emphasize the impact of algorithms in creating echo chambers and filter bubbles that deepen polarization. Additionally, malicious actors take advantage of these platforms to propagate disinformation, sway elections, and incite violence. In response, initiatives such as enhanced fact-checking, media literacy programs, and better content moderation by social networks are being implemented. Regulatory actions to promote transparency and accountability are also recommended, alongside international collaboration to combat cross-border online threats. A comprehensive strategy involving technology, regulation, international co-operation and community resilience is essential to protect democratic ideals in our interconnected society.

Revisiting democracy-growth nexus in Sub-Saharan Africa with macroeconomic variables modelling

PurposeA popular convention in the political-economy literature is that causality runs from democracy to economic growth. That thinking has continued to evoke significant debates among scholars. This study aims to propose a new research experiment by investigating whether macroeconomic variables cause democratisation.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a panel data set of 48 carefully selected economies in Sub-Saharan Africa spanning 1991 to 2020 and uses the PVAR system generalised method of moment (GMM) approach.FindingsWith the application of three macroeconomic indicators: economic growth, full employment and balance of payment equilibrium, the study suggests that economic growth has a negative implication on the democratisation process and that the incentives that increase national income provide in the global South enable autocratic rulers to impede democratic growth. The Granger causality test demonstrates a unidirectional effect from economic growth to democracy. The eigenvalue stability condition, impulse response function and forecast-error variance decomposition all confirmed the validity of the findings with the PVAR system GMM. Finally, the study proposed policy and theoretical implications for the political stakeholders.Social implicationsRobust development of economic institutions (particularly the anti-corruption and rule of law) in the global South is required to tame the potential for the state actors to turn public resources into personal use to further their parochial political interest in the form of perpetuating themselves in office which negates the ideals of democracy and social norms. Strong institutions could prevent the misuse of national income and enhance a good quality of life for the citizenry, making them grow confidence in the democratisation process.Originality/valueThe research paper makes an insightful contributions from the methodological perspective and the sampling perspective. The author uses a new research method, the PVAR system GMM becoming the first attempt of such a method to be applied in determining the causal effects of macroeconomic variables on democracy in the literature. Another relevant contribution of the study relates to the sample technique of selecting economies from the Sub-Saharan Africa with notable weak or slow democratisation process.

Emerging Threats To India’s National Stability

It is known truism that no country can achieve economic growth and resultant prosperity unless it has a wellthought-out plan in place to meet these goals. And, such a plan cannot be achieved unless the country is stable and secure. This prescription is also relevant for India as it stands at the cusp of a greater economic growth and a more prominent role and standing in global politics. As the world enters a new era of global politics, marked by the growing interests and aspirations of the erstwhile colonized nations, the Republic of India stands as a shining example of how a nation, despite all its adverse historical experiences, has been able to make substantial progress in the fields of economy, science and technology, human security and development to the extent of being recognised as an emerging power of the world. Relatedly, the country has had to ensure the availability of requisite conditions to facilitate this progress and continued growth in multiple fields. Further, through optimum usage of its soft and hard power, as well as its value-based attributes such as its multiculturalism, its pluralistic values promoting respect for all religions and furthering the ideals of democracy, India has been able to carve a place for itself on the right side of history in this changing world of geopolitics and geo-economics. However, there are many challenges in the realms of security, both internal and external, which need to be addressed effectively in a timely mannerfor India to make speedy progress and achieve its aspirational goals. Through careful identification and examination of the challenges that India could face in the realms of national security, it is intended to define the means and methods to deal effectively with these challenges so that India can achieve its carefully formulated national goals, interests and objectives in an optimal and timely manner. The agencies concerned of the government will accordingly be able to prepare themselves not only for the challenges of today, but also the future, so that India can achieve its developmental and aspirational goals of becoming a developed country and a major global power by 2047.

Police oversight in the Republic of Botswana: Challenges and prospects

ABSTRACT Notwithstanding Botswana’s reputation for adhering to democratic ideals and good governance, the nation has not established sound oversight mechanisms for the police service. Over the years, the Botswana Police Service has faced criticism over allegations of abuse of powers and functions, manifesting through violation of citizens’ rights. Various media houses have reported police excesses such as unlawful arrest and detention, illegal searches, torture and death of suspects while they are in police detention. Amidst all these allegations, there are no independent mechanisms in place to hold the Botswana Police Service to account. In the absence of external accountability mechanisms, citizens whose rights are violated by the police will have to depend on the same violators to investigate. In this paper, we explore the current police oversight systems in the Republic of Botswana. We also present arguments for the creation of an independent police oversight body in the nation.

Conceptualizing United States democracy: insights from government content standards

ABSTRACT Objectives In this Paper, I examine how high school social studies content standards in the United States address fundamental concepts of American governance, particularly the concept of democracy. Methods I conducted a qualitative textual analysis of government/civics content standards from all 50 states, Washington DC, and the Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics (AP Gov) course materials. I applied a framework that distinguishes between 'thick' and 'thin' democracy, drawing on theoretical insights from scholars like Michael Apple and John Dewey. Results My findings reveal how democratic ideals are framed and conceptualized within secondary government and civics education in the United States. I identified significant variations in how democracy is addressed in state academic content standards, with important implications for how democracy is taught in American schools. Conclusion I advocate for curricular approaches that promote a more robust and participatory form of democracy, emphasizing critical engagement and collective well-being. This study underscores the importance of recognizing democracy as both a political and governmental concept in shaping educational discourse and policy as well as a practice and way of seeing society.

Women's political participation in the United States after women's suffrage: women's representation in the legislature of the house of representatives and the senate

Historically, women have confronted formidable barriers to political participation, entrenched by patriarchal norms. Despite the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment in the United States, which granted women voting rights, substantive representation remains elusive. This study investigates the persistent gender gap in political representation, focusing on the 113th congressional elections. Employing liberal feminist theory and democratic principles, it aims to elucidate the urgency of addressing women's underrepresentation in legislative bodies. Through literature review and quantitative analysis of electoral data, this research seeks to uncover the impact of electoral systems on women's political engagement. Results reveal stark contrasts between countries like the US and Rwanda, emphasizing the critical role of electoral mechanisms in fostering gender parity. By illuminating these disparities, this study underscores the imperative for policy interventions to ensure equitable political participation for women, thereby advancing democratic ideals and societal progress.

Voices from Margin: Theoretical Insights into Kaiser Haq's Ode on the Lungi

This article investigates into Kaiser Haq’s poetic masterpiece, “Ode on the Lungi”, exploring its theoretical underpinnings and critical insights. The study employs a multidimensional approach, integrating postcolonial theories, literary analysis, and socio-cultural inquiry to unravel the symbolic significance of the lungi as a representation of subaltern voices. Haq strategically uses the lungi to challenge power imbalances, resist sartorial hegemony, and advocate for sartorial equality in the face of globalization. The research method includes qualitative analysis, theoretical engagement, and empirical evidence, aligning with postcolonial scholars such as Gramsci and Guha. The article underscores the poem’s role in breaking down divisive dichotomies and promoting democratic ideals. Through theoretical insights and close textual analysis, the study explores how the lungi, as a symbol of the underclass, resists aggressive modernism, demanding equal standing in the postcolonial and globalized reality. The poet’s call for “sartorial equality” transcends fashion, becoming a rallying cry for broader societal equality and recognition of marginalized voices. The research concludes by positioning Haq’s “Ode on the Lungi” as a powerful articulation of the subaltern voice within the complexities of postcolonial discourse.

Narrating Recruitment Model for Legislator Candidates: Is It Fair?

This research analyzes the problems of democratic and aspirational recruitment models and mechanisms for legislative candidates by political parties, aiming at formulating cadre-based recruitment arrangements that best represent democratic ideals. Using normative legal, conceptual, statutory and comparative approaches, this article argues that there are two principal recruitment problems. First, legal arrangement pertaining to methods, procedures, and requirements for the recruitment is generally absent from the statutory regulations. Second, the internal process of decision-making within the political party is generally undemocratic, owing partly to the pragmatism and power-oriented calculation of the elites within the party. Recommendation for ideal recruitment arrangements is thus proposed to ameliorate these problems. Among others, the recruitment by political parties must consider aspects of representativeness, ideological consistency, internal political party flow, development of career path-based cadre systems, and quota fulfillment. Additionally, political party cadre needs training to boost their skills in carrying out main duties and functions as a member of the Board People's Representatives

HOW THE SOMALI MODERN GOVERNANCE WORKS WITH THE TRADITIONAL GOVERNANCE SYSTEM: LITERATURE REVIEW

Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa, has a complex history influenced by tribalism, colonialism, and internal conflict. During the colonial era, European powers collaborated with clan leaders, resulting in Somalia's division along clan and tribal lines. This division led to the creation of artificial borders, which fragmented the land and fostered regional and clan-based identities. After gaining independence in 1960, Somalia initially aimed to establish a strong, centralized state. The Siad Barre regime, which came to power through a military coup in 1969, tried to suppress clan and regional identities in favor of a communist ideology. However, the regime's downfall in 1991 plunged Somalia into a prolonged period of violence and state collapse. Warlords and clan-based factions fought for power, leading to a protracted civil war. This paper analyzes the intricate relationship between Somalia's traditional and modern governance systems. It examines the potential for collaboration, the challenges faced in nation-building efforts, and the lasting impact of clan-based structures. The study begins by exploring traditional governance, highlighting the important role of customary law, elders, and religious clerics in consensus-building mechanisms and maintaining social harmony. It emphasizes the historical significance and contemporary relevance of these institutions. The paper then delves into the challenges involved in establishing a modern state in Somalia. It examines the obstacles that hinder the realization of democratic ideals and the establishment of a centralized administration. A key focus is evaluating the potential synergies and conflicts between traditional and modern systems.

Peran Pengetahuan dan Kekuasaan dalam Implementasi PTN-BH di Indonesia

<p><strong>Higher education institutions (HEIs) are establishments that offer education, instruction, research, and services across fields of science and technology. Autonomy, in management, categorizes state universities (PTNs) based on their structure. State universities with status (PTN-BH) hold the position in resource management within the campus hierarchy of state universities. This study adopts an approach incorporating a literature review methodology and analysis through Michel Foucault's theory on the interplay between power and knowledge. This study aims to understand how power shapes the identity and norms of universities and to analyze the dynamics of HEIs in the context of economic priorities and their implications for democracy.</strong><strong> </strong><strong>The findings indicate that power influences the regulation of knowledge creation presenting both challenges and opportunities for PTN-BH. Michel Foucault's theory underscores how power shapes university identities and norms. The evolution of PTN-BH signifies a transition towards prioritizing concerns, over welfare, impacting democratic ideals.</strong></p><p><strong><em>Keywords –</em></strong> <em>Knowledge, Michel Foucault, Power, PTN-BH</em></p>

Welcome to SportsWorld: An Introduction to the 1970s

In 1975, New York Times sports columnist Robert Lipsyte published SportsWorld: An American Dreamland, a critical examination of how the values of American sports had become corrupted and distorted by power brokers who pulled the purse strings. “SportsWorld” was an infrastructure first built in the late nineteenth century by industrialists, educators, politicians, promoters, journalists, and military leaders who believed in the potency of sports and American exceptionalism. For the faithful, SportsWorld represented a positive cultural force that unified the nation, strengthened vigorous manhood, and advanced the country's democratic ideals of equal opportunity and fair play. “In sports,” Lipsyte reflected, Americans believed “children will learn courage and self-control, old people will find blissful nostalgia, and families will discover new ways to communicate among themselves. Immigrants will find shortcuts to recognition as Americans. Rich and poor, black and white, educated and unskilled, we will all find a unifying language. The melting pot may be a myth, but we will all come together in the ballpark.”

Promoting democratic values through civic education: A case of selected secondary schools in lusaka District, Zambia

Overview: Promoting democratic values through civic education is essential for fostering an informed and engaged citizenry capable of upholding democratic principles. Hence, this paper delves into the critical role of civic education in fostering democratic values within contemporary societies. The study was carried in Lusaka district from 6 selected secondary schools. Body of Knowledge: Civic education encompasses teaching the fundamentals of democracy, including the importance of individual rights, the rule of law, and the responsibilities of citizenship. Civic education serves as a counterbalance to authoritarian tendencies and political apathy by encouraging active and informed participation in public life. The analysis underscores the importance of early and continuous civic education to build a resilient democratic society that values diversity, equity, and justice. Methods: The study employed both the qualitative and quantitative methods and a descriptive survey design that sampled Head Teachers, Teachers of Civic Education, Community Members and students in Civic Education classes. The study consisted a sample of 300 respondents from the selected secondary schools. Data was obtained from the respondents by means of interviews and questionnaires. The qualitative data gathered was analyzed according to the themes of the study and the order of the research objectives. Data generated from the questionnaires (quantitative) were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 26) and Microsoft Excel (version 16) to come up with tables, and figures. Results: The comprehensive analysis revealed that effective civic education programs are characterized by an inclusive curriculum that integrates critical thinking, discussion of current events, and hands-on participation in democratic processes. These programs aim to cultivate a sense of civic duty, political efficacy, and tolerance among students. Empirical studies indicated that well-designed civic education can significantly enhance students' knowledge of political systems, their skills in democratic participation, and their commitment to democratic values. Recommendation: The government should; collaborate with education authorities to enhance democratic ideals in civic education curriculum; and through the education standard officer and other stakeholders need to enhance professional development workshops for teachers of civic education to enable them effectively teach and practice democratic ideals as espoused in civic education.

THE G7 SUMMIT 2024: A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW

Leaders of the most developed economies in the world gathered for the 50th G7 Summit in Italy in 2024 to discuss important global concerns. With an emphasis on digital transformation, geopolitical stability, economic recovery, and climate action, this study examines the summit's main agenda items and results. While the world was still getting over the COVID-19 epidemic, the G7 was emphasizing the need for coordinated economic policies to boost development and close the gap between developed and poor nations. A major focus was climate action, with pledges to save 30% of land and ocean by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The establishment of the G7 Digital Partnership to improve data privacy and counter cyber threats brought attention to cybersecurity and digital infrastructure. Underscoring the G7's commitment to preserving international law and democratic ideals, the summit also addressed geopolitical challenges, including Russia's actions in Ukraine. Prioritizing social inclusion and lowering economic disparity meant endorsing sustainable development objectives and collaborating with emerging nations. According to the study's findings, the G7's cooperative tactics and proactive participation are critical for tackling global issues and promoting a more safe, fair, and sustainable world.

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.

MUHAMMAD ASAD'S DESIGN OF AN ISLAMIC STATE IN POST-COLONIAL PAKISTAN

The paper aims to highlight Muhammad Asad’s epistemological postulate on Islamic politics as reflected in his works on Islamic state. It seeks to address these fundamental problems: what is the legal basis that support and establish Asad’s position of founding an Islamic state? and how could this idea fairly accommodates with the prevailing notion of nation state in post-colonial context. Thus, the study set forth to find the answers based on such range of objectives: to analyse the underlying ideas of Islamic state as advocated in the classical sources, to define the basic constitutional framework as developed by Asad in the context of historical Pakistan, to estimate the implication of implementing Islamic law and its impact on the global politics and its compatibility with international law. In this regards, Asad had formulated the constitutional ideas of Islamic state whose constitution contains the provision of Islamic law that practiced and implemented the norms stated in the Divine Writ. This ideas was partly enshrined in the Pakistan constitutional law whose political establishment was formed in 1947. The paper essentially discussed Muhammad Asad’s political ideas and its underlying philosophy as espoused in his works. The study conducted based on qualitative approaches of the type of library research. The data were analysed by way of descriptive, analytical and comparative technique. The finding shows that Muhammad Asad had formulated comprehensive theoretical framework of legal aspect of Islamic governance drawn up from the fundamental principle and doctrine of the shariah, and its moral norms deriving from the explicit Qur’anic and sunnah text, while also advocating democratic ideals and principles based on conventional practice and requirement of modern context of nation state. Based on this main finding, it is concluded that Islamic teaching and its spiritual norms were compatible with democratic ideal and values of human right, participatory and constitutional government as implemented in the democratic space of Pakistan.