Democratic Practices Research Articles

Relevansi Agama Dalam Demokrasi Masa Ini

Democracy that was once considered the best political system created by humans, now its image is fading. The picture of democracy today is getting bleaker. Societal polarization, conflict, the politicization of religion, excessive fanaticism, violence, victims, and various other negative phenomena, seem to have integrated into today's democratic practices. The election that should be a Democratic Party, a people's sovereignty party, has become a frightening and worrying moment. Even though today's world really needs political policies that are able to overcome various complicated problems such as: environmental damage, injustice, pandemics, etc. And in fact, democracy is the political system used by the majority of the world's countries today. What will happen to the world if democracy loses its ability to produce the common good (bonum commune)? What if democracy only becomes a tool for elite groups? And it is detrimental to many people? And what is also important to study, what is the role of religion in this concern? Secularization, which separated religion from politics in the past, has limited religion in the private sphere and politics in the public sphere. This situation is slowly turning into a vicious circle. The grim picture of politics is increasingly driving religion away from him. Even though, religion is a moral agent that is needed as a guide for good politics. The distancing of religion makes politics even more bleak, and so on. Given the urgency of this situation, this research was conducted. The research is aimed at finding alternative solutions that can stop this vicious circle. The research was conducted through a literature study, by tracing the situation of democracy and religion at this time. The religious approach used in this study is a Christian religious approach. The thesis of this research is that religion, which is professed by the majority of the world's population today, is actually an antidote to the gloomy picture of today's democracy.

Between Cooptation and Surveillance: Varieties of Civic Monitoring in Spain

Civic monitoring is a democratic practice that allows citizens to hold accountable powerholders and enhance the accountability of democratic systems. To date, democratic theorists and collective action scholars have stressed the relevance of monitoring by NGOs, social movement organizations, and alternative media to increase civil society’s watchdog potential, filter publicly relevant information, and ensure the inclusion of new voices and the representation of new instances in democratic arenas. However, little is known about how such diverse collective actors leverage monitoring practices, particularly in interaction with monitored actors and their constituencies. Focusing on the Spanish case (2011-2021), often considered a prominent example of monitory democracy, the study employs Situational Analysis and builds on semi-structured interviews and document analysis to discuss differences within the Spanish monitoring field. The results contribute to ongoing discussions on the hybridization of civic efforts and classifications of civic monitoring initiatives.

Correction to: Curriculum as ‘folding’ democratic practice: integrating Deleuzian and Deweyan philosophies with the lived experiences of English teachers

Correction to: Curriculum as ‘folding’ democratic practice: integrating Deleuzian and Deweyan philosophies with the lived experiences of English teachers

Curriculum as ‘folding’ democratic practice: Integrating Deleuzian and Deweyan philosophies with the lived experiences of English teachers

AbstractThis article advocates the revision of the English as an Additional Language (EAL) Curriculum in Australia into a “curriculum as ‘folding’ democratic practice”, a concept deeply informed by the lived experiences of sixteen teachers of English from multilingual backgrounds. Using hermeneutic phenomenology and narrative inquiry, this study explores how these educators leverage their personal and professional lived experiences to transcend the limitations of a curriculum dominated by Australian Standard English. These narratives highlight the adaptation of the curriculum through ethical engagements with learners’ diverse needs, embodying democratic and pluralistic approaches. Drawing on Gilles Deleuze’s (1993) concepts of the “fold” and “molecular possibilities” and John Dewey’s “democratic education” (1916), the research illustrates the potential of a responsive and inclusive curriculum that fosters intercultural capabilities in superdiverse classrooms. This study advocates an EAL curriculum that not only imparts linguistic skills but also prepares learners for meaningful participation in a globally interconnected society, extending the scope of English language education and teacher capabilities in Australia and beyond. The research highlights broader implications for other subject-related curricula, suggesting principles that could foster inclusivity and intercultural understanding.

Why Do Religious Ideas Matter? The Multidimensionality of the Indonesian Public Sphere

In this paper, I challenge the claim of the universalistic public sphere by providing contextual complexity of the national and local public sphere in Indonesia. In the original version of the Habermasian public sphere, people sat together in the salon and the café to exchange their ideas, sustaining the secular, capitalistic, and individualistic public sphere. However, further critics have shown the problems of putting secular ideas as the central force of the public sphere, particularly as it overlooks the complexity of the public sphere in religious contexts. These critics are particularly relevant to understanding the Indonesian public sphere in which the Muslim-majority population aims to dominate public life, as the religiously motivated political agenda has a further consequence for democratisation in Indonesia, which has been heralded as a prime example of harmony between Islamic values and Western democracy. At the same time, digitalisation has facilitated a religious revival in the national public sphere, combining religious sentiment within a highly individualised and digitalised society. This paper analyses the challenges of the digital divide in the local public sphere of pondok pesantren (Indonesian Islamic boarding schools). With a lack of digital access and democratic practices in day-to-day pondok pesantren life, communalistic religious practices have dominated the public sphere of these boarding schools. Within such complexity, this paper deliberates on how the local and national contexts in Indonesia shed light on the multidimensionality of the public sphere.

Proces „Democratic backsliding“ (Demokratického úpadku) v Ruské federaci v období 2012-2021

The phenomenon of "democratic backsliding" is becoming a topical issue in today's international relations, with recent occurrences in various regions, including Europe. This paper examines the weakening of democracy in the Russian Federation from 2012 to 2021. The study aims to determine whether democratic elements were dismantled in Russia during this period. For this purpose, the theoretical framework by Ellen Lust and David Waldner was utilized, alongside Merkel's concept of embedded democracy. Appropriate indicators were selected to reliably reveal the deterioration in the quality of democratic institutions and processes in Russia, specifically the Freedom House index, Democracy Index, and the Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI). By employing these three indices, the study assesses whether Russia can be classified as an anchored democracy or a defective democracy. The findings, presented in the final section of the paper, indicate significant erosion of democratic practices and institutions in Russia during the observed period. This deterioration underscores a shift from an already flawed democratic structure to one that increasingly resembles an authoritarian regime. The study concludes that Russia cannot be considered an anchored democracy; rather, it exhibits numerous characteristics of a defective democracy, marked by weakened institutions and diminished political freedoms.

Correction to: Preparing teachers for critical global and democratic practice: shifting inquiries into the teaching of democracy and global citizenship in teacher education

Correction to: Preparing teachers for critical global and democratic practice: shifting inquiries into the teaching of democracy and global citizenship in teacher education

Iqbal's Spiritual Democracy and Habermas's Deliberative Democracy: A Comparative Study

The current study is written in the context of the civilizational dialogue between the West and the Muslim world with reference to Jürgen Habermas and Muhammad Iqbal's political views. It explores the congruence and contrasts between Habermas's discourse theory of democracy or deliberative democracy and Iqbal's theory of spiritual democracy. This research strives to find out the extent to which the core values of Habermas's theory and that of Iqbal’s are compatible. For Habermas, the core values of social order are liberty and equality, whereas Iqbal upholds liberty, equality, and solidarity. It has been investigated whether they both mean the same phenomena by the same terms or not. For Habermas and Iqbal, democracy is the best form of government but neither one is satisfied with the existing democratic practices. In principle, they accept democracy as the best political system. The research paper also sheds light on the historical and cultural influences that have shaped the political ideologies of both Habermas and Iqbal, considering the impact of Western Enlightenment ideals on Habermas and the role of Islamic jurisprudence and spirituality in shaping Iqbal's democratic theory. Through critical analysis, this study aims to deepen the understanding of complexities inherent in the dialogue between Western and Muslim civilizations and offers insights into potential avenues for collaboration in political theory and practice.

Danielle Allen's Design for Democracy: A Review Essay

Abstract In Justice by Means of Democracy, author Danielle Allen argues that justice in the fullest sense requires a robust set of democratic institutions and practices. Focused on the United States, the author challenges the idea that justice can be achieved by first maximizing economic output and then redistributing funds and benefits to enhance the welfare of poor and less-well-off people. In the book, Allen suggests a wide range of policy proposals and institutional reforms intended to lead toward participatory constitutional democracy; social practices that enable people to make connections across divides of race, class, and the like; a more inclusive approach to immigration and integration of immigrants into American society; and an economy that empowers ordinary people and strengthens democracy. However, the author's arguments for these proposals suffer from lack of intellectual clarity about principles, institutions, and democratic practices. The argument is also weakened by its avoidance of the hard issues that arise when scholars and others turn from lofty principles to attempts to implement them. Consequently, the book falls far short of achieving its bold ambitions.

Implementasi Konstitusi Terhadap Perlindungan Hak Asasi Manusia dalam Prespektif Hukum Tata Negara

Human rights are important, indivisible and fundamental rights that exist in every human being from the moment of birth. In Indonesia, the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia (UUD 1945) serves as the constitutional protection of human rights. The purpose of the Indonesian legal system is to defend and defend human rights. This thesis explores how the Indonesian legal system protects human rights by examining how the constitution is applied in democratic practice in everyday society. The basic human rights law contained in the constitution, the mechanism of protecting human rights in the legal system of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, difficulties in implementing human rights will be discussed in this examination. The analysis shows that the Indonesian constitution provides a strong legal basis for the defense of human rights. Especially in the right to freedom in democracy within the scope of the state seen from a societal point of view..

Dynamics and Trajectories of Youth Participation in Democratic Practice in Ghana’s Fourth

Dynamics and Trajectories of Youth Participation in Democratic Practice in Ghana’s Fourth

INTEGRASI PERILAKU DAN KOMPETENSI KEPEMIMPINAN TRANSFORMASIONAL DALAM MENUNJANG KINERJA ORGANISASI ( Studi organisasi Kantor “x”)

Abstract. This case study explores the influence of transformational leadership style in facilitating innovation and synergy in an institution. Through the analysis of conceptual relationship diagrams among various operational elements within the organization, this study demonstrates how transformational leadership impacts decision-making processes, innovation, and competency enhancement. In this context, leadership acts not only as a decision maker but also as a motivator inspiring active participation and commitment from team members. The emphasis on consultation and coordination in decision-making illustrates the implementation of democratic practices supporting a collaborative and inclusive work environment. Furthermore, the study identifies innovation as a central pillar driving the institution to adapt to changes and meet the dynamic market needs. Initiatives such as the implementation of modern technology and new approaches in human resource management are illustrated as key components in the organization’s innovative strategy. The findings of this case study underscore that transformational leadership is effective in triggering organizational growth and sustainability by integrating innovation and collaboration. The implications of these findings provide important insights for other institutional leaders in designing leadership strategies that not only direct the organization to achieve its targets but also ensure ongoing adaptation and growth in a continually changing environment. This study offers valuable contributions to the literature on organizational leadership, particularly in the context of institutions operating in the era of globalization and digital transformation.

Apolitical Salafi: Between Religious And Citizenship Identity In Indonesia

The phase of Islamic resurgence in Indonesia since the 1980s and 1990s is characterized by the emergence of new dynamics within the Islamic movement, which have reshaped the religious landscape. One of these is Salafism, which was introduced through the Islamic movement originating from the Middle East. This group promotes the purification of Islamic teachings amid the various challenges faced in advancing the development of the movement. Therefore, this study focused on Apolitical Salafi group (political quietism), which has grown significantly in Indonesia. This qualitative study involved data collection through observation and in-depth interviews with key Salafi figures, followed by thorough data analysis. The results showed that Apolitical Salafi movement provided a new space for religious da’wah (preaching), specifically among the upper-middle-class and millennial generation in society. Conversely, this movement also avoided association with general elections, political parties, democratic practices, and resisted rulers because these activities are considered secular. In conclusion, Apolitical Salafi movement created a paradoxical ideological space for religion. This means that religious identity of Salafi Muslims should conform to its teachings, and as Indonesian citizens, they need to avoid interference in political affairs (political isolationism).

Disappointment and vision in the aftermath of the Arab uprisings

ABSTRACT Most commentators concede that the Arab uprisings of 2010–11 fell dramatically short of meeting their aspirations. For some, this wave of popular protests was an undeniable failure. Others draw more conflicted conclusions. They do not gainsay the realities of authoritarian retrenchment and war, but underscore the democratic practices and attitudes that have expanded over the past decade-plus. In the midst of such discussions, scant attention has been paid to how Arab intellectuals reacted to and evaluated the uprisings’ fates. This article addresses this gap by considering the writings of contemporary Moroccan intellectual Abdelilah Belkeziz. I argue that the sense of disappointment that he both expresses and notes among participants and observers of the Arab uprisings alike serves as a source of vision through which to productively consider the movements and their future trajectories, and to avoid the pitfalls of excessive optimism and despair.

A Gendered Analysis of the Influence of Remittances and Democracy on Human Capital Accumulation via Educational Achievements

Although development experts acknowledge several development potentials of remittances, a clear understanding of the impacts of remittances and democracy on human capital accumulation regarding gender at the global level is still missing. In this research, we analyse the influences of remittances and democracy on human capital accumulation in terms of educational success, specifically primary, secondary and tertiary education, and average years of schooling with a gender focus at the global level through instrumental variables (IV) regression model. Our model using data from various valid international sources finds that (1) remittances have a significant positive impact on secondary and tertiary education and average years of schooling; (2) these have a higher significant effect on females’ education compared to their male counterparts; and (3) these are more instrumental for education in higher democratic developing countries rather than countries having no- or low-level of democracy. Next to remittances, the results find that (4) democracy has a significant positive influence on primary education and average schooling years; and (5) this is helpful for the educational advancement of both males and females but more effective for women compared to men. Based on our results, we suggest that remittances to developing countries and democratic practices in these countries can support investing and leveraging females’ education, which is a key mechanism for empowering women around the globe.

Illusionary, silencing and civilising – (un)democratic practices in school governance

ABSTRACT Successive British Governments have promulgated policies and initiatives that have not only resulted in the marketisation of education but have, arguably, constructed a democratic deficit in relation to who represents the local in a neoliberal educational context. The article utilises a conceptual framework which encompasses notions of civility and somatic norms as well as evaluative models of deliberative democratic systems. The article illuminates the democratic deficit impact of these policy changes on social groups, such as parents or community members of low socioeconomic status, women and non-white Others. In doing so this research illustrates empirically a democratic deficit which is manifested in the school governance of the Co-operative Aligned Academies Trust (CAAT). It would appear local participatory school governance practices have been systematically disabled due instrumentalist and economistic New Public Management practices and neoliberal reforms. Democracy can be conceived as illusionary in the empowered space and as silencing, civilising and exclusionary (anti) democracy in the public space.

A Contrastive Analysis of Word Formation Processes in Interrogating Widespread Democratic Decay and Breakdown in some West African Countries

In contemporary times democracy is threatened across West African states like never before. Democracy is under increasing assault from the elected leaders and their cronies. A noticeable, subtle, stifling strangulation of democratic structures and substance leads to the erosion of democracy in more than a few West African countries and a total breakdown of democracy through coups in others. Despite the attempts by the ECOWAS and AU to discourage democratic breakdown in Africa, military intervention continues to truncate democracies in many African countries. This paper interrogated the root-causes of the prevalence of democratic breakdown in West African countries and the factors sustaining military interventions in the region. Building upon earlier scholarly work on democratic breakdown and deploying the doctrinal research methodology, the researcher analysed the resurgence of and effects of military intervention and truncation of democratic practices in West Africa. The findings of this research showed that military intervention is edging West African countries to the precipice and there have been more than a few complete democratic breakdowns in West African countries in recent times. In conclusion, the researcher offers suggestions on how democratic breakdown can be arrested in the West African region and/or reduce its occurrence by advocacy, enthronement of good governance, citizenship participation, application of the rule of law, and upholding of constitutional provisions.

How ethical areas of post-normal science can invigorate mathematics education

Future experts, decision-makers, stakeholders and future citizens – they all go to school, which could be a place to prepare students to facing post-normal problems in their future roles. While the literature on mathematics and science education shows increased interest in post-normal science to critically understand contemporary problems, mathematics is still generally taught as a neutral subject with either correct or wrong answers. In this paper, I lean on post-normal science literature and the slowly growing literature on ethics and mathematics education to develop a framework for identifying how mathematics education can prepare students for ethical aspects of post-normal problems. Three areas of ethics associated with post-normal problems are explored through concepts from ethics and mathematics education: ethical perspectives of the problem, ethical perspectives embedded in knowledge, and ethics in interpersonal care in discussions and care for students’ self-esteem in participatory processes. This framework is used to analyse and discuss three classroom projects to provide examples of what these areas may contain. The projects partly align with post-normal science, and are about clothing and sustainability, traffic safety, and argumentation related to open an offshore area to oil exploitation. The ethical areas are discussed in terms of ethical awareness and democratic practices.

Continuing to critically engage with DAP to foster democratic teaching and teacher education in neoliberal early education contexts

ABSTRACT As the fields of early childhood teaching and teacher education continue to evolve and diversify, policymakers’ neoliberal reforms further standardise and restrict these programmes of practice. Many have documented the impact of these policies on early childhood teaching and teacher education, and in this article, we add to these conversations by investigating how the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) fourth edition of Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) might assist early childhood stakeholders in countering policymakers continued push towards neoliberal systems of early education and teacher education. Drawing from over 15 years of investigations in the United States, we highlight how preservice and in-service early educators in public school contexts have and continue to struggle with two primary issues: having to align their teaching with policymakers’ reforms and seeking professional knowledge and opportunities for change. We illuminate these challenges to identify opportunities for teacher educators to use DAP to support preservice and practicing teachers across the globe in speaking back to and moving beyond policymakers’ neoliberal policies. We also offer suggestions for NAEYC to continue to improve DAP so that the early childhood stakeholders can promote a policy and practical agenda that places democratic practices at the forefront.

Делиберативные практики в муниципальном нормотворчестве и их применение в правовой экспертизе муниципальных правовых актов

This article is devoted to the consideration of the institutions of direct and deliberative democracy known to Russian municipal law. The author provides a description of deliberative democratic practices through discussion or communicative action. The author makes an attempt to distinguish the concepts of “direct democracy” and “deliberative democracy”. Using the example of various deliberative practices, such as public hearings, citizens' gatherings, citizens' conferences, public consultations as part of assessing the regulatory impact of municipal acts, etc., the particular importance of deliberative democracy in municipal rule-making is demonstrated. The final part of the article is devoted to the issue of using deliberative practices when conducting a legal examination of municipal regulations in order to identify the opinion of the population and predict social reaction to the introduced regulation.