Democratic Process Research Articles

Penerapan Demokrasi Pancasila dalam Proses Pemilihan Pengurus Senat Mahasiswa Farmasi Universitas PGRI Adi Buana Surabaya

The aim of this research is to determine the application of Pancasila democracy in the process of selecting administrators for the 2023 UNIPA Surabaya Pharmacy Student Association. This research uses a qualitative method with a descriptive approach and is supported by primary data. This qualitative research was located at the Faculty of Science and Health using interview techniques to obtain data. The research results show high student participation, reflecting a strong democratic spirit. However, there are challenges related to the dominance of the candidate’s popularity and the lack of deep understanding of the values of Pancasila. The role of the election committee has proven important in maintaining the integrity and transparency of the democratic process. The findings highlight the importance of political education and election outreach to increase students’ understanding of Pancasila values and responsibilities as voters. The election process is also a vehicle for character learning for students, honing leadership skills, negotiation and practicing Pancasila values in student organizations. Recommendations include stricter regulations, integration of Pancasila values in the curriculum, as well as increasing student outreach and participation as steps to strengthen democracy and Pancasila values in the campus environment. This research provides in-depth insight into how Pancasila values are applied in the democratic life of students and provides a basis for increasing awareness and respect for these values in the future.

The Ecclesiastical Impact: Exploring the Role of Christian Church in Democracy Development in Nigeria

This research investigates the multifaceted role of Christian church in the development and consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. Through a comprehensive analysis of scholarly literature, empirical data, and case studies, the study aims to elucidate the various dimensions of the church's influence on democratic processes, institutions, and norms in the Nigerian context. Specifically, the research will examine how Christian churches contribute to promoting democratic values, civic education, moral leadership, peace-building, social welfare initiatives, and political engagement. By employing a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative interviews, surveys, and content analysis of church statements and activities, the study seeks to provide empirical evidence and theoretical insights into the mechanisms through which the church impacts democracy development in Nigeria. The findings of this research will have implications for understanding the complex dynamics of religion and politics in Nigeria and inform policy and practices aimed at strengthening democratic governance and pluralism in the country.

Egypt's Post-Arab Spring Revolution Explanation for Democratisation Failure

The Arab Spring phenomena fueled international confidence in the Middle East's democratization process. The democratic election of Muhammad Morsi (Muslim Brotherhood) as President of Egypt was one of the Arab Spring Revolution's most significant victories. However, on July 3, 2013, General Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi, the Head of Egypt's Armed Forces, conducted a coup to topple Morsi's rule. That action is incompatible with democratic principles. The failure of this democratization process is the primary subject of this research. The purpose of this article is to understand the contributing causes to Egypt's democratization failure following the Arab Spring movement of 201. The author explains the phenomena using a qualitative technique with Miles and Huberman's descriptive-analysis methodology, as well as three theories: Seymour Lipset's modernization theory, Huntington's political actor theory, and Philip C. Schmitter's international environment theory. This report discovered that three causes contributed to Egypt's democratization failure: a lack of economic conditions, a relationship between the MB (Muslim Brotherhood) and Salafis, a lack of international backing, and GCC state meddling.

THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT: INTERACTION CHANNELS AND THEIR EFFECTIVENESS

Modern technologies and the Internet have significantly altered how people, organizations, and governments interact. Social media platforms have evolved beyond personal communication tools to become powerful instruments for public administration. They enable governments to communicate more effectively with citizens, enhance transparency, and engage the public in governance processes. However, challenges exist in optimizing these tools. This article aims to analyze the role of social media in public administration, identify the most effective channels of interaction, and propose recommendations for their use. It emphasizes the need to enhance government communication strategies to meet rising citizen expectations regarding transparency and accessibility of administrative services. Research reveals that social media allows governments to rapidly disseminate information on emergencies, new laws, and policies, thereby reducing the time needed to inform the public and increasing their engagement. The ability to organize public discussions, gather feedback, and conduct surveys via social media fosters a more democratic and inclusive governance process. In addition to benefits, the article highlights potential risks of using social media in public administration, such as cybersecurity issues, personal data protection, and the spread of misinformation. Authors recommend developing strategies to minimize these risks and maximize the positive impact of social media on public administration processes. In conclusion, the article convincingly underscores the significance of social media as tools of modern governance, contributing to increased efficiency, transparency, and openness of government structures to the public

Understanding Digital Rights in An Era of Digital Politics in Africa

As more African countries connect their citizens to the Internet and other digital technologies in a bid to improve services, questions are being asked about the protection of human rights for nationals online. The wake of the COVID-19 pandemic forced many countries on the continent to search for alternative ways to provide services. Varying national shutdowns also impacted democratic processes like elections and accompanying actions such as voter registration and campaigning. This paper aims to assess the trends and challenges around the implementation of digital rights and propose the way forward for scholars and practitioners promoting digital rights. Data was collected using desktop research to identify and assess common themes and differences across the continent. The results show that as technologies continue evolving at a fast pace, it is fundamental for African governments to reassess and adapt their laws to maintain and protect the rights of their citizens online.

No higher law: The Uruguayan plebiscite of 1980 as a failed constituent moment

Abstract On November 30, 1980, the people of Uruguay were called on to vote on a new constitution whose objective was to legalize the military dictatorship that had ruled Uruguay since 1973. The proposed constitution would reestablish elections, political parties, and an independent judiciary, but all subject to overrule by the National Security Council (COSENA), the junta of military leaders that acted as the nation’s de facto ruling body. Despite the highly repressive political environment in which the plebiscite was held, the citizenry rejected the draft in resounding fashion by a vote of 57% to 43%. Although the Plebiscite of 1980 was certainly a “failure” from the regime’s point of view, it is considered a founding moment in Uruguayan history during which the dictatorship was delegitimized and the process of redemocratization triggered, culminating in a democratic transition in 1985. This case illustrates that constitutional failures can be successes in the long term when they launch deeper processes of democratization or constitutionalism.

U.S. Development Assistance, Democratization and State-Building in Bosnia and Herzegovina

This article investigates the U.S. development assistance role in democratization, state-building and sustainable growth in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The OECD and USAID reports and selected projects (2015-2022) were used to examine and analyze the U.S. development assistance in the democratization process and state-building. The statistical data on the U.S. aid allocation and projects comes largely from the OECD's annual publications and USAID reports. Because of different periods, approaches and priorities, this paper placed the U.S. development assistance in the historical context. The analysis of different democratization and state-building projects indicated the extent to which the programs implemented have generated desired progress and development.

The evolution of democratic peace in animal societies

A major goal in evolutionary biology is to elucidate common principles that drive human and other animal societies to adopt either a warlike or peaceful nature. One proposed explanation for the variation in aggression between human societies is the democratic peace hypothesis. According to this theory, autocracies are more warlike than democracies because autocratic leaders can pursue fights for private gain. However, autocratic and democratic decision-making processes are not unique to humans and are widely observed across a diverse range of non-human animal societies. We use evolutionary game theory to evaluate whether the logic of democratic peace may apply across taxa; specifically adapting the classic Hawk-Dove model to consider conflict decisions made by groups rather than individuals. We find support for the democratic peace hypothesis without mechanisms involving complex human institutions and discuss how these findings might be relevant to non-human animal societies. We suggest that the degree to which collective decisions are shared may explain variation in the intensity of intergroup conflict in nature.

Do large language models have a legal duty to tell the truth?

Careless speech is a new type of harm created by large language models (LLM) that poses cumulative, long-term risks to science, education and shared social truth in democratic societies. LLMs produce responses that are plausible, helpful and confident, but that contain factual inaccuracies, misleading references and biased information. These subtle mistruths are poised to cumulatively degrade and homogenize knowledge over time. This article examines the existence and feasibility of a legal duty for LLM providers to create models that 'tell the truth'. We argue that LLM providers should be required to mitigate careless speech and better align their models with truth through open, democratic processes. We define careless speech against 'ground truth' in LLMs and related risks including hallucinations, misinformation and disinformation. We assess the existence of truth-related obligations in EU human rights law and the Artificial Intelligence Act, Digital Services Act, Product Liability Directive and Artificial Intelligence Liability Directive. Current frameworks contain limited, sector-specific truth duties. Drawing on duties in science and academia, education, archives and libraries, and a German case in which Google was held liable for defamation caused by autocomplete, we propose a pathway to create a legal truth duty for providers of narrow- and general-purpose LLMs.

Liars know they are lying: differentiating disinformation from disagreement

Mis- and disinformation pose substantial societal challenges, and have thus become the focus of a substantive field of research. However, the field of misinformation research has recently come under scrutiny on two fronts. First, a political response has emerged, claiming that misinformation research aims to censor conservative voices. Second, some scholars have questioned the utility of misinformation research altogether, arguing that misinformation is not sufficiently identifiable or widespread to warrant much concern or action. Here, we rebut these claims. We contend that the spread of misinformation—and in particular willful disinformation—is demonstrably harmful to public health, evidence-informed policymaking, and democratic processes. We also show that disinformation and outright lies can often be identified and differ from good-faith political contestation. We conclude by showing how misinformation and disinformation can be at least partially mitigated using a variety of empirically validated, rights-preserving methods that do not involve censorship.

Twelve years a slave? Ennahdha’s constrained (ir)responsibility in post-revolutionary Tunisia (2011–2023)

ABSTRACT This article accounts for Ennahdha’s post-revolutionary trajectory and its role in paving the way for authoritarian reversal. Going beyond approaches in terms of (post)Islamism and moderation focusing on ideology, I argue that Ennahdha’s failure is not an ideological failure – the famous ‘failure of political Islam’ (Roy [1992]. L’échec de l’islam politique. Paris: Seuil.) – but a governance failure stemming from both structural obstacles and strategic mistakes. Far from intending to change the state’s nature, Ennahdha’s post-2011 trajectory is but an obsessive attempt to secure its inclusion and normalisation in the system, even if this meant sacrificing both reform prospects and electoral support. Internally, Ennahdha’s inability to carry out reforms in matters of leadership selection and decision-making and to clarify its economic vision was detrimental to its cohesion and its role in governance. Externally, its favoured ‘consensus politics (tawafuq)’, which translated into a ‘policy of the occupied chair’, led to freeze rather than solve conflicts and to hamper reforms, which paved the way for a populist interruption of the democratic process in July 2021. Ultimately, this meant that Ennahdha’s strategy of normalisation paradoxically clashed with the party’s self – preservation and the overall democratic transition. To unpack this process, the article relies on a body of 17 interviews, writings by Ennahdha leaders and close intellectuals, and an extensive literature review.

SPATIAL JUSTICE: GEOGRAPHICAL CONCEPTUALIZATION IN THE CONTEXT OF WAR IN UKRAINE

As a scientific category, spatial justice requires to be detailed and in-depth theoretical and methodological study, as well as empirical evaluation. Since representatives of different fields of knowledge offer their own definitions of spatial justice, it is impossible to have a systematic view of it, nor to place accents that are important for geo­graphers. The purpose of the study is to analyze and summarize approaches to the definition of “spatial justice”, to outline its main dimensions, and to clarify, through an online expert survey of geographers, the essence of the category and the focus of its study in the context of the military situation in Ukraine. The analysis of the literature and the results of an online survey of geographers on the nature of spatial justice in Ukraine revealed that justice is based on the principle of equal opportunities, which is worth striving for, given the objective geographical inequalities in living conditions, access to services, levels of mobility, etc. Even though the category of “spatial justice” has been defined by geographers in the past, it is not yet clear what the main dimensions of spatial justice are, and what the focus of its study should be. Although the category of spatial justice is most developed in Western countries, its implementation in war and post-war conditions in Ukraine is extremely necessary, especially since the injustice of war is exacerbated by its consequences. According to the majority of respondents, spatial justice can be interpreted as the achievement of a state in which the economic life of a given territory is subordinated to, or at least does not contradict, the interests of the local community, creating benefits and opportunities to meet production, cultural and other needs. In times of war, it is also a fair democratic process of sharing benefits and risks between territories. The definitions chosen by the majority of respondents can be the basis for the further development of theoretical, methodological, and practical tools for the formation of a platform for the implementation of the principles of spatial justice at different territorial levels.

Food democracy and the right to the city: Re-assembling urban food environments in East-Central London

Under the banner of “the right to the city,” scholars and activists reclaim the rights of urban dwellers to access, use and shape their urban space. However, few studies have examined how this right to the city is interpreted, negotiated and exercised in practice. To address this gap, we explore democratisation processes that aim to increase popular control over the production of urban food environments. Based on a case study of East-Central London and using assemblage thinking as an analytical framework, this article explores how more democratic food environments are being (dis)assembled. Our findings highlight the complexity of (dis)assembling practices, which are shaping a partial and fragile version of urban (food) democracy, shifting control away from capitalist structures but, at the same time, relying on state's support for co-designing and co-managing democratic food environments.

Media Circus and Mass Hysteria: The Representation of the Press in Flemish Fiction Series

By undertaking a textual analysis of five Flemish (Belgium) television series, this study contributes to the broader understanding of European journalism fiction. The findings underscore a prevailing negative representation of journalism, emphasizing commercial interests and portraying news outlets as disruptive forces in democratic processes. As such, the Flemish series advocate for a collaborative relationship between news media and government officials, aligning with a public service-oriented model. At the same time, a discernible pattern emerges wherein critical assessments predominantly target fictional news brands, systematically contrasted with more neutral portrayals of non-fictional news brands. Lastly, the series perpetuate gendered stereotypes thereby highlighting a lack of inclusivity.

Treading the Narrow Path – Rethinking Democratic Education in Times of Polarization

Abstract This essay examines the relationship between knowledge, politics, and education in the context of the global crisis of democracy and the growing prevalence of political polarization. Focusing on the issue of vaccine hesitancy, I explore how citizens’ reference to knowledge and values shapes their political judgements and argue for the importance of education in facilitating informed and reasoned decision-making. Drawing on Hannah Arendt’s dialectical account of politics and knowledge, I highlight the limitations of reducing political debates to a quest for ‘right knowledge’, arguing that it neglects the coordination of diverse values and interpretations that is essential to democratic processes. To do so, I discuss ‘educationalization’ of the political during the COVID-19 pandemic, wherein the dissemination of empirically grounded information became a strategy to generate public consent. However, my essay cautions against the hegemony of empirical knowledge, which can lead to despotic politics and the proliferation of misinformation. To ensure differentiated and reasonable judgements in uncertain situations and conflicts, I turn to Arendt’s concept of reflective and political judgement, emphasizing the ability to imagine others’ perspectives and construct general principles. The educational task, therefore, encompasses not only conveying factual knowledge but also nurturing reflective judgement that strikes a balance between factual truth and divergent interpretations, values, and interests.

Vietnam in the democratization process: Dynamics from the process of international integration and the development of information-communication technology

This article delves into the complex dynamics of Vietnam’s democratization process, highlighting the simultaneous influences of international integration and advancements in science and technology. This study investigates the impact of Vietnam’s increasing involvement in the global economy and international community, as well as its adoption of technological advancements, on the country’s path toward democratization. The study utilizes a mixed approach, blending qualitative analysis of scientific documents, Vietnamese government policies, and quantitative data on the democracy index from international organizations. It identifies international integration as a double edged sword: on one hand, it boosts economic growth and development, driving the democratic transition process forward; on the other hand, it also leads to economic dependence and inequality, potentially impeding democratic reform. The findings of this study show that the rapid progress of science and technology, especially information and communication technology, presents both opportunities and difficulties for Vietnam’s democratic process. It provides unparalleled opportunities for widespread involvement in political activities and the spread of democratic principles, but it also carries the risk of social unrest and the potential for the authoritarian state to control and manipulate information.

Unmasking the Authoritarian Mob Boss: A Critical Analysis of Donald Trump’s Political Leadership

This article comprehensively examines Donald Trump’s political leadership, arguing that his tenure as the 45th President of the United States exhibited characteristics commonly associated with authoritarian mob bosses. Drawing upon various empirical evidence and theoretical political science frameworks, the study sheds light on the underlying dynamics that shaped Trump’s leadership style and its implications for democratic governance. The analysis begins by contextualizing Trump’s rise to power within the erosion of democratic norms. It explores how his rhetoric, characterized by demagoguery and the demonization of opponents, mirrors the tactics employed by mob bosses to consolidate their power and suppress dissent. Moreover, the study uncovers the striking similarities between Trump’s administration management and the hierarchical structures of organized crime, highlighting his reliance on loyalty, personal connections, and a disregard for institutional checks and balances. Furthermore, this research delves into Trump’s autocratic tendencies, as evidenced by his disdain for the free press, attacks on the judiciary, and attempts to undermine the integrity of democratic processes. It reveals how these actions align with the strategies employed by authoritarian leaders to silence opposition and perpetuate their dominance. By examining Trump’s presidency through process tracing, this study contributes to our understanding of the complex relationship between authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic institutions. The findings underscore the urgent need for continued scholarly and public scrutiny of leaders who exhibit traits akin to authoritarian mob bosses to safeguard the principles of democratic governance and protect the integrity of liberal democracies.

Ethnic diversity and electoral democracy in Sudan before and after the Arab spring

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of ethnic diversity on electoral democracy in Sudan, a nation grappling with ethnic, sectarian, and regional identity politics. Using a mixed-method approach, the study employs Time Series analysis from 1990 to 2019, followed by theoretical analysis to explore the relationship between ethnic diversity and electoral democracy. The framework of this study draws from relevant studies on this nexus, incorporating factors such as racial/ethnic voting motivations, corruption, institutional dynamics, conflict, and individual income. The study bridges a gap in the existing literature by providing insights into the mechanisms through which ethnic identities shape democratisation processes in the African region. The findings reveal an influence of ethnic diversity on electoral democracy, as evidenced by factors such as violent conflicts, political institutions, and economic inequality. Additionally, the study delves into contemporary implications of ethnic dynamics on democratic processes, particularly examining the military confrontations between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since April 2023. The practical implications of this study lie in developing effective strategies to mitigate the political repercussions of ethnicity, thereby fostering a peaceful democratic transition. Therefore, the findings may not be readily applicable to other regions or nations with distinct historical, cultural, or geopolitical contexts that might influence the interplay between ethnic diversity and electoral democracy differently.

Pro-Western or pro-Russian? Elections, foreign policy and inter-party rivalry in Georgia

ABSTRACT The article studies Georgia’s relations with Russia and the West as an object of rivalry among Georgian political parties. It argues that political parties have instrumentalized Russian–Georgian relations by picturing a) other political parties, b) politicians, and c) government policies as pro-Russian, in an attempt to delegitimize their opponents. Since the Georgian political establishment perceives the West as a source of internal and external legitimacy, the instrumentalization of Georgia’s Western policy has taken place in a complex way. On the one hand, political parties have positioned themselves as pro-Western actors and depicted their opponents as a threat to Georgia’s Western future. On the other hand, being sensitive towards the West’s assessment of Georgia’s democratization process, they used it to delegitimize their opponents and legitimize themselves. Delegitimization attempts occurred not only between the ruling party and the opposition, but also among opposition parties themselves.

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.