Government Community Research Articles

The human dimensions of harmful algal blooms: An evolving research agenda

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a global phenomenon occurring in a range of aquatic environments, with the potential to have diverse environmental, social and economic impacts. There is growing interest in the human dimensions of HABs particularly as a result of the increased occurrence of HABs linked to anthropogenic activities. However, to date this has focused more on the economic and health implications of HABs events rather than broader human dimensions. This paper presents a series of research priorities that could strengthen social science research on HABs, highlighting topics related to public awareness and attitudes, community science, governance and co-development of solutions, links to the blue economy agenda, impacts on marine culture and heritage, and impacts on health and wellbeing. Finally, the paper presents a series of recommendations developing a transdisciplinary research agenda in order for the ongoing challenges of HABs to be addressed.

Faktor Perubahan Alih Fungsi Lahan Pertanian Akibat Pembangunan Kawasan Aerotropolis Kulon Progo dan Dampaknya Terhadap Tata Guna Lahan LP2B, Pemukiman dan Pariwisata

The development of the Aerotropolis area in Kulon Progo Regency causes frequent changes in agricultural land use to residential areas, hotels, restaurants, and other infrastructure. The excessive rate of conversion of agricultural land will have a negative impact on Kulon Progo Regency. Therefore, it is necessary to know the factors causing changes in agricultural land use and their impact on LP2B areas, residences, and tourism. The research method used is descriptive-analytical with statistical data; observations of situational conditions and the results of interviews regarding the problem being studied will be analyzed and then explained more specifically and in depth. The results of the analysis show that the phenomenon of land conversion in Kulon Regency is influenced by internal factors, namely the strategic location of agricultural land and its proximity to public facilities. The productivity of the agricultural sector has decreased due to difficult farmer regeneration, which causes economic factors to emerge. Apart from that, it is also influenced by external factors, namely increasing population growth, increasing development of the trade and services sector, the COVID-19 pandemic, and government policies that facilitate the conversion of agricultural land. The impact is that land and agricultural productivity are decreasing while the area of residential areas and the tourism sector are increasing. As a result, the GDP growth rate in the agricultural sector decreased, while the accommodation and food and drink (tourism) sector and the service sector increased. This trend has the potential to reduce the implementation of LP2B in Kulon Progo Regency. Recommendations that need to be made are strengthening government policies regarding the protection of LP2B and the involvement of many parties from the community, private sector, NGOs (Non-Government Organizations), and local governments regarding the implementation of LP2B

Penyusunan Anggaran Pendapatan dan Belanja Desa Lampung Tengah

With the issuance of Law No. 6/2014 on Villages, the position of the village government has become stronger, because it is no longer regulated in Law No. 23/2014 on Regional Government, but is regulated by a separate law. In addition to strengthening the status of the village as a community government, the Village Law also makes the village the basis for advancing the community and empowering the village community. Villages have the right to autonomy. As a logical consequence of having autonomy, it must have its own finances. Article 93 of Government Regulation No. 43/2014 on the Implementation of Law No. 6/2014 on Villages states that village finances include planning, implementation, administration, reporting, and accountability. Article 101 of Government Regulation No. 43/2014 on the Implementation of Law No. 6/2014 on Villages mentions the mechanism for preparing the Village Budget. The research method used in this research is a normative juridical approach. The results showed that the mechanism for preparing the Village Budget of Central Lampung Regency as the implementation of Article 101 of Government Regulation Number 43 of 2014 concerning the Implementation Regulations of Law Number 6 of 2014 concerning Villages has been implemented based on Article 20 of the Regulation of the Regent of Central Lampung Regency Number 14 of 2015 concerning Village Financial Management in Central Lampung Regency through 3 (three) stages, namely the preparation, evaluation and determination stages. Supporting factors in the preparation of the Revenue and Expenditure Budget are the existence of assistants in the preparation of the Revenue and Expenditure Budget from the District and Regency, the government facilitates with the training of Village Heads and Village Apparatus every 3 (three) months at the provincial level and at the district level, and inhibiting factors in the preparation of the Village Revenue and Expenditure Budget, namely because Law Number 6 of 2014 and its implementing regulations are still new so that the community is not used to it and results in difficulty socializing with the community in village meetings.

Krama Desa Adherence to Unwritten Awig-Awig in the Traditional Village of Bayung Gede, Bangli

The aim of this research to identify a model of “krama desa” (indigenous villagers) adherence to their awig-awig, which is still spoken (unwritten). This research examines why there was no attempt to put it in written law and why indigenous people obeyed the rules even though there was no written law. Penelitian dilakukan di desa adat tipe baliaga (tidak mendapat pengaruh dari kerajaan Majapahit dengan tata pemerintahan masyarakatya menggunakan pola ulu apad). The research was conducted in a baliaga-type customary village (uninfluenced by the Majapahit kingdom with community governance using the ulu apad pattern). This research is empirical legal research and primary data was collected with interview techniques. Based on the results of the research, it can be stated that the reason awig-awig is still maintained in unwritten form even though local regulations mandate that it be made in writing is that the ‘krama desa’ has never questioned it and from the past they have respected and obeyed it for generations without anyone daring to violate it. The village community respects and obeys awig-awig even though it is unwritten and is highly dependent on traditional leaders. When violating awig-awig, there is a psychological burden, namely kimud (shame for violating) because the consequences are stigmatized by the community.

From fetchers to decision-makers: exploring the gender dynamics of water access and governance in resource-poor communities of Mbala, Zambia

ABSTRACT Research on African women often emphasizes their traditional roles as water fetchers and caregivers, but their potential role in water governance is frequently overlooked. Here, this research gap is explored with a focus on the sustainability of water access points (WAPs). The latest mWater tool version 3.0. was used to conduct household surveys concerning gender roles in water access in rural Mbala of northern Zambia. Purposive sampling, a non-probability methodological approach, was used to choose respondents. The Empowerment in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) Index (EWI) was adopted to quantify empowerment levels. The analysis revealed significant contributors to disempowerment, such as group membership, control over household goods, work balance, and leadership in WAP implementation. The study also highlighted the critical role of Water Point Committees (WPCs) in sustaining WAPs. An unexpected finding emerges as the data contests the prevalent notion that women, who are primarily responsible for water fetching, are marginalized from decision-making processes. Instead, the results suggest that women's disempowerment is not the primary factor contributing to the lack of sustainability of WAPs. Rather, a general lack of financial commitment within communities is at play. The study highlights the critical, yet previously overlooked, role of community meetings in ensuring the sustainability of WAPs.

Farmers’ Perception of Bench Terrace Performance and Effectiveness in Southern Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

The southern Tigray region in Northern Ethiopia faces significant agricultural challenges, including soil erosion and water scarcity. To address these issues, bench terraces (BTs) have been introduced as a soil and water conservation measure. These terraces aim to enhance agricultural productivity and create land opportunities for landless youths. This study investigates farmers’ perceptions of the performance of constructed BTs in southern Tigray. It aims to understand the effectiveness and challenges associated with BTs and identify socio-economic, environmental, and technical factors from the farmers’ perspectives. The research was conducted in the Zatta, Embahasti, and Wegelen watersheds, located in the districts of Ofla, Endamekoni, and Alaje, respectively, where BTs are predominantly practiced. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data. The research highlights the importance of involving farmers in the design and implementation of conservation measures to ensure their sustainability and effectiveness. Despite the benefits, farmers reported several challenges, including inadequate maintenance, water scarcity, lack of access to infrastructure, and the labor-intensive nature of constructing and maintaining the terraces. While bench terraces are generally perceived positively for their role in soil conservation and productivity enhancement, addressing challenges related to maintenance, water access, and technical support is crucial for their sustained success. Enhanced community engagement and government support are recommended to improve the overall performance and sustainability of bench terraces in the region.

The Importance of Implementing Sustainable Practices in Municipalities of the Araguaia River Valley, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Objective: The present work aims to identify and analyze strategies for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in municipalities in Vale do Araguaia in the state of Mato Grosso - Brazil, as well as their benefits and challenges, providing recommendations for promoting sustainable development at the local level. Theoretical Framework: The text addresses essential strategies for implementing sustainable practices in local communities, such as solid waste management, conservation of water resources, use of renewable energy and promotion of sustainable agriculture. Highlights include recycling and composting to reduce waste, water reuse systems and renewable energy, such as solar, for energy self-sufficiency. Sustainable agriculture strengthens the local economy, while conscious consumption is encouraged by educational campaigns. Community participation and government support are crucial for balancing economic development, social justice and environmental preservation. Method: This comparative case study analyzed the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 25 municipalities in Mato Grosso, in the Araguaia river basin. Different municipal strategies and contexts were examined, using data from public sources such as the Water and Sanitation Institute and the Sustainable Cities Development Index – Brazil (IDSC-BR). The analysis was organized in a table and the average of the results made it possible to evaluate the level of sustainable development of each city. Results and Discussion: The research points out that, although the implementation of sustainable practices in municipalities is essential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the results are still below expectations. Only three municipalities achieved average rates, and none achieved satisfactory results. This reveals structural challenges, such as a lack of adequate public policies and budget limitations. The research highlights the need for greater coordination between government spheres, the private sector and civil society, in addition to more concrete and inclusive planning to promote sustainable development. Research Implications: The practical implications of this study suggest the need for greater integration between government spheres and the private sector to optimize the implementation of the SDGs in municipalities, highlighting the importance of effective public policies and investments in priority areas. Theoretically, the study offers insights into the structural challenges faced by cities, contributing to the debate on sustainable urban management and the development of policy models that can accelerate the achievement of global sustainability goals. Originality/Value: The originality of the study lies in its detailed analysis of the implementation of the SDGs in municipalities, revealing the specific structural challenges that limit their progress. The value lies in providing a practical overview of the gaps in public policies and local management, in addition to highlighting the need for greater intersectoral coordination to achieve sustainable development, offering valuable guidelines for future urban planning and sustainability policies.

The influence of natural factors on poverty in West Halmahera

Poverty remains one of the persistent social issues faced by governments in many regions, including coastal and small island communities. The poverty experienced in these areas is driven by a combination of natural, social, and economic factors. Dynamic environmental conditions, such as seasonal changes, extreme weather, wide geographic dispersion between sea and land, isolation due to limited accessibility, and vulnerability to natural disasters, often trap coastal populations in a cycle of poverty. Data from West Halmahera Regency indicates that poverty levels have shown little improvement up until 2023. This research focuses on a sample of 390 poor residents from the region, utilizing Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Principal Component Regression Analysis (PCRA) to examine the factors affecting poverty. The findings reveal that within the Natural Capital variable (X1), the most significant indicators are the distance from the house to a clean water source (X4), with a coefficient of 0.894, the condition of the water source near the residence (X5), with a coefficient of 0.884, and accessibility to clean water sources (X3), with a coefficient of 0.89. West Halmahera, being a coastal and mountainous region, suffers from an unequal distribution of essential infrastructure, particularly in areas far from the district capital. Clean water infrastructure remains absent in many areas, and even in mountainous regions where water piping exists, geographic challenges hinder functionality. Addressing these issues requires collaboration between local governments, the private sector, universities, and the community. Solutions may include programs that incorporate local wisdom and focus on infrastructure development, sustainable water management, and environmentally friendly practices. Such initiatives could enhance access to clean water, improve the local economy, and ultimately reduce poverty in West Halmahera.

Value Tensions in OpenStreetMap: Openness, Membership, and Policy in Online Communities

The social life and long-term trajectories of online peer production communities are shaped and animated in part by value tensions that arise when distributed, heterogeneous participants are brought together into collaboration. This study of OpenStreetMap (OSM) draws upon values-based approaches to investigate how peer production communities enact their values and navigate tensions between them. We examine how conflicts within the community over the rise of corporate participation in OSM provided a stage for the articulation and enactment of community values, shedding light on the broader dynamics and trajectory of the platform and its participants. The contributions of this work include reflections on how increasing corporate participation in OSM intersects with discourses about the emancipatory potential of emerging mapping technologies, insights into the challenges of scaling membership in peer production communities, and exploring the role of values in understanding the social life and governance of online communities.

Large-Scale Group Decision Making with Dual Feedback from Community Residents Based on the Organizational Invisible Field

In China, communities function as grassroots self-governing bodies, and the enhancement of public participation in community governance has remained a central focus of study. This paper applies the Large-Scale Group Decision-Making (LSGDM) method to the process of community self-governance and proposes a dual feedback group consensus decision-making model that takes into account the unique social relations among residents. Firstly, the concept of the Organizational Invisible Field—formed in communities by intangible social capital such as positional power and interpersonal relationships within the organization—is introduced. The definition of Invisible Field Force is utilized to measure the influence of these forms of capital on social relationships. Subsequently, drawing on field dynamic theory, the process by which residents’ preferences within the organization are shaped by the action of Invisible Field Force is explored. Secondly, acknowledging that invisible relationships can be affected by dynamic interactions during the decision-making process, the Invisible Field Force change model is constructed. Building on this, a dual feedback consensus coordination mechanism—encompassing both in-organization members and all residents—is designed. Finally, the validity and utility of the model are verified through case studies and sensitivity analyses.

Exploring the Mechanisms Driving Sense of Community in a Smart Society in Wuhan: A Mixed-Methods Multidimensional Comparative Study

In the context of China’s community governance, as a result of the insufficient willingness and ability of residents to participate, most communities have formed a “strong political–weak social” governance structure, which limits the effective expansion of social capital. To address this challenge and promote resident participation, achieving a “strong social and political” transformation in governance structure has become a core issue in current research. Meanwhile, “sense of community” serves as a crucial perspective in this research, which remains to be deepened in domestic studies and needs to consider the impact of emerging factors such as smart technologies. This study innovatively introduces affective events theory (AET), constructing a theoretical model and taking Wuhan as an example. By adopting quantitative and case comparison research methods, the paper delves into the factors influencing Wuhan residents’ sense of community in the context of a smart society and the promoting role of smart governance. On the basis of the findings, this paper presents the following conclusions: (1) Communities should attribute equal importance to the construction of both traditional and smart environments while reinforcing the leading and participatory roles of community administrators; (2) In the community’s daily governance processes, equal focus and importance must be attributed to both service delivery and engagement; (3) Communities must acknowledge the individual distinctions among residents and implement tailored governing strategies accordingly; (4) The government should prioritize the research and development of smart applications while boosting financial investments in the creation and operation of smart communities.

From Crisis to Recovery: Successful Experiences in the Eradication of Narcotics in Afghanistan Local Communities

Afghanistan, as one of the world’s largest producers of narcotics, faces significant social, economic, and health challenges. Despite numerous efforts to combat the cultivation and consumption of narcotics, the issue remains a major problem in many local communities. However, some of these communities have succeeded in achieving remarkable progress in reducing narcotics cultivation and consumption through participatory programs and alternative economic development. This research aims to identify and analyze the successful experiences in narcotics eradication in local Afghan communities and to evaluate the factors contributing to these successes. A qualitative methodology was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with local community members, experts, and government officials. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The findings of the research indicate that educational programs, awareness-raising initiatives, the development of alternative economic opportunities, and active community participation have played a crucial role in reducing narcotics cultivation and consumption. Nevertheless, challenges such as financial constraints, administrative corruption, and cultural resistance remain significant barriers to the successful implementation of these programs. The study concludes that with increased international support, administrative transparency, and strengthened educational and economic programs, the dependency of local communities on narcotics cultivation can be significantly reduced. This research provides a foundation for the development of effective national policies in the fight against narcotics in Afghanistan.

Climate Resilience in Nigerian Construction: A Systematic Review of Strategies and Outcomes

Climate resilience in the construction sector is critical for ensuring the durability and sustainability of infrastructure amidst the increasing impacts of climate change. This study systematically reviews climate resilience strategies in the Nigerian construction sector, evaluating their effectiveness and outcomes. A comprehensive literature search yielded 50 peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and official reports, focusing on design innovations, material selection, policy frameworks, and case studies across Nigeria's diverse climatic zones. Key findings indicate that strategies such as flood barriers, green roofs, and sustainable materials are effective in mitigating climate risks, although challenges such as financial constraints, regulatory gaps, and lack of awareness persist. The study highlights the importance of community involvement, government support, and technological innovation in successfully implementing resilience measures. Comparative analysis with global best practices underscores the need for integrated approaches tailored to Nigeria's unique context. The study concludes with recommendations for future research, emphasizing the need for longitudinal studies, cross-regional comparisons, and the integration of traditional knowledge. Policy implications include the development of comprehensive regulatory frameworks and public-private partnerships to enhance the sector's adaptive capacity. This research provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for enhancing climate resilience in Nigeria's construction industry, contributing to broader goals of sustainable development and climate adaptation.

4.A. Skills building seminar: Waves of community health engagement and governance: innovating through a design-as-policy approach

Abstract In this workshop we will engage our participants in a practice oriented exercise to experiment with a collaborative design-as-policy approach for a community health action plan. The exercise will be based on the lessons learned in two large evaluation projects: 1) an 8-year evaluation of the Dutch All about Health (AaH) platform of social health initiatives on the local, regional and national level; and 2) a comparative multiple case study, including Portugal, building a framework for sustainable citizen engagement, published in the WHO Handbook ‘Voice, Agency, Empowerment: The Handbook on Social Participation for UHC’. Both projects show striking similarities in findings, and developed guidance for devising collaborative action through (a) the use of community platforms, (b) concrete engagement mechanisms and (c) mediating civil society organizations. These will be brought together in a Guidance Tool that participants will work with in the exercise. The aim of the tool is to support initiatives to bring together both top-down participatory efforts and bottom-up grassroots movements in order to anchor community and minority voices into policy decision-making for a more level playing field for policy influence. The aim of the workshop is to let participants experiment with the Guidance Tool and develop collaborative design-as-policy skills. The outline of the skills building exercise: 1. Group introductions using Mentimeter and invitation to pick a particular complex health issue from participants’ own work or community setting (5 mins). 2. Three pitches on the projects, the Portugal case and the Guidance Tool (10 mins). 3. Exercise instructions (5 mins). 4. Exercise (35 mins) a. Upon room entrance participants receive a colored badge based on their professional background: public health professional/practitioner, community resident, researcher or policymaker; b. Form small sub groups of 6-8 participants with different backgrounds (2 mins); c. Introduce with key words on paper their respective complex community health issues and sub group jointly selects one issue for which most information and experience is present (6 mins); d. First round in duos within sub group: participants work through the guidance steps to an initial idea for the collaborative action approach consisting of a community platform, engagement mechanisms, and mediating civil society organizations, drawn out on paper (10 mins); e. Second round in duos within the sub group: duos review another duos initial design idea and conduct an intuitive SWOT analysis of feasibility, acceptability, and practicability (8 mins); f. Third round in sub group: compare the three proposals in SWOT perspective, select the most salient one, and improve with strong elements from other proposals (8 mins); g. Summarize in key words the final proposal and enter into Mentimeter. 5. Plenary wrap up using Mentimeter: select the winning proposal, and evaluate the exercise (5 mins). Key messages • Collaborative action is enhanced considerably through (a) the use of community platforms, (b) concrete engagement mechanisms and (c) mediating civil society organizations. • The Guidance Tool offers concrete steps for designing a reflexive and adaptive structure and process for community collaborative action and self-governance. Speakers/Panelists Marleen Bekker Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands Dheepa Rajan WHO, Brussels, Belgium Goncalo Figueiredo Augusto National Health Council, Lisbon, Portugal

Community Governance for Coastal Empowerment in Bintan Regency: Challenges and Strategies

Community Governance for Coastal Empowerment in Bintan Regency: Challenges and Strategies

Epistemic silences, subversive politics: post-disaster economic assessments as technologies of persistent coloniality and route to an emancipatory climate justice agenda in the Caribbean

ABSTRACT Economic analyses of losses and damages or post-disaster needs assessments (PDNAs) are silent about the longstanding reparatory claims related to the legacies of African enslavement, colonial violence and indigenous dispossession that compound uneven racialized geographies in the Caribbean. This paper unpacks these so-called ‘objective’ valuations drawing attention to their (neo)liberal framings, technocratic underpinnings, and historical origins in the Caribbean plantation economy. Using case studies of catastrophic hurricanes Matthew (2016), Irma (2017) and Dorian (2019) in Haiti, Antigua and Barbuda, and The Bahamas respectively, the paper exposes critical tensions, knowledge hierarchies, and contradictions embedded within empirical assessments that justify and prioritize preferred policies of powerful international development, financial and governance institutions. PDNAs under-value and neglect important community and local knowledge, solidarity practices, cultural institutions, and relational ethics in the face of climate disasters in these Caribbean islands. Taking a Black geographies and political economy approach, the paper addresses the limitations and risks associated with PDNAs, deemed political tools or technologies of climate disaster that reinforce oppression. To advance an emancipatory climate justice agenda to enable more radical reparative measures and possibilities, the paper suggests that analyses and political strategy must be grounded in people's history, cultural, ethical, and communal governance practices.

Methods and approach to the interdisciplinary and cross-cultural Alaska Arctic Salmon Workshop: critical self-reflections from fisheries scientists

Redistribution and shifting habitat envelopes are impacting organisms across many taxa, which in turn are impacting Indigenous ways of life. In Arctic Alaska, Pacific salmon are known to have occurred for at least a century, but in recent years appear to be increasingly common. With the goal of holistically understanding and describing these changes in a way that equitably considers Indigenous, local, and western knowledge, we share our experience and methodologies in facilitating the Arctic Alaska Salmon Workshop. We share our perspective, approach, and methods as fisheries natural scientists convening this workshop, which included community-based knowledge holders from the Iñupiat communities of Kotzebue, Point Hope, Utqiaġvik, and Kaktovik, and western scientists and researchers from universities, fishery management agencies, and local community government. After briefly discussing some of the workshop highlights, we conclude with four key takeaways: 1) that the process of co-production of knowledge is an ideal towards which we must strive, but acknowledge we may rarely, if ever, fully achieve, 2) pursuit of the ‘good science’ should guide our work, 3) examination and assessment of assumptions should occur early and often, and 4) Anglanikina! Make sure you have a good time, (Yup’ik).

Comparison of Intelligent Community Design from the Perspective of Modernization--Shenzhen and Singapore as examples

With the continuous advancement of modernization, globalization, and urbanization, smart communities have received widespread attention as an important part of modern urban development. Taking two typical cases, Shenzhen and Singapore, as objects, this study compares and analyzes the design and practice experiences of the two smart communities from the modernization perspective. By comparing the design and practice of the two smart communities in Shenzhen and Singapore, it explores the common features and differences of smart community construction in different modernization contexts and provides reference and inspiration for smart community construction in future cities. Through literature research and case studies, a comparative analysis is conducted to study the design concepts, practice methods, and effects of two smart communities in Shenzhen and Singapore. The results of the study show that Shenzhen focuses on innovation and cutting-edge technology, which improves the efficiency of community governance and the quality of life of residents;Singapore focuses on community autonomy, and through intelligent management and residents' cooperation, it has improved the level of community facility management and residents' participation.This study provides useful experience and enlightenment for the construction of other urban smart communities, and provides a reference for promoting the smooth progress of urban modernization.

Urbanization factors and the vagaries of the rural health care industry in Nigeria: an analysis of the accessibility of healthcare services by older adults in the Nsukka Local Government Area

This study sought to determine the effects of urbanization on access to healthcare services by older adults in Nsukka Local Government Area. The Nigerian healthcare industry is organized under the three tiers of government: Federal, State and Local governments. As such, most of the healthcare facilities are located in urban areas while majority of older adults reside in different local governments in rural communities where there are a few of the facilities. This has led to poor utilization of medical services by older adults in rural areas. This study adopted a mixed method approach. While questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data, interviews were used to collect qualitative data for the study. Questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 1180 older adults between the ages of 60 years and above from six communities in the study area. Descriptive statistics and Chi square were used to analyze the data while frequency distribution tables and percentages were used to present the results. The research showed that there are inadequate health facilities for the older adults in rural communities in Nsukka LGA. It also found that the older adults suffered challenges arising from lack of medical doctors, nurses, equipments, and drugs for effective healthcare delivery. It is recommended that more efforts should be geared towards providing adequate health facilities and health workers by government at public hospitals in rural communities to increase accessibility and adequate utilization by the older adults.

Decentralized Web3 Reshaping Internet Governance: Towards the Emergence of New Forms of Nation-Statehood?

This article explores how decentralized Web3 is reshaping Internet governance by enabling the emergence of new forms of nation-statehood and redefining traditional concepts of state sovereignty. Based on fieldwork conducted in Silicon Valley since August 2022, this article systematically addresses the following research question: How is decentralized Web3 reshaping Internet governance and influencing the rise in new nation-statehood paradigms? It compares three emerging paradigms around Web3: (i) Network States (Srinivasan), envisioning digital entities rooted in crypto-libertarian principles; (ii) Network Sovereignties (De Filippi), emphasizing communal governance aligned with digital commons; and (iii) Algorithmic Nations (Calzada), drawing on Arendtian thought and demonstrating how communities—such as indigenous and stateless groups, as well as e-diasporas—can attain self-determination through data sovereignty. This article contributes a unique conceptual analysis of these paradigms based on fieldwork action research in Silicon Valley, responding to evolving technologies and their potential to reshape Internet governance. This article argues that decentralized Web3 provides a transformative vision for Internet governance but requires careful evaluation to ensure that it promotes inclusivity and equity. It advocates for a hybrid approach that balances global and local dynamics, emphasizing the need for solidarity, digital justice, and an internationalist perspective in shaping future Internet governance protocols.