Historical Debate Research Articles

Reconciling Tensions in the Analysis of Bourgeois Revolutions: A Critical Realist Approach

When and how do agents consciously reproduce or unconsciously transform social structures? This inquiry is pivotal for advancing a theory of socio-historical development, particularly in addressing a key debate within International Historical Sociology (IHS) surrounding modern revolutions. This debate revolves around the tension between the “consequentialist” interpretation of bourgeois revolutions and the “revisionist” critiques, notably from the “historicist” wing of Political Marxism (PM). This article contends that the tension arises from an inadequate conceptualization of the agent-structure relationship. Drawing on Roy Bhaskar’s transformational model of social activity (TMSA) and critical realist philosophy of science, the article proposes a conceptual framework reconciling PM’s focus on class struggle to understand the historical specificity of capitalism with the role bourgeois revolutions historically and structurally played for the development of capitalism. Integrating Bhaskar’s framework with historical materialism-inspired debates on bourgeois revolutions, the paper suggests that agents’ unconscious actions can transform social structures amid social disintegration (“classic bourgeois revolutions”). Conversely, agents consciously seek to preserve and reproduce social structures, as seen in “passive revolutions”. This occurs when social structures, marked by inequality and hierarchies, are viewed as historical constructs rather than natural phenomena, particularly in the context of uneven and combined development of capitalism. This analysis contributes to ongoing IHS debates, enriches our comprehension of modern revolutions, and extends TMSA by empirically delineating circumstances wherein agents consciously uphold or unwittingly trigger the transformation of social structures.

Efficiency vs. Meaningful Work: A Critical Survey of Historical and Contemporary Debates

Efficiency vs. Meaningful Work: A Critical Survey of Historical and Contemporary Debates

Lost in Anti-Imperialist Translation

This article uses translation analytically in order to address the issue of context. This can be elusive in global intellectual history, especially when the ideas at stake claim to be valid anywhere, with no regard to circumstances. Examples are drawn from the oeuvre of the universalist Indian thinker M. N. Roy in order to argue that his ‘contingent contexts’ of personal political circumstances and tactical decisions can illuminate historical arguments, as well as positing that contexts were not merely what Roy operated in, but also what he operated with.

Off the Beats and Track: Finding Historical Lesbian and Queer Women’s Feminist Spaces through Musicians’ Tour Schedules, Concert Flyers, and Correspondence

This article explores historical research methods used to locate lesbians and queer women, especially within American and Canadian contexts from the 1960s onward. It begins by discussing methods such as analyzing women’s and lesbian travel guides, directories, maps, periodicals, newsletters, newspapers, websites, oral histories, social media, archival fonds and collections. In particular, this article explores how utilizing lesbian and queer women musicians’ tour schedules, calendars, correspondence, and contracts for shows and appearances can be a valuable historical research method, especially for locating impermanent historical lesbian and queer women’s spaces off the beaten track. The article focuses on the Alix Dobkin Papers as a case study to explore aspects of historical lesbian and queer women’s spaces and demonstrate the utility of this historical research method beyond Dobkin. The papers of Alix Dobkin include business correspondence, fan mail, fliers and programs from concerts, subject files, t-shirts, photographs, and memorabilia. As Dobkin played an important role in the women’s music movement and toured regularly, her papers provide useful insight into historical debates about lesbian anti-racist politics, ethical consumption, community organizing, and transgender inclusion and exclusion.

Legal Contours of Sustainable Development: Historical Tracker and Arguments Supporting Its Normativity

Legal Contours of Sustainable Development: Historical Tracker and Arguments Supporting Its Normativity

Building Bridges in a Divided Society: Addressing Hindutva and Muslim Conflicts in India

The purpose of this research is to perform a comprehensive investigation of the complex dynamics that exist between Hindutva and the Muslim minority in India, with a particular emphasis on the conflict that is becoming more intense. It investigates the complicated situation by delving into the myriad of political, religious, and sociological aspects that interact with one another and contribute to shaping it. This research investigates the purposeful aggravation of racial discrimination, nationalism, and exclusionary policies that have a disproportionate impact on the Muslim population in India, which is a minority population. The research draws from a wide variety of scholarly sources. As an additional benefit, it gives light on the politicization of Hinduism within the public sphere of India. Additionally, it explores the rise and spread of Hindu nationalism while simultaneously evaluating the corresponding socio-political issues that are encountered by the Muslim minority. This study highlights the urgent need for a narrative that fights for inclusion, secularism, and progressiveness while also embracing diversity. This is accomplished through an examination that encompasses historical Hindu-Muslim debates, media depictions, and government policies. In addition to this, it investigates the negative effects that arose as a result of Islamophobia, socio-spatial segregation, and state-driven oppression, particularly in light of current changes in Indian politics. Within the scope of this investigation, a critical analysis of the role that the state plays, particularly with regard to its preference for some religious groups over others, is an essential component. In addition, this research investigation examines a number of different strategies with the objective of reducing disputes between different groups and promoting interfaith communication, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence. The main goal is to create a society that is welcoming to people of all religious backgrounds, one in which members of other faiths are able to freely practice their faith without fear of being discriminated against or punished. It is important to note that this research continually highlights the necessity of open and constructive conversation, policy changes, and balanced media portrayal in the process of revising the dominant narrative. The fundamental objective of this initiative is to foster a conversation that emphasizes the utmost significance of social justice, equality, and inclusion within the framework of the modern-day India.

Metodologi dan Historiografi Indonesia: Tantangan Indonesiasentrisme dalam Era Global

The Indonesian centrism that was introduced after the formation of the modern Indonesian state experienced various interpretations in the dynamics of historical debate in Indonesia. This historical interpretation arises in connection with, on the one hand, the opinion that Indonesiacentrism is centered on Indonesia's interests, and on the other hand, it is thought to give rise to a lack of awareness of the development of historiography in other regions, both in local and regional contexts. Questions arise, including: first, how to interpret the understanding of Indonesian centrism in the context of historiography in global dynamics. Second, why does controversy arise between these interpretations, which seem to contrast one with the other? Third, how to position the understanding of Indonesian centrism in the context of the development of historiography, which is capable of developing not only local and national history studies but also regional history studies? In discussing this issue, efforts will be made to gain a better understanding of Indonesian historiography, which can strengthen Indonesianness itself without reducing the presence of dynamics in the local area and other regional areas.

Historical arguments to ease the relationship among constitutionalism and democracy: Variations on a Cortés-Rodas’s them

Entre los filósofos del derecho de antaño parecía no haber tarea más importante que adoptar una posición en el debate entre el derecho y la moral. Entre los constitucionalistas de la actualidad resulta forzoso, a su turno, posicionarse frente a la tensión entre el constitucionalismo y la democracia, en particular, respecto del control judicial a nivel de la teoría normativa que mejor se corresponda con los arreglos institucionales adoptados que, a su vez, permitan justificar mejor instrumentalmente dicha práctica. Constitucionalistas latinoamericanos han acudido, no solo a nivel pedagógico y doctrinario sino también jurisprudencial, a fuentes primarias bien conocidas para defender la tesis favorable sobre el control judicial. Han descuidado quizá aportes que podrían realizar autores históricos del pensamiento político liberal, como Benjamin Constant, para contribuir a defender dicha tesis.

The art of earth-building: Placing relief models in the culture of modern geography in Britain

This article explores the overlooked history and significance of physical relief models in the development of geographical knowledge and education. By examining their use in academic, educational and public settings, it argues for a broader appreciation of these models as integral to the discipline's material culture. Historical debates around their function and purpose are highlighted amidst developments in modelling techniques, materials, and instructional guides. A deeper investigation into the models, their creators, and their influence on geographical learning and public engagement is advocated for and illustrated through the production and impact of the 1951 book The Earth's Crust.

Evaluation of optimizing Monteggia fracture-dislocation care: surgical innovations, radiological insights, and functional rehabilitation in adult patients

Background: Monteggia fractures, rare in adults, involve proximal ulna fracture and radial head dislocation. Managing these injuries poses challenges, fueling historical debates and driving advancements in internal fixation. Watson Jones' frustration highlights the ongoing pursuit of effective surgical approaches for optimal outcomes and functional limb restoration. his study aims to evaluate Monteggia fracture-dislocation treatment by analyzing radiological outcomes for structural insights and alignment post-surgery. Methods: This prospective observational study, conducted at Swapno general hospital, Mirpur-2, Dhaka, Bangladesh from 1st January 2021 to 31 January 2024, enrolled 30 patients with radiologically confirmed Monteggia fracture-dislocation. Surgical procedures involved creating an interval, anatomical reduction, and fixation, with regular follow-ups assessing outcomes, including range of motion, X-rays, and VAS scores, while statistical analysis utilized SPSS version 23. Results: The highest frequency percentage in the age distribution was observed among individuals aged 41-45, constituting 20% of the total sample, while the lowest frequencies were recorded in the 31-35 and >51 age groups, each representing 10% of the sample. Physical assault emerged as the leading cause of injury, accounting for 40% of cases, followed by road traffic accidents at 36.66% and falls at 23.33%. In terms of final outcomes, the majority of patients (43.33%) achieved a good outcome, while the lowest percentage (10%) resulted in poor outcomes. Conclusions: In conclusion, addressing Monteggia fracture-dislocation in adults requires navigating inherent complexities. Modern internal fixation methods prove impactful, emphasizing the need for precise classification and stable anatomical reduction.

Reevaluating Ethical Justifications for Discriminatory Tax Rates in the Global Economy

The ethical justification of unequal tax rates remains a heated debate, with recent studies presenting contrasting views. This paper employs utilitarian and deontological perspectives to assess the ethical grounding of discriminatory tax systems. It critically reviews the historical arguments and integrates recent insights to assess the ethical grounding of such systems. After examining the matter from a number of ethical angles, especially considering the most recent studies, the author concludes that there is no definitive moral justification for charging different prices to different individuals. However, newer perspectives highlight the complexities involved in the debate. This paper also explores the practical implications of these ethical perspectives, offering insights for policymakers in designing equitable tax systems in a globalized economy.

An Empire of Influence? British Relations with the United Arab Emirates in the 1970s

ABSTRACT As historical debate has moved from an analysis of the end of empire to its aftermath and consequences, there has been growing emphasis on the retention by the colonial powers of a large measure of influence over their former dependencies. With respect to the British experience, some historians have even suggested that the demission of empire amounted to a shift from formal to informal empire, using the term ‘imperialism of decolonization’ to encapsulate this concept. Given the maintenance of British economic and military ties with the fledgling United Arab Emirates which emerged from the small Sheikhdoms of the Lower Gulf in 1971, the UAE provides an illuminating case study to test interpretations that suggest Britain preserved a degree of influence amounting to the perpetuation of empire. Despite the preservation of such ties, the example provided by the UAE indicates that in the aftermath of formal British withdrawal from the Gulf at the end of 1971, Britain’s political, economic, and military position was eroded by the encroachment of other powers, both regional and international. Equally, an analysis of the United Arab Emirates casts doubt on whether British decision-makers actually sought to establish an informal imperial relationship with the Gulf States after 1971, preferring instead to establish recognisably post-imperial relations which respected their independence. Consequently, the ‘imperialism of decolonization’ paradigm is not an appropriate one to apply to British policy towards, and relations with, the UAE.

Good intent, or just good content? Assessing MrBeast's philanthropy

AbstractMrBeast is the world's most successful individual YouTube content creator. Having made his name with videos of high‐concept challenges and stunts, he has subsequently produced a series of viral videos centring on acts of philanthropy – drawing both praise and criticism in the process. This paper attempts to place MrBeast's approach in the context of wider historical and current debates about the nature and role of philanthropy, in order to ascertain what (if anything) is genuinely novel about it, and how we should understand it in relation to models of philanthropy that have gone before. The paper considers “Beast Philanthropy” through a range of lenses − aesthetic, ethical, economic and political − and what these can tell us about the key questions we should be asking and whether, on balance, we should view this phenomenon positively or not.

The business of city-building. Long-term change and continuity in the construction sector (Brussels, 1830–1970)

The construction sector has long been underrepresented in business historical studies and debates. While an application of the “historical alternatives to mass production” approach has provided a valuable conceptual framework, this paper offers a still-needed quantitative basis to assess actual long-term changes and continuities in the forms of business organization and entrepreneurship in construction. A database of c. 16,700 construction enterprises in Brussels between 1830 and 1970, drawn from trade directories and fiscal registers, uncovers evolutions in sectoral and subsectoral numbers of enterprises, firm sizes, and rates of company formation. Thus, the growing divergence at the core of the construction industry becomes clear. Industrialization and urbanization led to market concentration, firm growth, and incorporation with some capital-intensive enterprises, whereas the variability of the work on the construction site resulted, with many others, in the persistence of labor-intensive processes, and small-scale, flexible, and informal forms of business organization.

The role of English Wikipedia in mediating East Asian historical disputes: the case of Balhae

ABSTRACT With the expansion of the Internet in the early twenty-first century, public historical disputes between South Korea and China have become more pronounced. While existing research has focused on domestic Korean or Chinese digital spaces, the convergence or clash of these national narratives on global platforms remains underexplored. Our research bridges this gap by investigating the role of online platforms in shaping public historical debates. We compare the portrayals of Balhae, an ancient kingdom with contested contexts between the two nations. By comparing Chinese, Korean, and English Wikipedia entries on Balhae, we identify differences in narrative construction and framing. Employing Habermas’s typology of human action, we scrutinize related talk pages on English Wikipedia to examine the strategic actions multinational contributors employ to shape historical representation. This exploration reveals the dual role of online platforms in both amplifying and mediating historical disputes. While Wikipedia’s policies promote rational discourse, our findings indicate that contributors often vacillate between strategic and communicative actions. Nonetheless, the resulting article approximates Habermasian ideals of communicative rationality. This interaction accentuates the challenges and potential of fostering rational online discourse, the complexities of digital collaboration, and the quest for neutrality in open, decentralized platforms.

Augustus, Aediles and Censors in the Troubled Year of 22 BCE

Abstract Roman historiography’s pervasive biographical tendency created a “biographical distortion field” wherein items of praise and blame bundled with the names of prominent individuals were passed down and recycled by authors. The affective potency of moral judgments in these rhetorical packages prompts readers to jump to simplistic explanations and distracts them from evidence supporting more holistic historical arguments. This article re-examines events of the year 22 BCE to demonstrate the impact of this biographical distortion. It seeks to show that, contrary to accounts blaming individual aediles and censors for problems in this year, popular unrest in Rome in response to various disasters and to Augustus’ retirement from the consulship necessitated adjusting the duties of certain magistracies to meet the crisis.

The evolution of the migration industry – how have employers been supported in sourcing their workforce?

ABSTRACT The migration industry consists of actors and organisations (e.g. agents, brokers, agencies, corporations) through which migration is facilitated, organised, and accelerated. Although the migration industry gained prominence in the late 20th century within labour mobility, it has relatively rarely been the subject of historical analysis. This historiographical essay argues that employers’ needs and demands for foreign workers, often ad-hoc, have triggered the emergence and development of the migration industry. Rooted in modern historical debates on labour migration, this essay aims to critically assess various forms of cooperation between employers and commercial actors worldwide and place those strategies within the migration industry. Inspired by dichotomous approach to capturing the relationships identified between employers and actors in the migration industry (i.e. agents and partners), this essay investigates the larger spectrum of types of relationships that have taken place historically. We argue that since the mid-19th century, we have witnessed an evolution of these relationships: from acting as a provider of labour (supplier or agent) to a greater professionalisation and consolidation of the relationship between employers and actors in the migration industry (partners and then allies).

Study of the Impressions of the Guanfo Statues in the Longmen Grottoes and Social and Cultural Changes

The Dharma seal expressed in the Buddha statues is according to certain rules. The image of the provider represented is not only the image of the Buddhists who make and worship Buddha statues, but also an image for them to establish their own existence as a subject of the emperor, a member of the state. The image of the provider represented is not only the image of the Buddhists who make and worship Buddha statues, but also an image for them to establish their own existence as a subject of the emperor, a member of the state and society. The role of Dharma seal originated from the Shakya sect in ancient India, and in the early Mahayana Buddhist portraits and statues, There are usually only five impressions. This paper expounds the main types of Buddhist statues (taking the statues in the Longmen Grottoes Museum as an example) and summarizes their main functions. This paper expounds the main types of Buddhist statues (taking the statues in the Longmen Grottoes Museum as an example) and summarizes their main functions. By taking part in the field investigation, the author finds out the similarities and differences between the same By taking part in the field investigation, the author finds out the similarities and differences between the same type of prints by using the method of comparative historical argumentation, summarizes the social and cultural changes in the history of art, and puts summarizes the social and cultural changes in the history of art, and puts forward a new viewpoint.

Mary’s Prophethood Reassessed: Overlooked Medieval Islamic Perspectives in Contemporary Scholarship

This paper offers a reevaluation of contemporary Western scholarship concerning the historical discourse on Mary’s prophethood within Islamic tradition. Recent research has primarily focused on Andalusian scholars, such as Ibn Ḥazm and al-Qurṭubī, and has neglected an essential aspect: the acknowledgement of Mary’s prophethood by Abū al-Ḥasan al-Ash‘arī, one of the founders of Orthodox Sunni theology. As a result, modern studies have reached conclusions lacking a solid foundation, due to their failure to consider this significant perspective. By incorporating this overlooked perspective, this study seeks to provide a more thorough and coherent understanding of the historical debates surrounding Mary’s prophethood.

“What then art thou?”: Demogorgon, Son of God and Savior of the World in Shelley’s Prometheus Unbound

ABSTRACT At the climactic fall of Jupiter in Prometheus Unbound, the deposed tyrant god asks his destroyer—the mysterious Demogorgon—“What then art thou?” This article seeks an answer to that question by uncovering the linguistic and theological contexts of Demogorgon. Specifically, I position Prometheus Unbound among historical arguments on Christology in the early nineteenth century, in which traditional arguments for the divinity of Christ were bolstered by Christian apologetic readings of classical myth. However, against these apologetic syncretists, novel reconsiderations of classical mythology and biblical hermeneutics in the period coincided with challenges to Christ’s divinity and Trinitarian theology. Amid the resulting Christological instability, Prometheus Unbound synchronizes Christian religious belief with pagan mythical figures, most notably recasting Demogorgon—the destroyer of gods—as Christ Himself. By rewriting the symbol of Christ, Shelley is free to reimagine Christian eschatology in terms that transvaluate the teachings of the English state church. This article sheds light on the religious implications of Prometheus Unbound’s enigmatic figure Demogorgon, and also contributes to critical conversations on Shelley and Christianity, and the development of Christian doctrine in the early nineteenth century.