Historical Legacy Research Articles

The (Political) Economics of Bilateral Investment Treaties—The Unique Trajectory of Brazil

Brazil, after signing several traditional Bilateral Investment Treaties without ratifying them, recently shifted towards a different type of bilateral investment agreement, i.e., Investment Cooperation and Facilitation Agreements. Two claims have been made in the literature regarding the transition from traditional Bilateral Investment Treaties to Investment Cooperation and Facilitation Agreements—Claim #1: The non-ratification of the traditional BITs has not harmed Foreign Direct Investment into Brazil, a claim which puts into question the purpose of Bilateral Investment Treaties. Claim #2: While Investment Cooperation and Facilitation Agreements avoid some of the problems of traditional Bilateral Investment Treaties, on balance they are less effective than traditional Bilateral Investment Treaties would have been. We examine the two claims from an empirical economic point of view. We build on the literature about Brazil’s position vis-à-vis Bilateral Investment Treaties, which must be viewed by an amalgamation of (i) a historical legacy; (ii) domestic initiatives, and (iii) a particular U-turn in the political debate. Using empirical evidence on Foreign Direct Investment effects of Bilateral Investment Treaties, the following conclusions emerge: With regard to claim #1, empirical evidence in general as well as specific to Brazil suggests that Brazil has forgone Foreign Direct Investment by not ratifying traditional Bilateral Investment Treaties. Concerning claim #2, while Investment Cooperation and Facilitation Agreements include alternative dispute settlement mechanisms, which aim at a better compliance of states with the Investment Cooperation and Facilitation Agreements’ rules, rather than the compensation of foreign investors, the lower stringency of the State–State dispute settlement mechanism compared to Investor–State dispute settlement mechanism makes Investment Cooperation and Facilitation Agreements less effective. Yet, this weakening effect must be weighed against the effects on Foreign Direct Investment from innovative clauses in Investment Cooperation and Facilitation Agreements, which are absent in many traditional Bilateral Investment Treaties.

Bewildering the legacy effects of Gail Melson’s wild things/animals/children

ABSTRACT This article bewilders dominant discourses about child-animal relations by acknowledging and challenging the work of Gail Melson who positions animals as providing emotional, social and pedagogical support for children. Melson’s psychological approach rests upon implicit assumptions that shape and support anthropocentrism whilst also critiquing a utilitarian approach to animals in educational learning spaces. The legacy effects of this approach are steeped in neoliberal discourse that entangle with pedagogy and practice. Unless modified these effects pass through generations as sticky webs of knowability that are difficult to contest. Research from Australia and Finland, framed by critical posthuman and relational ontologies, unsettles these effects to reconfigure child-animal relations as fluid and situated. ‘Bewildering education’ grants insights into historical political legacies that can be traced in education policy, practice and theory preoccupied with knowledge development, relations and meaning-making around the productive ‘good’ human subject. Child-animal relations expose complex and far-reaching effects of early childhood because processes of becoming and being human with other animals provides spaces for knowing ‘difference’ as a constituting force that disrupts anthropocentric relations with the world. Building a political history of animals that pays attention to agency and ethical relations reconfigures and reconstitutes animal species, not as objects of pedagogical inquiry, but rather as subjects and fellow earth dwellers.

Проблемы формирования налоговой культуры в России

This article addresses the issues surrounding the formation of the domestic tax culture in Russia. These issues are largely attributed to the state of “cultural tax shock” experienced by the Russian population in the post-perestroika period. However, even in Soviet times and earlier, a characteristic feature of Russian mentality known as “tax nihilism” was observed. The current state of tax culture can be characterized in two aspects: by examining the level of tax literacy among the population and taxpayers’ trust in tax authorities. Particular attention should be paid to youth in the formation of tax culture due to their detachment from the consequences of the societal transformation processes at the end of the last century. The article analyzes ways to increase the level of tax literacy among Russian schoolchildren. However, the problem of tax literacy among Russian students persists, coupled with the increasing prevalence of secondary employment among them. Measures to enhance public trust in tax authorities are also considered. The article emphasizes the role of developing the theoretical basis of tax culture, which requires attention not only to developments in traditional fields of law and economics but also in social research on fiscal sociology and the philosophy of taxation. In conclusion, the formation of tax culture in Russia faces multifaceted challenges stemming from historical legacies, societal perceptions, and educational gaps. By addressing these issues holistically, Russia can progress towards cultivating a more informed and cooperative tax culture among its populace.

Implementation of design approach in traditional attire Bodo Dokhona for the sustainability of apparel culture

Purpose The purpose of this study is to empower a tradition Bodo attire Dokhona skilled artisan for their livelihoods and preserve cultural and historical legacy by using new themes influenced by Bodo items. Design/methodology/approach To revive the traditional Bodo artefacts by adapting a varied form of motifs inspired from Bodo artefacts which showcases Bodo identity. Findings Motifs implemented in apparel (e.g. Dokhona) inspired from Bodo traditional tools and musical instruments, signifying Bodo identity. Such apparels could be purchased by Bodo consumers as they are very keen to sustain their culture and heritage through motifs weaved in their traditional apparel. This study also proves that Dokhona designed with novel motifs developed from traditional artefacts are better than currently available designs of Dokhona as these were more aesthetic and contemporary in look. Social implications The motif adapted from traditional artefacts would motivate the weavers to weave innovative motif designs in their apparel bringing some newness in the Bodo traditional attire Dokhona, leads to business and women empowerment. Originality/value This study showed the way to create innovative ideas for designing apparel (e.g. Dokhona) from cultural artefacts and helps prospective textile and apparel designers to design sustainable Dokhona.

Phase development of lime-based plasters blended with waste calcined shale

AbstractRestoration of historical buildings requires an application of suitable and convenient materials which are compatible with historical legacy. On the other hand, the used materials have to show adequate durability and fulfil current tendencies of environmental-friendliness policy. Most historical buildings have their facades made of lime-based, or more precisely, blended-lime-based plasters. Metakaolin belongs to one of the most common representatives of pozzolanic admixtures used in this field. It is an artificial product, which arises by the calcination of kaolinitic clay or claystone at temperatures of about 550–900 °C. Like every other production process, a remarkable amount of waste rises also in the case of metakaolin. This study is aimed at the utilization of this waste, specifically the waste calcined shale (WCS). It is composed of not properly burned particles with varying compositions. Contrary to metakaolin, it contains a lower amount of amorphous phase and a higher amount of kaolinite and mullite. WCS was used in the production of lime-based plasters with a dosage of up to 50%. During the hardening, the carbonation process takes place in combination with the pozzolanic reactions. It gives rise to a higher amount of amorphous structures, about 15% in the case of pure lime contrary to up to 45% (in the highest dosage of WCS) and other crystal phases such as calcium-aluminate-carbonate hydrates. Obtained phase analyses are supported by the determination of SEM analysis and mechanical properties, which are also measured depending on time.

Affordable Sensors for Speditive and Accurate Documentation of Built Heritage: First Tests and Preliminary Results

Abstract. When facing unregulated human interventions, the tumultuous backdrop of wars, and the relentless impact of climate change, a significant effect is held on those structures that stand as custodians of our cultural identity and historical legacy. The need to document their status is an essential first step toward preservation and restoration. This contribution will analyze and compare diverse datasets acquired through three distinct methods: Terrestrial Laser Scanner, Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro with no additional tool, and iPhone 15 Pro using Pix4D viDoc RTK Rover to assess the quality and accuracy of point clouds, as well as to determine the feasibility of each technique for the expeditious documentation of endangered built heritage. The use of mass-distributed low-cost sensors provides a rapid and cost-effective means to capture detailed 3D models of built heritage while, at the same time, democratizing the process of documentation. Low-cost sensors not only facilitate documentation but also enhance the efficiency of conservation efforts. The precision of LiDAR sensors helps identify structural vulnerabilities, allowing conservationists to prioritize interventions and allocate resources wisely. Furthermore, detailed imagery will enable conservationists to monitor subtle structural changes over time, acting as an early warning system against potential threats. As an additional aid, the RTK Rover enables centimeter-level positioning accuracy while maintaining a compact and fast deployable design, and the direct measurement of Ground Control Points (GCPs) significantly streamlines the surveying process and equipment footprint.

Indigenous climate justice in Aotearoa New Zealand: the dangers of (mis)recognition within climate policymaking

This paper explores Indigenous climate justice in the settler-colonial context of Aotearoa New Zealand. We adopt the interdisciplinary approach of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to examine the extent to which Māori knowledge systems (mātauranga Māori) and Māori status as Treaty partners with the Crown (New Zealand Government) were recognised included in New Zealand’s Zero Carbon Act (ZCA). Through our exploration we reflect on and explore Māori experiences of climate injustice through lack of recognition or misrecognition. CDA helps to identify whose voices dominated the ZCA process, revealing unequal power relations between stakeholder groups, the Crown, and Māori. By analysing policy documents, long-form submissions from Māori, and interviews with Māori we shed light on the power dynamics which shaped the ZCA process and the implicit assumptions regarding Māori participation in climate policy decision-making. The misrepresentation of Māori as stakeholders rather than treaty partners perpetuates historical legacies of colonization. By applying CDA within the context of climate justice, we highlight tensions between Māori aspirations for partnership and the actual treatment of Māori as stakeholders rather than Treaty partners. By closely examining the narratives surrounding the formation of the ZCA, CDA reveals the ways in which Māori voices are side-lined, their aspirations and concerns dismissed, their Indigenous knowledge systems (mātauranga-a-iwi and mātauranga-a-hapu) marginalized, and their rights to retain their tino rangatiratanga (sovereignty) violated.

Assessment of Pesticide Residues in some Selected Plants in Billliri and Kaltungo Local Government Area, Gombe State, Nigeria

The study aimed to assess pesticide residues in selected plants in the Billiri and Kaltungo local government areas of Gombe State, Nigeria. Parts of the selected plants, namely Acacia nilotica, Piliostigma reticulatum, and Calotropis procera were randomly collected, including leaves, stem bark, and roots. These plant parts were washed with tap water and de-ionized water to remove air pollutants, then oven-dried at 105°C to eliminate moisture. The dried samples were pulverized using an agate pestle and mortar and sieved through a 0.5 mm mesh to obtain a uniform particle size. Pesticide residues were determined using gas chromatography (GC). Fourteen organochlorine pesticide residues were detected, including Delta-Lindane, Alpha-Lindane, Gamma-Lindane, Heptachlor, Aldrin, Heptachlor Epoxide, Endosulfan I, P,P-DDE, Endrin, Endosulfan II, P,P-DDD, P,P-DDT, and Methoxychlor.Based on the results from all locations, the lowest concentrations were below the maximum residue limit as per FAO/WHO guidelines, which range from 0.001 to 0.5 ppm. The highest concentrations of organochlorine pesticide residues reported in this study may be attributed to environmental pollution and pesticide use, consistent with the mean values reported in soils from Numan LGA in Adamawa State, Nigeria. In the intricate tapestry of modern agriculture, the assessment of organochlorine pesticide residues in the distinct agroecological locales of Billiri and Kaltungo Local Government Areas unravels a compelling narrative of historical legacies, environmental intricacies, and imperatives for change. Keywords: Pesticide residues, Organochlorine pesticides, Acacia nilotica, Piliostigma reticulatum, Calotropis procera, Environmental pollution and Gas chromatography (GC)

Legitimacy of Community Justice. A Look From the Aymara Communities of Peru

Objective: The objective is to identify the designation of communal authorities in the form of election, its organizational structure, its attributions, roles, functions and legitimacy in the community. Finally, to explain the prevailing norms, forms of conflict resolution within the framework of the administration of communal justice, considering as a source the cultural patterns as a mechanism of access to justice. Results: The study is carried out in the district of Chucuito, Puno, Peru, where the ancestral social political organization persists and the administration of justice is based on its cultural practice, especially rooted in the ancestral historical legacy. In the article, an analysis is made regarding the scope and limitations of the administration of community justice. Method: The method used is ethnographic-qualitative. In the procedural aspect, it was carried out through the analysis of the Communal Minutes Book, where the cases dealt with in the communal assemblies are recorded. Observation guides and in-depth interviews were used as research instruments. The field work was carried out following a program of visits coordinated with the communal authorities for a period of one year. Conclusions: The ancestral practices of justice administration are in force in the Aymara communities practiced by the families of the community and authorities, mainly Lieutenant Governors, based on custom, ancestral traditions and the legitimacy attributed to them by the community population, and they seek to lay the foundations for the understanding and incorporation to the official state justice spheres.

Cultural Hybridity and Identity Formation in Globalized Societies

Purpose: The general purpose of the study was to explore cultural hybridity and identity formation in globalized societies. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to cultural hybridity and identity formation in globalized societies. Preliminary empirical review revealed that cultural hybridity was pervasive, with individuals blending diverse cultural influences to construct hybrid identities. Identity formation was dynamic and influenced by globalization, migration, and historical legacies. Power dynamics, including race and socio-economic status, intersected with cultural hybridity to shape experiences of identity and belonging. The study emphasized the importance of promoting inclusivity and dialogue to navigate the complexities of cultural hybridity and foster greater understanding across diverse cultural landscapes. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Post- Colonial theory, Intersectionality theory and Transnationalism theory may be used to anchor future studies on cultural hybridity and identity formation in globalized societies. The study provided valuable insights and recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy. It enriched theoretical frameworks by adopting a multidimensional approach to understanding identity formation and underscored the importance of recognizing cultural diversity. Educators, community organizations, and policymakers utilized the study's findings to develop inclusive practices and policies that promoted intercultural understanding, social cohesion, and equitable access to resources. Additionally, media practitioners incorporated the study's insights to produce content that challenged stereotypes and fostered positive representations of cultural diversity. Overall, the study's recommendations have had a significant impact on efforts to promote inclusive development and intercultural dialogue in globalized societies.

Assembling intelligence in United Nations peacekeeping: between transformation and path dependency

Abstract This article traces the evolution of intelligence in United Nations peacekeeping through a practice-based assemblage lens. We address a gap in the literature by transcending the focus on ‘peacekeeping intelligence’ as merely an evolving policy instrument. Instead, we employ an ‘analytic of assemblage’ that reveals the intrinsic ambiguity of both the concept of peacekeeping intelligence, and the related competing perspectives as well as forms of expertise among stakeholders. We select the United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC, 1960–1964), the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH, 2004–2017), and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA, 2013–2023) as cases to reconstruct the historical evolution of intelligence within peacekeeping. Our analysis reveals profound tensions between efforts to transform intelligence for broader goals like the protection of civilians, on the one hand, and the persistent dominance of military knowledge and tactical priorities in its implementation, on the other. We convey the enduring predominance of military priorities shaping intelligence practices across spatio-temporal contexts, grounded in historical legacies of doctrinal developments, training and regional collaborations. The analysis thereby highlights the interplay between contingency and the influence of enduring power structures in shaping the evolving peacekeeping assemblage. This offers a perspective that links assemblage approaches with the analysis of not only emergence but also path dependency influenced by historical and geopolitical contexts and suggests that strengthening such analytical link holds wider potential for advancing contributions of assemblage approaches to critical security studies.

Adaptation of Migrated Upper Mustangi People in Pokhara, Nepal

The adaptation process of migrant people from the Upper Mustang to Pokhara found a social issue. The trend of permanent and seasonal shifting was prominently observed in this study. The individual and community-level adaptation process of the in-migrants in Pokhara, and multi-ethnic societal adjustment were considerable. This research concentrated on specific ethnics of the Himalaya region of Mustang district who migrated to Pokhara and adapted in hilly ecology. The study was trying to seek the pattern of migration from the Upper Mustang their circumstance and their adaptation in Pokhara. The study area of this research was covered the migrant population in Pokhara from Lomanthang and Lo Ghekar Damodar Kunda Rural Municipalities of Upper Mustang. This study was based on a qualitative research design with interpretative research paradigm. Six informants residing in Pokhara seasonally or permanently both rural municipalities were selected representatively. For the qualitative information in-depth interview was taken with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire. Due to the climatic vulnerability, people from Upper Mustang were shifting in Pokhara permanently or seasonally for survival. The extreme cold, occasional summer rainfall, soil erosion and glacier outburst are major threats of the life security of migrants. Whereas, the common destination of migrants found Pokhara becaue favorable climate, life survival opportunities and historical legacy of socio-economic connection.

Publishing and Copyright Laws in Nigeria: A Critical Review

This paper examines the state of publishing and copyright laws in Nigeria while considering the historical context, current impact, and the pressing need for reform. Publishing not only preserves and propagates knowledge but also stimulates economic growth. However, the vitality and sustainability of this sector heavily depend on the legal framework governing it, primarily the copyright laws. These laws are not only essential for safeguarding intellectual property but are also pivotal in ensuring the prosperity of authors and publishers alike. A comprehensive review of the state of publishing and copyright laws in Nigeria reveals a multi-faceted narrative, one fraught with historical legacies, contemporary challenges, and a pressing need for reform. An examination of the publishing and copyright laws in Nigeria, suggests that this dynamic relationship significantly impacts the nation’s cultural and economic landscape. The Nigerian publishing industry, with its rich literary tradition and vibrant creative voices, stands as a testament to the importance of effective copyright legislation. The paper observes that Nigeria’s copyright laws suffer from inadequacies in adapting to the digital age, weak enforcement mechanisms, and limitations in international recognition. These issues hamper the industry’s growth and hinder the full realization of its potential. Nonetheless, there is hope on the horizon. The Nigerian government has recognized the importance of reforming copyright laws and supporting the creative sector. The paper recommends that the government should embark on a comprehensive review and update of the Copyright Act to address digital rights, licensing, and enforcement issues, making it more relevant to the digital age and Nigeria should actively engage in international agreements and organizations that promote copyright protection. This engagement will enable the global recognition of Nigerian works and expand market access for local publishers.

Conspiracy Theories, Vaccine Hesitancy and Determinants of Vaccination Acceptance in Nigeria: A Conceptual Review

Purpose: This conceptual review aims to dissect the intricate web of conspiracy theories, vaccine hesitancy and determinants of vaccination acceptance within Nigeria's socio-cultural context, shedding light on their genesis, propagation and impact on public health outcomes. Methodology: Employing a multidisciplinary approach, this study synthesizes existing literature and theoretical frameworks from various disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, public health, and communication studies. Methodological rigor is ensured through comprehensive literature review and critical appraisal of relevant studies, enabling a holistic exploration of the subject matter. Findings: Through a systematic analysis, the review identifies and examines socio-cultural, economic and political influences that shape vaccination behavior in Nigeria. It illuminates the multifaceted determinants contributing to vaccine hesitancy, ranging from religious beliefs to historical legacies to socio-economic factors and healthcare accessibility challenges. The review also highlights the genesis and propagation of conspiracy narratives, their impact on public trust in vaccination and consequent implications for immunization uptake. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This review makes several contributions to theory, policy, and practice in the field of vaccination and public health. Firstly, it advances theoretical understanding by synthesizing existing knowledge and proposing conceptual frameworks that elucidate the socio-cultural, economic, and political determinants of vaccination behavior in Nigeria. Secondly, it informs policy development by identifying key areas for intervention, such as addressing vaccine hesitancy, countering misinformation, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure to enhance vaccine delivery. Finally, it offers practical insights for public health practitioners and policymakers, providing evidence-based recommendations for designing effective vaccination campaigns, communication strategies, and community engagement initiatives tailored to the Nigerian context.

Can you hear the image speak? Primitivism, imagespeech, and audienceship

This paper proposes ‘imagespeech’ as a conceptual framework to discuss the political relationship between visual representation and distribution of voices that produce structures of (in)visibility and (in)audibility within the art historical legacies of colonialism, modernism, and nationalism. In particular, it explores the biography, materiality, and audienceship of Citra Irian (Image of Irian) – a series of artworks made between 1975 and 1985 by Sunaryo, who claims that his work resembles ‘primitive lines’ of Papuan material cultures and conveys the spiritual forces of Indonesian nationalism. In 1981, an art student named Semsar Siahaan burned down one of Sunaryo’s Citra Irian sculptures as an iconoclastic happening art act. Beyond a story of dispute between two Indonesian male artists, this paper employs imagespeech to listen to the various conflicting historical voices that resound from Citra Irian to identify by whom, how, and what Citra Irian was made to say. By asking ‘who has made an image speak?’ (a historical inquiry) and ‘what can an image say?’ (a speculative inquiry), this paper aims to understand primitive images, particularly those inflected with histories of silencing and speaking out, as a multimodal field that contains the possibility of practicing democratic audienceship and the ethics of representation in the way we engage with art history.

Settler Colonial Classifications of Edibility

The pastoral economies introduced during the colonial invasion have radically transformed Australian diets, cultures, and ecosystems. Stolen land was tenured to settlers and emancipated convicts to develop profitable and productive enterprises for the British Empire. Land rights and animal care are intrinsically linked to modern food systems, yet there is a gap in Australian literature regarding the legacy of colonial pastoralism and its connection to current food systems. This essay questions how introduced species evolved to command the Australian diet. Wallabies and kangaroos were legally relegated to national emblems, and thus inedible. Their conditions of being, whether edible, iconic, or wild, were dictated by the Commonwealth Government. The taboo nature of these native marsupials leaves them largely unconsumed, and therefore, unprotected. Modern conditions of edibility are less concerned with physical metabolic matters, instead driven by historic cultural attitudes and political and economic motives. Nourishment was commodified. My research uses Tasmanian legal archives in conjunction with cookbooks and popular iconography to trace the historical legacies of foodways since the invasion. Scholarship around waste, sociology, ecology, and food justice and sovereignty are incorporated to consider how modern agricultural practices perpetuate violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and ecosystems. Modern agriculture affects every being on the planet, both human and more-than-human. My research goal is to encourage people to question their metabolic practices to ascertain how everyday acts of consumption implicate them within unjust systems. Though consumptive wallaby culling is legal, the industry remains privatized, and Indigenous Australians have little agency to influence how their native species are used, and who profits from their utility. By sharing these concerns with researchers from a broad range of disciplines, I hope to connect with individuals who can help to make future metabolic matters more inclusive, more ethical, and more sustainable.

Incubating Incubators

Allen Kuharski provides a critical summary and expanded framing of the first neh Institute on transmitting and archiving devised physical ensemble theater in American higher education. Kuharski delineates the goals, structure, and planning of the twelve-day gathering of fifty academics, teaching artists, editors, and archivists hosted by him and Quinn Bauriedel of Philadelphia’s Pig Iron Theater Company. The institute’s goal was to provide a platform for longer-term discussions of the historical, theoretical, and critical teaching of devised physical ensemble theater given the proliferation of the teaching of devising practices around the country. Kuharski also places the concerns of the institute within the larger forces challenging contemporary theater, discussing how on the one hand they seem to threaten the historic legacies of such alternative theater practices while on the other these practices may also provide our best future solutions for a vibrant and reformed American live performance practice. The article concludes with an argument for the central role of higher education in the future incubation of an innovative noncommercial American theater.

Navigating the dynamic terrain: A comprehensive analysis of journalism in Pakistan

The landscape of journalism in Pakistan is a dynamic interplay of historical legacies, political pressures, cultural influences, and technological advancements. From its origins in print media during the colonial era to the digital revolution of the 21st century, Pakistani journalism has navigated through challenges of censorship, political interference, and commercialization while upholding principles of truth and accountability. This research article conducts a comprehensive examination of the current state of news coverage and journalism in Pakistan, delving into its historical evolution, regulatory frameworks, technological advancements, and socio-political contexts. Through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, the study uncovers the pervasive influence of political actors on news coverage, the impact of media ownership concentration on journalistic independence, and the role of social and cultural factors in shaping news discourse. The findings highlight challenges including censorship, intimidation, and commercial imperatives, while also identifying opportunities for innovation, resilience, and advocacy within the media industry. Ultimately, the research underscores the urgent need to safeguard press freedom, promote media pluralism, and uphold ethical journalism to foster a vibrant and democratic media landscape in Pakistan.

The Impacts of Small Games on Sino-American Relations

Small incidents between superpowers may inadvertently affect their diplomatic behaviors, like the Butterfly Effect, pushing their international relations in another direction. This is the case with "Pelosi's Visit to Taiwan" and the "U.S.-China Balloon Incident" on the Sino-American relationship. As the most complicated bilateral relationship in the world today, the reaction of the two superpowers will have a significant impact on the entire world landscape. Despite the historical legacy and the different nature of their societies, which have led to differences in a number of areas, the two sides continue to seek opportunities for cooperation in various fields. The evolving Sino-US relations with peace as the main theme should be trusted by the whole world. This paper analyzes these two small events by using the theoretical knowledge of Realism, Constructivism, and International Political Economy in the Science of International Politics to explore the implied meanings behind them and the reasons why the two superpowers responded in this way.

Strike versus Boycott: discursive repertoires and contention in the 2012 Quebec student strike

ABSTRACT Protesting government tuition increases in 2012, Quebec university and college students participated in collective action that they contentiously characterized as a ‘strike.’ While oppositional actors insisted students were boycotting classes – not striking – student activists claimed legal and cultural justifications for their action. This paper asks: How did Quebec student activists discursively characterize and legitimize their protest tactic as a strike? How did this discourse – and opponents’ counter-discourse – structure the terms of the debate within higher education institutions? Using discourse analysis of student newspapers and organizers’ first-hand accounts of the strike, this paper argues that striking students developed a discursive repertoire constituted by two components: they linked their action to a collective identity with a historical legacy of striking and adopted collective action frames that characterized the action as disruptive and collective. While the debate within higher education institutions centred around legitimacy, it was deeply rooted in contestation over individualism versus collectivism and the ongoing neo-liberalization of higher education. Through the case of the 2012 student strike, I propose employing collective identity and collective action frames together in a dialogic framework of discursive repertoires, thereby providing analytical clarity to this concept for social movement scholarship.