International Audience Research Articles

Dear reader,

Back in 1996, the foreword to the first issue of Juridica International conceptualised JI as a special edition of Juridica, the Estonian-language law journal published by the Faculty of Law of the University of Tartu. The purpose of the international edition was articulated as ‘providing an overview of the Estonian legal system and reporting on developments in legal reform’. The concept and aim of Juridica International have evolved considerably since. Over the years, JI has developed into a well-established international law journal. Many globally renowned scholars and jurists have published pieces in Juridica International. This forum continues to provide insight into developments cultivated in Estonia’s legal system, thereby maintaining its de facto position as one of the most reliable sources of information on the Estonian legal order for an international audience. However, most of the works published in today’s Juridica International are analytical articles that clearly meet international research standards. Juridica International’s core aspects have remained unchanged over time. Faculty of Law members still are expected to publish quality papers in Juridica International. Doctoral students and other early-career researchers find publication in this journal to be both a key ambition and a worthy challenge on their path as scholars. While Juridica International is open to submissions from young researchers, it offers them no concessions; in fact, the peer-review process involved is often more stringent than that applied to their senior colleagues internationally. Furthermore, the noteworthy standing of the Faculty of Law’s doctoral students – who are typically leading legal practitioners in their respective fields – renders their contributions particularly compelling and inspiring. For their senior colleagues with the faculty, publishing research in Juridica International is a matter of professional pride. Consequently, one can justifiably conclude that JI has become an essential part of the institutional identity. In other words, it serves as a conditio sine qua non for the University of Tartu’s Faculty of Law. The volume you are now perusing continues to follow the journal’s solidly established direction. The articles range from legal analysis and case studies to interdisciplinary empirical research, with topics encompassing both traditional legal matters and various emerging challenges posed by technological advances. Some cover both. For instance, the pages of this issue provide an overview of empirical data on today’s handling of education-related exceptions to copyright protections. Additionally, readers will find two articles focusing directly on intellectual property, specifically the patent system and the author’s right to integrity in public contracts. Constitutional and human-rights issues are explored in connection with constitutions’ preambles and in discussion of the global garment industry. Several of the articles address highly pressing contemporary challenges, among them data-driven public administration and electronic signatures. Another prominent facet is EU law, particularly with regard to criminal liability and competition. In addition, the papers grapple with the complexities of soft law in the financial sector and public procurement. Drawing together several threads encompassed by this issue’s discussion, one article declares in its title that there are more questions than answers. That is a significant observation indeed. Often, identifying the problems, delineating them properly, and asking the right questions proves more difficult than offering technically correct answers. As Voltaire suggested, we should judge people by their questions rather than their answers. Juridica International No. 33 certainly raises many important and thought-provoking questions.

1.X.1. Achieving universal health coverage: international lessons from Irish policy implementation

Abstract Health systems all over the world are struggling to meet population health needs and provide timely access to universal healthcare in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 occurred in Ireland in the early years of implementation of a national plan for universal healthcare, called Sláintecare. While many health systems are experiencing a retrenchment on universalism in the context of COVID-19, in Ireland despite tediously slow Sláintecare implementation, the pandemic provided a boost to reform implementation and universalism. The reason for this workshop is to draw on a publicly funded Health Research Board Applied Partnership Award, entitled ‘Foundations’, harnessing lessons from the Irish COVID-19 health system response to inform Sláintecare’s implementation https://hrbopenresearch.org/articles/3-70/v1 The objectives of the workshop are to 1) provide academic research evidence from the Irish experience of universal health system reform during and since COVID-19; 2) to give participants space to reflect on the implications of the Irish universal health system reform on international health systems and policy; 3) to actively involve workshop participants in an engaged discussion on implementing universal health coverage in the context of COVID-19. The added value of the workshop is to share learnings from an academic research programme, which is coproducing evidence in partnership with the Irish health system, in a worldwide context, providing relevant and thought-provoking discussion and analysis for an international audience. Four separate inter-related presentations will draw on aspects of the Foundations’ research project. Presentation 1, Prof Sara Burke will outline recent academic literature on universalism and the politics of reform implementation in the context of COVID-19 and present a timeline of universal healthcare reform implementation since 2018 when Sláintecare was adopted by the Irish government (14 mins). Presentation 2, Dr Sarah Parker will detail a specific study which set out to advance understanding of how and to what extent COVID-19 has highlighted opportunities for change that enabled better access to universal, integrated care in Ireland, with a view to informing universal health system reform and implementation (10 mins). Presentation 3, Dr Katharine Schulmann and Carlos Bruen will present findings on the governance of reform implementation and implications for all health systems (10 mins). Presentation 4, Dr Philip Crowley, Health Service Executive (HSE) National Director of Strategy and Research and Chair of the Foundations’ research steering group will reflect how research findings can inform implementing reform and their implications for all health systems (6 mins). There will be four presentations totalling 40 mins, followed by questions and discussion chaired by an international expert/academic on universal health systems. Key messages • COVID-10 has highlighted how universal health coverage is more important than ever, however the pandemic has resulted in some retrenchment on universalism. • While data and research drove health system decision making during the pandemic, embedding research evidence into health system and policy reform remains challenging and can be politically opposed.

Examining the Role of Cultural Diplomacy in Enhancing Global Presence and National Identity: A Case of the Ethnographic Museums of Rwanda (Huye and Nyanza) and Itorero ry'Igihugu

This study aims to evaluate the impact of the Ethnographic Museums and Itorero ry’Igihugu on Rwanda’s international standing, guided by Soft Power Theory and Cultural Exchange Theory. Specifically, it examines how these institutions act as conduits for cultural diplomacy and project Rwanda’s unique narrative both locally and globally. Additionally, the study explores their role in reinforcing Rwanda’s cultural identity and assesses their impact on international relations, shaping Rwanda’s image abroad and supporting its diplomatic endeavors. The research employed a qualitative case study approach, focusing on qualitative data. The overall target population consisted of museum personnel, government officials, local community members, and visitors. Data were collected from a sample of 60 participants, including museum personnel and visitors (12), government officials in charge of cultural affairs (8), and local community members (40). Snowball and convenience sampling techniques were utilized to ensure representation from key groups involved in Rwanda’s cultural and diplomatic sectors. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, participant observations at museum exhibits and Itorero ry’Igihugu ceremonies, and document analysis of museum records and official publications. Data were analyzed using a combination of thematic analysis for qualitative data and descriptive statistics for quantitative data to identify patterns and trends in the findings. Key findings indicate that the Ethnographic Museums and Itorero ry’Igihugu significantly contribute to cultural diplomacy by fostering a positive national identity and enhancing Rwanda’s visibility on the global stage. These institutions serve as platforms for intercultural exchange, reinforcing Rwanda’s image as a country rich in culture and history, while also playing a role in nation-building through the preservation of cultural values. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of cultural institutions in projecting national identity and promoting diplomacy. The findings suggest that Rwanda’s international presence can be further enhanced through greater investment in cultural diplomacy programs, particularly in promoting the Itorero ry’Igihugu’s values globally. Recommendations include developing strategic partnerships with international cultural organizations and expanding the global reach of Rwanda's museums through digital platforms to attract a wider international audience.

Navigating historiographical boundaries in the early Turkish Republican period: astrology, nationalism and Aydın Sayılı’s scholarship

This article explores two aspects of Aydın Sayılı’s scholarship: his focus on astrology and the impact of nationalist sentiments on his research. Sayılı, perhaps the first globally recognized PhD-holder in history of science, completed his degree at Harvard in the early 1940s and established Turkey’s first academic chair in the field at the University of Ankara. His works addressed both international and local audiences, advancing the history of mathematics and astronomy in Islamic societies; his scholarship on Islamic observatories is still highly esteemed today. This study highlights Sayılı’s integration of astrology into discussions in the history of science, especially with respect to Islamic observatories, a significant choice in an era when astrology and related disciplines received minimal attention in Turkish historiography. While his approach to this discipline diverges from that of prevalent twentieth-century Turkish scholarship, Sayılı’s motivations were deeply intertwined with the nationalist sentiments of the early Turkish Republic, emphasizing ‘Turkish contributions to science’. His scholarship invites further examination of the intricate relationship between the historiography of science and nationalism, as well as of twentieth-century historicizations of astrological studies.

Effect of Traditional Textile Techniques on Modern Fashion Design in Nigeria

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of traditional textile techniques on modern fashion design in Nigeria. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Traditional textile techniques in Nigeria, such as adire (tie-dye), akwete weaving, and aso-oke fabric, have significantly influenced modern fashion design. These indigenous methods, known for their intricate patterns and vibrant colors, are increasingly incorporated into contemporary fashion by Nigerian designers. The use of traditional techniques adds cultural depth and authenticity, appealing to both local and international audiences. Modern designers blend these age-old methods with contemporary styles, creating innovative and unique fashion pieces that reflect Nigeria’s rich heritage. This fusion has not only revitalized traditional craftsmanship but also positioned Nigeria as a global hub for Afrocentric fashion. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Cultural identity theory, sustainable fashion theory & brand equity theory may be used to anchor future studies on the effect of traditional textile techniques on modern fashion design in Nigeria. Fashion designers should collaborate with local artisans who specialize in traditional textile techniques. Policymakers should develop initiatives that support artisanal communities involved in traditional textile production.

The impact of training provisions on novice English language teachers in Hong Kong: A systematic review

AbstractThe early years of learning and the transition period are important for novice teachers. This systematic review investigated the influence that training provisions for novice primary and secondary English language teachers in Hong Kong have had on their initial workplace experience. From a large body of literature dated between 1980 and 2023, a final set of 20 articles that met our inclusion criteria was analysed using Kumaravadivelu's (2012) model of second language teacher education (consisting of the five modules of Knowing, Analysing, Recognising, Doing and Seeing). The findings were condensed into three thematic strands: (i) teacher authority: novice teachers can feel lost among different authorities (including ideological conflicts between university and school authorities) and their desire to establish their own teacher authority, but must eventually learn to think from the students' perspective to improve teaching, (ii) teacher socialisation: whether obtaining sufficient colleague and mentor support or not would lead to their diverse experiences, and (iii) two weaknesses in teacher preparation that require attention across both university preparation and in‐school training: the novice teachers were under‐prepared in procedural knowledge and in learning to theorize. These findings provide internationally relevant theoretical contributions that can advance the understanding of both novice teacher development and primary and secondary English language teacher training. From a practical perspective, the findings point to areas that need attention in novice language teachers' transition to the workplace and this may be relatable to international audiences. Context and implicationsRationale for this studyThis systematic review aims to reveal how the training provisions in Hong Kong have influenced early‐year primary and secondary school English language teachers' initial workplace experience.Why the new findings matterOur findings will reveal what impact training provisions for novice English language teachers may have on their initial workplace experience and what gaps may exist in such provisions.Implications for researchers, practitioners and teacher educatorsThe findings in this study can be applied to many other contexts like Hong Kong where English is used as one of the official languages or as a second language. Our recommendations can inform English language teacher education, by highlighting: (a) how novice teachers can feel lost between two different authorities: the school and the university; (b) how novice teachers can undergo a range of positive and negative experiences in their socialisation process; (c) how novice teachers struggle to develop their procedural knowledge; and (d) that novice teachers may not have received enough support in theory‐building.

Tools for the Portuguese contemporary art market

In the past two decades, the art market has seen significant growth, with scholars and academics across the globe showing newfound interest in its potential as an interdisciplinary field. This has led to a prolific number of publications, particularly through the lens of globalization. However, a dearth of studies from regions outside the main axes remains, despite the potential for such studies to challenge globalization. This article investigates the primary art market of Portugal, located in southwestern Europe, which borrows ideas from the Global South due to similarities with regions from outside Europe and North America. We apply this concept to the features from a country, namely Portugal that is considered semi-peripheral and marginalized within dominant narratives. We emphasize the permanent tension between the local actuation and the global aspirations of the players in this market. Using literature published on the subject, reports, and interviews, we systematize the mechanisms of activation of the primary market; the launch of art fairs; the emergence of contemporary art galleries, museums, and collectors; and the discourse surrounding the recognition of the global art scene. Despite being a small-scale, semi-peripheral market, a willingness exists to internationalize. Furthermore, in addition to its rich cultural history and substantial investments, mainly from the private sector, the market has attracted international audiences from the artistic milieu and thereby contributed to the heterogeneity observed in the Global South.

THE PRINCIPLE OF NEMO TENETUR SE DETEGERE IN THE AGE OF DATA

The objective of the present article is to examine the manner in which the Italian criminal justice system protects the nemo tenetur se detegere principle in the digital era, with a view to providing an insight into this approach for an international audience. In doing so, the article will also consider the experience of other legal systems and the jurisprudence of the courts. In Italy, the nemo tenetur is a right that has its origins in the constitutional protection of the right of defense and the presumption of innocence. There is considerable debate surrounding the extent to which the right should be safeguarded. While the majority of scholarship advocates for the broadest possible extension of the right, this view is not universally accepted: the Cassation court has recently adopted a more lenient approach to the protection of the privilege against self-incrimination, which may permit the use of the suspect's refusal to cooperate as grounds for adverse consequences. The issue arises in instances where law enforcement officials require evidence stored on a laptop or mobile phone that cannot be retrieved without a password, or without the potential for irreparable data loss. Questions arise. Does the obligation to disclose one’s password constitute a form of self-incrimination or a violation of the right to remain silent? Would granting police the power to compel passwords cross a linecenturies old against forcing a person to speak to build the case against them? What are the differences between traditional passwords and biometrical authentication, and what difference does this make for the privilege against self-incrimination?

‘Mapping’ China’s Art Industry: Understanding Contemporary China Through Qiu Zhijie’s Maps as a Medium of Cultural Relations

Deeply ingrained in the fabric of Chinese society, calligraphy originated as an ancient art form and is known as the chief of all traditional arts in China. In the current artistic context of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), calligraphy has merged with contemporary art forms to reflect the dynamic changes and realities of the country. Addressing gaps in academic literature focusing on China’s soft power and cultural diplomacy, this paper focuses on cultural relations to develop a people-centered pathway that flows “organically” and enables the understanding of current-day China. Inspired by Anne Marie-Slaughter’s conceptualization of a “web” of networks, this paper employs a case study analysis of specific contemporary artworks by Chinese contemporary artist Qiu Zhijie. Indeed, this paper finds that Qiu’s maps reflect nuances of contemporary Chinese society, showcasing the intricate relationship between calligraphy, contemporary Chinese art forms, and Chinese culture and society. Further, due to the unique combination of Chinese characters and English text, woven together through cartography and Chinese calligraphy, Qiu’s maps provide international audiences with basic tools for understanding cross-cultural nuances and contemporary realities. In the context of international relations, Qiu’s maps may act as a medium for improving the international community’s understanding of current-day China.

International reputation and the Voice to Parliament referendum

ABSTRACT During the Voice to Parliament referendum campaign, ‘yes' advocates argued that a failed referendum would harm Australia's international reputation. To what extent did this occur? This article examines how the Voice to Parliament spoke to Australia's international reputation and why it matters for foreign policy. It maps the global producers of reputation narratives and theorises about which, when and why specific audiences might matter for how reputation affects foreign policy. Using a unique combination of materials collected from Meltwater and Global NewsBank databases, it tracks how the Voice to Parliament campaign and its results were interpreted by various international audiences, with a specific focus on global media. The implications for foreign policy are likely to be mixed while the result may be weaponised by other states and limit Australia's ability to make credible moral claims in international fora, geopolitical considerations are likely to reduce its overall effect on Australia’s international agenda.

ON THE ISSUE OF KAZAKHSTAN’S USE OF NATIONAL HISTORY AS AN ELEMENT OF SOFT POWER

The article discusses the possibility of Kazakhstan’s using its national history as an element of soft power in its foreign policy. Particular attention is paid to the conceptual and methodological foundations of soft power, as well as to the analysis of the world-renowned ratings of soft power in terms of their applicability in assessing the «resourceness» of national history. The article proposes some perspective ways of promoting the national history of Kazakhstan among the international audiences.

The Bright and Dark Sides of Sports Interpreting in Iraq: Football Interpreting as an Example

With the rapid increase in international matches, such as the Olympic Games, World Cup by FIFA, Arab or Gulf Cup events the demand for interpreting becomes very necessary, as through this activity players can connect with viewers around the world, this is on the one hand, and on the other, through which they can instantly obtain their instructions. After the war in 2003, the participation of Iraqi athletes in international competitions and the recruitment of foreign coaches flourish. This new situation urges policy designers to strategically plan to offer qualified interpreters to ensure ideal communication between the players and their coaches and between them and the international audience. The status quo, however, is very frustrating: the number of Iraqi qualified interpreters can relatively be visible (for the ordinary observers) as there are no specialized academic or non-academic institutions that offer the requirements. This lack has opened the door for non-professional interpreters to carry the task leading not only to fragmented communication but also to deform the perception of this profession. This study sheds light on this particular area. It solely adopts the participant-oriented method offered by Saldanha and O’brein (2013). The research instrument is a carefully-designed questionnaire which is presented to a sample of thirty professional interpreters. The study findings emphasize that the status quo of sports interpreting in Iraq is discouraging because of some obstacles, such as the absence of specialized interpreting training facilities and monitoring institutions.

Live and let LIV? Sportswashing, Donald Trump, and attitudes toward the future of professional golf

ABSTRACT LIV Golf, a startup sports league financed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has come under fire since its launch 3 years ago. Opponents argue that it constitutes ‘sportswashing’ (funding athletics to distract international audiences from problematic policy positions, especially regarding human rights). LIV’s ties to courses owned by Donald Trump have only added to the domestic and international scrutiny. What costs do such claims and connections impose on LIV’s present and future? An original survey experiment in which 497 American participants receive varying amounts of information on LIV reveals that learning about sportswashing accusations damages both LIV’s institutional reputation and position in the media and sporting marketplace. Those exposed to such claims found LIV to be significantly more problematic, more political, and more dangerous than those who read nothing about sportswashing. They were also significantly less likely to want media to report on LIV, want media to air LIV programming, and believe LIV had the right to even compete with the PGA Tour. Such findings constitute evidence of the challenges LIV must navigate and counter as it looks to take root and flourish. Ties to the former president, on the other hand, appear to have no negative impact.

VTUBER PERSONAS IN DIGITAL WAYANG: A REVIEW OF INNOVATIVE CULTURAL PROMOTION FOR INDONESIAN HERITAGE

This study investigates the integration of VTuber into Wayang Digital as a strategic initiative to promote Indonesian cultural heritage. By leveraging advanced technologies such as real-time motion capture and artificial intelligence (AI), the project aims to enhance the animation quality and interaction of VTuber, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for audiences. The research focuses on three key aspects: VTuber integration's effectiveness in attracting international audiences, optimizing real-time motion capture for high-quality animation, and applying AI algorithms to create adaptive, responsive interactions between VTubers and their viewers. Through these innovations, the study aims to enrich the narrative and visual appeal of Wayang Digital, making it more accessible and appealing to a diverse global audience. The findings show that integrating advanced technologies enhances Wayang Digital's storytelling, aesthetics, and effectiveness as a powerful tool for cultural promotion. AI-enabled adaptive interactions create a personalized viewer experience, deepening audience connections with the traditional art form. High-quality animation preserves and effectively communicates Wayang's cultural nuances to audiences, enhancing its impact and cultural promotion. This study underscores the importance of continuous technological innovation and strategic implementation in the preservation and globalization of Indonesian heritage through digital media, suggesting that the future of cultural preservation lies in the seamless integration of tradition with cutting-edge technology.

Two Million Contributions From Citizen Scientists Accelerate the Digitization of the Berlin Herbarium

In 2016, the Botanic Garden Berlin decided to translate into German, the citizen science platform "Les Herbonautes" (Rouhan et al. 2016, developed at the Natural History Museum in Paris) and to integrate it into the digitization workflows of Herbarium Berolinense. "Die Herbonauten" is a web-based platform on which citizen scientists can contribute to the transcription of digital herbarium specimens and their labels. Using a quiz module, users first learn about the various information elements on herbarium labels and their correct semantic assignment and recording. The actual data entry then takes place in so-called "missions," in which herbarium specimens are compiled, e.g., to support work on specific scientific questions. In addition to data entry, there is a forum in which users can discuss problems and their solutions, for example if there is disagreement about the correct transcription of a text element. The forum is moderated by scientific staff of the Herbarium Berlin, who provide support particularly when the knowledge of the collection curators is needed to solve problems. In the course of numerous missions, the knowledge about transcriptions of herbarium specimens was summarized and structured in an evolving and extensive wiki system in German. This wiki has developed into a unique and valuable knowledge base for which an English translation is planned for use by an international audience. To date, 640 registered Herbonauten have made around two million data contributions. Citizen science has thus become an indispensable component of the herbarium's information management. For the further development of the platform, we are experimenting, among other things, with expanding the scope, e.g., to include the recording of character data, and with combining citizen science approaches with AI-based transcription algorithms. In the context of the EU project, Transforming European Taxonomy through Training, Research and Innovations (TETTRIs), the Herbonauten carry out joint missions with other citizen science platforms, where selected specimens are processed by communities that are particularly qualified, for example because they have the necessary knowledge of languages or local geography.

Implementation of the Expert Nursing Standard: Caregivers' Oral Health Knowledge.

The promotion of oral health in nursing care is essential for preventing oral diseases and maintaining health in elderly vulnerable populations. There is a need for standardized guidelines and education. The aim of this study was to collect data on the attitudes and hopes of caregivers regarding the implementation of the German Expert Nursing Standard "Promotion of Oral Health in Nursing" (GENS-POHN) and to evaluate their oral healthcare knowledge before implementation. A cross-sectional study was conducted in five different care settings in Germany. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on the attitudes and hopes of nursing assistants regarding the GENS-POHN. Oral healthcare knowledge was evaluated before implementation. Most participants had a positive attitude towards the GENS-POHN and hoped that its implementation would lead to greater safety and competence in daily oral healthcare tasks. Few participants currently use screening or assessment instruments for oral care. There is a need for further education and training, as well as the development and implementation of standardized guidelines and tools for screening and assessment, in oral care. The GENS-POHN as an expert standard could be made accessible to an international audience by translating it into other respective national languages, thereby enhancing its usability for a wider range of users.

Research on Social and Cultural Stereotypes of Chinese Men in Hollywood Films: A Case Study of "The Mask of Fu Manchu"

To better penetrate the international market and gain a wider international audience, Hollywood has made films with rich and varied themes based on the cultures of various countries. Given China's rich cultural heritage and vast market, Hollywood has made many films set in China t open up the Chinese market and carry out cultural exchanges between China and the West. However, due to the misunderstanding between cultures, there are prejudices and stereotypes of Chinese men's society and culture in Hollywood films. This study applies the case study method in the qualitative research method and takes〈The Mask of Fu Manchu〉 film as a case study to systematically analyze Fu Manchu's external characteristics such as gender, t, and form, as well as internal characteristics such as behaviors and personalities. It is found that the Chinese male socio-cultural symbols in the film are oversimplified and culturally misinterpreted, leaving the audience with a stereotypical impression of cultural homogeneity. Based on this, this study explores multiple perspectives from history, culture, and art to find ways to eliminate stereotypes of Chinese men in Hollywood films, promote producers' understanding of different cultures, build a positive image of China, and provide a path for viewers to correctly understand Chinese culture.

Tolerance as a Legitimation Strategy in Oman’s Political Discourse: From Religious to Foreign Policy Principle

ABSTRACT In the past few decades, the concept of tolerance has gained a central place in Oman’s political discourse and foreign policy. It is often attributed to the country’s national identity, which in turn is interpreted as deriving from Oman’s Ibadi tradition, the cosmopolitan character of its maritime history and its strategic geographic location. Despite greater attention being paid to the constructive nature of Oman’s identity, including its connection with Ibadism, however, a careful reflection on how the concept of tolerance developed from a religious to a foreign policy principle is still missing. A Discourse-Historical analysis of speeches directed towards a domestic and international audience highlights how the political discourse on tolerance, by reinforcing identity-engineering efforts, supported the Omani government’s legitimation and status-seeking purposes at home and abroad.

Mediated Public Diplomacy and RT on Instagram: Role of International Institutions, Audience Engagement, and Online Account Bans

ABSTRACT Changes in the global media environment now challenge relationships between and within states. To expand understandings of mediated public diplomacy, this study examined 13,500 Instagram posts distributed on RT’s non-Russian accounts from September 2021–September 2022. It used LDA to identify RT topics across language accounts, explored the topics’ relation to UN statehood, examined audience engagement levels, and compared their frequency before and after major bans on RT content. The study found that more than two-thirds of the top 30 topics had direct relevance to the statehood frame. RT’s language accounts did employ unique audience-targeting strategies and situation-dependent emphases linked to the timing of their banned content, but the approaches varied according to which of the four statehood criteria were under discussion. High levels of audience engagement for statehood-related posts linked to each of the statehood definitional characteristics, but did not correspond to the frequency of the posted content. The study concludes with implications for mediated public diplomacy theory.

Pride and Prejudice: The Dual Effects of “Wolf Warrior Diplomacy” on Domestic and International Audiences

China has shifted its foreign policy from careful diplomacy to “wolf warrior diplomacy” (WWD). I argue that WWD increases the Chinese public’s support for their government. However, foreign audiences are likely to view WWD as aggressive and threatening; as a result, WWD has dual effects, increased security for the regime at the domestic level and heightened tensions at the international level. To examine these hypotheses, I conducted preregistered parallel experiments, in which I presented identical sets of survey vignettes to Chinese and American citizens. The results show that WWD significantly increases the Chinese public’s support for their government. However, this diplomatic rhetoric also antagonizes the U.S. public and bolsters their support for aggressive foreign policies toward China. These findings contribute to our understanding of the dual effects of authoritarian diplomacy in the global arena where national leaders face a trade-off between preserving domestic support and triggering international hostility.