International Dialogue Research Articles

Cooperativism as pedagogy: Conversation with Gustavo Machado a lecturer and researcher from Facultad de Ciencias Sociales de la Universidad de la República

This conversation with Gustavo Machado discusses the role of cooperativism as a pedagogical process in Uruguay. Machado emphasizes how cooperatives serve as models for housing production and transformative social learning processes, embedding collective action and mutual aid into daily life. He distinguishes between housing, habitat, and inhabitation, advocating for a broader understanding of living that transcends physical structures and integrates social, cultural, and communal dimensions. Our conversation delves into the political significance of cooperatives in the face of neoliberalism, positioning them as alternatives to market-based housing models. Machado discusses the challenges cooperatives face, such as state regulation and the need for flexibility in adapting to changing life circumstances. He also reflects on his personal experiences growing up in a cooperative during Uruguay's dictatorship, which shaped his political and professional views. The article highlights the intersection of cooperativism with broader social movements, such as gender equality and mental health, and the importance of international dialogue in expanding cooperative housing models across Latin America.

The Neglected Modern Architectural Heritage: Analysis of Housing Estates in the Second Half of the 20th Century from Izmir, Turkey, Case Study Area

Twentieth-century housing estates are an important part of the architectural heritage of the modern age, reflecting not only the evolution of housing forms, but also the technological advances and sociocultural dynamics of the twentieth century. However, awareness of the value of this heritage is still insufficient, resulting in a lack of legal protection and numerous threats in the form of transformation and negligence. In this research, we present the problem using the example of modernist Turkish architecture. The settlements of Izmir, a cosmopolitan port city with a diverse socio-cultural fabric and rapidly developing housing architecture, are chosen as the subject of the study. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the state of conservation and the degree of transformation of the selected estates. The overall assessment of the maintenance of the legibility of urban layouts and the form of individual buildings shows that, despite the lack of systematic protection, it is possible to preserve the existing architectural heritage in the examples analyzed and to provide recommendations for future policies to sustain the heritage values of modernism. The research aims to fill the existing gaps in the discourse on modern housing and contribute to a broader international dialogue on the conservation of modern architecture. By including these estates in the ongoing discussion, we recognize their historical significance and promote their preservation as important participants in contemporary urban life.

Renaming 'junior doctors' and beyond: Learning from international dialogue.

Renaming 'junior doctors' and beyond: Learning from international dialogue.

Navigating Global Research Trends on Seafoods-Related Foodborne Diseases: A Decadal Bibliometric Analysis

Ensuring seafood safety has become a critical area of focus due to its strong association with foodborne diseases. Despite the critical nature of this field, an in-depth understanding of global research trends in this field remains limited. Our study conducted an extensive bibliometric analysis to track the evolution and thematic focus of research on seafood safety from 2013 to 2023. Utilizing Scopus for publication and citation data, along with VOSviewer for visualizing keyword networks, this study highlights key developments and scholarly efforts aimed at mitigating risks associated with seafoods consumption. The analysis pinpoints the United States, China, the United Kingdom, France, South Korea and Malaysia as leading contributors. Their extensive research outputs and collaborations have markedly shaped the field's evolution. The overall positive trajectory in research volume experienced a minor setback in 2022, suggesting a complex and dynamic research landscape. "Food Control" is identified as a principal journal for the dissemination of research works, anchoring a dynamic co-citation network that fosters extensive international dialogue. We categorize seven principal research clusters: epidemiology, molecular detections, microbial resistance, bacteriophage applications, toxin detection methodologies, predictive modelling and biofilm studies. These clusters encompass the scopes and the breadth of current investigations. This decade-long review highlights the necessity for cohesive global research strategies to enhance the knowledge and control of foodborne pathogens in seafoods. This strategy is critical for improving food safety measures and safeguarding public health globally.

‘Aikido Practitioners in Every Country Should Change and Unite with the Tradition’: Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Historical Memory, and the Internationalization of Aikido, 1948–1984

Kisshomaru Ueshiba, leader of aikido from 1945–1999 and son of aikido’s founder, published A Life in Aikido: The Biography of Founder Morihei Ueshiba and The Spirit of Aikido in the late 1970s and early 1980s that leveraged historical memory to centralize authority in the Aikikai organization as the art expanded outside Japan. The author used family history and political history to argue for an originalist approach to teaching aikido, one centred on the founder Morihei Ueshiba. Close readings of these works through the lens of historical memory reveal how mid-twentieth century aikido organizers engaged historical memory and family history for administrative purposes but also fit into a larger pattern of memory work that centred Japan in international Cold War era dialogue about peace. Such findings have applications in the contemporary administration of aikido as practitioners work to define the art in historical terms, revealing history as a contemporary resource for decision-making.

Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property: Impact and Legal Implications

The rapid spread and development of artificial intelligence technologies has raised important questions that have an impact on laws and regulations related to intellectual property. In light of this, the research aims to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on intellectual property laws and regulations, and to examine the legal implications of the innovations generated by artificial intelligence on authorship, invention, ownership, infringement, and enforcement of intellectual property laws. In light of the great concerns about its impact on intellectual property laws and regulations and the uncertainty and ambiguity in the application of intellectual property laws, the researcher considered it a problem of the study as it leads to potential risks and challenges for creators, inventors, and intellectual property rights holders. The research followed the comparative approach to provide a view of the different approaches regarding this topic, and to help shed light on the main difficulties faced in applying the law in such an evolving context. The study reached many conclusions, but the most important of them is that artificial intelligence threatens office jobs due to its ability to generate high-quality content quickly and at a low cost, and intellectual property laws will continue to be breached, which necessitates the need for the law to adapt to establish rules of conduct and limits of human work, and recommends engaging in an international dialogue to unify laws and manage disputes related to intellectual property across borders.

From bench to bedside: highlights from the International Dialogue on Ovarian Cancer

From bench to bedside: highlights from the International Dialogue on Ovarian Cancer

Study of political developments in democratic, communist and dictatorial systems and their impact on power, governance and human rights

In the current era, the world is experiencing profound political and economic shifts, marking a departure from the norms that dominated the pre-industrial period. Notably, the dissolution of feudal and communal systems, which were emblematic of an economy rooted in pastoral ideologies, has been underway since the French Revolution. This transformative period has not only reshaped global dynamics but also led to the reconstitution of modern state structures within the context of institutional states. This research delves into the evolving patterns of political changes and their economic repercussions in the contemporary global landscape. Our study aims to decipher the dynamics of international transformations within the global political arena and explore their interconnections with the emerging world order. Furthermore, we have endeavored to trace the philosophical political roots that underpinned these economic systems, examining their genesis and subsequent influence on political developments across various regimes, with a particular focus on implications for human rights. An analytical methodology underpins our examination of these political transformations. Central to our inquiry is the following pivotal question: What is the impact of developments in political and economic systems in the contemporary world on authority, governance, and human rights? To address this question, we deemed it necessary to discuss three topics related to political transformation, presenting an analysis for each of the following axes: 1-Circumstances and history of modern political transformations. 2-Modern political demands, compared to advanced political aspirations. 3-Human rights, between liberal propaganda and democracy. Our findings reveal that political variables have undergone substantial changes that significantly influence political ideologies, the conceptualization of authority, and human rights considerations. Among these influential factors are: Globalization and Technology: Technological advancements and the expansion of global communications via the Internet have opened new avenues for political discourse and interaction. This development transcends local boundaries, positioning politics as a globally interconnected phenomenon. Social and Cultural Transformations: There has been a significant shift in social and cultural paradigms, particularly in the heightened awareness of human rights. This shift has broadened the scope of political thought and necessitated the integration of these issues into both national and international political dialogues. Economic Transformations: The evolution of economic structures, spurred by technological progress and globalization, has profound implications for political theories concerning the equitable distribution of wealth, economic opportunities, poverty alleviation, and addressing economic disparities.

Joint ICOH-WOPS & APA-PFAW global roundtable perspectives: exploring national policy approaches for psychological health at work through the 'National Policy Index' lens.

Worker psychological health is a significant global imperative which requires national policy action and stakeholder engagement. While national policy is a critical lever for improving worker psychological health, some countries are more progressive than others in relation to policy development and/or implementation. At the Joint Congress of the International Commission on Occupational Health, Scientific Committee on Work Organization and Psychosocial Factors and the Asia Pacific Academy for Psychosocial Factors Work in Tokyo (September 2023), a Global Roundtable was designed to initiate international dialogue and knowledge exchange regarding relevant national policy approaches. The Global Roundtable involved experts from diverse regions alongside an engaged audience of congress attendees and facilitators. Qualitative data were analysed against the five components of the National Policy Index tool, comprising policy priority, specific laws, nation-wide initiatives, sector-oriented initiatives, national survey and/or studies. Analysis revealed that while work-related psychological health is a policy priority across many countries, at the same time, there are global gaps in both legislation specificity and active regulation across different countries. For future policy development across countries, it will be beneficial to continue and deepen international discourse and for countries to share their approaches with others.

Envisioning quality education for sustainability transformation in teacher education: perspectives from an international dialogue on Sustainable Development Goal 4

Envisioning quality education for sustainability transformation in teacher education: perspectives from an international dialogue on Sustainable Development Goal 4

Genome Editing Dilemma: Navigating Dual-Use Potential and Charting the Path Forward.

Contemporary genome editing techniques have made genomic intervention-from microorganism to human-more accessible, easier to use, and more accurate than previous methods. We argue that, notwithstanding its merits in treating and preventing disease in humans, genome editing represents a potential threat for domestic and international security, requiring an integrated approach in regulating, detecting, preventing, and mitigating the risk of its use for malicious purposes. Despite the global regulatory ambitions of the 2021 WHO framework, we see insufficient attention given to the future prospect of dual-use genomic technology. Drawing parallels with the nuclear field, we suggest tentative practical steps for a way forward in dealing with genome editing technologies, such as: 1) adapting national (bio)security and defence strategies to include genome editing as a possible threat (with conceivable WMD potential); 2) enhancing the international dialogue on genome editing and raising the issue at the highest level; 3) working towards a global, legally binding verification mechanism; 4) tracking genome editing technologies.

Medico-legal and bioethical controversies of the use of puberty blockers in adolescents with gender dysphoria: a comparative perspective between Italy and Spain

Background: the administration of puberty blockers to adolescents with gender dysphoria has ignited significant bioethical controversy, especially in light of recent legislative changes in the United States, Australia and several European states, especially the UK, which in March 2024 permanently banned the administration of puberty blockers to children. Italy and Spain, with their distinct legal, cultural, and medical approaches to treating gender dysphoria in minors, serve as focal points for examining these complex issues. Aims: this article aims to explore the bioethical and medico-legal implications of using puberty blockers in adolescents with gender dysphoria, focusing on the regulatory frameworks in Italy and Spain. It seeks to contribute to the international dialogue on best practices for supporting adolescents with gender dysphoria by comparing these two countries’ approaches. Discussion: in recent years in many European states there has been an important evolution in the position on hormone blockade therapy for minors with gender dysphoria, having gone from open policies on puberty blockade treatment to decidedly more restrictive positions. In Italy, the debate on the legitimacy of authorising treatment has been lively for several years, and in the last year has become even more intense due to the decisions taken by countries such as Finland, Sweden, Norway and the United Kingdom. In Spain, a landmark law on trans rights was passed in 2023, but it did not directly regulate hormone-blocking treatment in adolescents with gender dysphoria, which only made an already intense debate even more heated. Conclusion: it is essential to recognise the complexity of gender identity in adolescents and adopt an inclusive approach that considers medical, legal, ethical and social implications. The dynamic nature of the debate on the use of puberty blockers requires ongoing international dialogue. Policy analysis from Italy and Spain can inform best practice globally, promoting inclusive guidelines that prioritise adolescent welfare by addressing the complex bioethical, medico-legal and scientific issues related to the use of puberty blockers.

Alliances between social occupational therapy and critical occupational science: Propositions to mobilize social justice

ABSTRACT Committed to the necessity of international dialogues in occupational therapy and occupational science, we have developed a proposal for alliance between social occupational therapy and critical occupational science based on a series of theoretical dialogues between Brazilian and Canadian researchers. Through these dialogues, we have aimed to understand and propose contributions that articulate the shared intent of social transformation enhancing social justice of these disciplines. While acknowledging points of difference, we propose an alliance based on points of convergence, including emergence from concerns related to justice and equity; development coming from the ‘margins’; mobilization of critical social theory to orient knowledge production and question power relations within and outside the discipline and the profession; and an intent to work towards social justice, especially with marginalized groups. Our key arguments are informed by theoretical concepts from three authors: Judith Butler’s conceptualizations of vulnerability, precarity, and alliance; Nancy Fraser’s propositions regarding social justice; and Paulo Freire’s concept of dialogue. Through dialogue that recognizes and respects different knowledges and practices, an alliance is produced toward social justice, one that aims to realize more complex theoretical and practical resources for critical thinking about social reality. In turn, possibilities for apprehending how different oppressions impact and influence the possibilities of living can be expanded, informing approaches to building inhabitable worlds and proposing practices of freedom with persons and communities facing oppression.

Female-specific perspectives in social work research in sub-Saharan Africa: literature review

ABSTRACT In this article, the focus is on social work in sub-Saharan Africa from a female-specific perspective. The article answers the following two questions: what are the most central questions around female-specific perspectives in social work research in sub-Saharan Africa and what kind of emphasis does social work have or recommend for working with women? The aim is to provide international dialogue and new openings for Nordic social work research and practice. The analysis is based on data collected by conducting an integrative literature review. The results show that the importance of women´s perspectives in sub-Saharan Africa is an issue linked to gendered poverty, inequality and gender-based violence. The included studies deal with health issues, including maternal health, sexual health and reproductive health. Social work emphasizes measures based on spirituality and communities, where a female-specific perspective is understood as part of communal structures. An analytical examination of social work in African countries can develop Nordic social work practice and the discipline so that it considers the meaning of female-specific issues as part of communal resources, spiritual practices and global inequality.

Analysis of the legal situation regarding euthanasia in Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru: Towards a Latin American model of medical assistance in dying?

Colombia was one of the first countries to decriminalise euthanasia. However, what is known in the international academic literature about the country's regulations is scarce and outdated. Such lack of information on the situation in Latin America is even more evident in the case of Peru, where the Lima Superior Court of Justice set a precedent by allowing a person to have access to euthanasia in 2021. Ecuador, which has just decriminalised euthanasia for all its citizens in February 2024, risks being similarly absent from the international dialogue. This article summarises for the first time all the regulations in force regarding euthanasia in Latin America, through a study of primary sources in Spanish, and analyses some of the convergences between these three neighbouring countries.

Türkiye’s Military Base in Somalia: A Case Study

At the present stage the Republic of Türkiye is all the more actively claiming the role of a regional leader and at the same time, using the favourable geopolitical position at the junction of two civilizations, seeks to strengthen influence in global politics. The statehood of independent states is impossible without strengthening their own security, and that allows for the development of international military dialogue. Türkiye as a world power is to restore its prosperity from the times of the Ottoman Empire. Best evidence is the creation of Turkish military bases beyond its national borders. Moreover, such actions of the Turkish leadership are considered not only a political ambition but also a pragmatic calculation. First overseas military base of Türkiye in modern times was created in one of the most turbulent countries in the world – Somalia. Currently, Türkiye has a military presence in Somalia. Hence, this study examined the main stages of bilateral relations between Türkiye and Somalia. Relations between the two countries have passed a certain historical path of development and have been characterized by periods of activation revival also stagnation. It was concluded that despite the fact that political, economic and military cooperation between Türkiye and Somalia had huge potential, there were some of constraining factors affecting their further development.

AI-Assisted English Language Learning for Cross-Cultural Medical Education in Multilingual Settings

In the interconnected world of global healthcare, proficiency in the English language serves as a crucial cornerstone for medical professionals as it facilitates access to a vast wealth of knowledge, collaborative research, and international dialogue. However, the challenge of developing not only linguistic proficiency but also cross-cultural competence within multilingual medical settings remains a significant challenge. This article investigates the innovative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in transcending these barriers through AI-assisted English language learning, aimed at enriching cross-cultural medical education. It underscores the critical role of English in medical academia and practice by highlighting the consequential divide that language barriers can impose on non-native English speakers. Furthermore, it investigates the nuances of cross-cultural communication within healthcare by emphasizing the necessity for cultural competence amongst healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care across diverse cultural backgrounds. The investigation extends into an analysis of current AI technologies in language learning, evaluating their capacity to offer personalized, immersive learning experiences that go beyond mere linguistic acquisition to include cultural nuances and medical terminologies. Through an examination of case studies, the article presents successful integrations of AI-assisted language learning tools in medical education. And also, it illustrates their impact on improving English proficiency, cultural awareness, and ultimately, patient care in multilingual environments. Similarly, this article argues for a more inclusive approach to medical education. It proposes the utilization of AI technology, envisioning a future where AI-assisted English language learning becomes an integral component of medical curricula. This approach aims to foster a generation of healthcare professionals equipped with both the linguistic skills and cultural sensitivities required to negotiate the complexities of global healthcare.

Russian-Spanish Relations During the Development of North American Territories in the Second Half of the 18th century

The article is about the relations between Russia and Spain in the second half of the 18th century. The article identifies the factors that influenced the nature of the emerging interaction between the powers: it shows the ambivalence of Russian-Spanish relations, on the one hand, due to the growing fears of the Spanish authorities provoked by Russia’s advance towards California, and, on the other, to the development of mutually beneficial trade relations. We draw attention to aspects related to Russia’s discovery of the Aleutian archipelago and Alaska and the activity of Russian merchants. The reaction of the Spanish court to messages of Spanish diplomats in Russia about Russian discoveries in America is shown. The analysis of the texts of diplomatic reports (1761−1792) has shown that the Spanish ambassadors were skeptical about the success of Russian expeditions to the American continent but changed their mind in the second half of 1760s. The article also examines the trade and economic aspect in the relations between the powers, showing the intention of Spain and Russia to establish direct trade. At the same time, we note that the nature of such interaction was influenced by the general political situation, which was determined by the leading powers of that time. The article has been written using historical and philological methods and approaches and aims to show the various aspects and stages of Russian-Spanish relations during the period of colonization of the Northwest of America. The results of the study can be used in practical activities of diplomatic services within the framework of international dialogue.

Russia and the West Today: European Experts View

The article provides assessments of the current state of relations between Russia and the West by European experts. Complex issues such as the Northern Military District in Ukraine, the situation in the South Caucasus, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and their consequences for European countries and the global world order are analyzed. The authors talk about the need to prevent outbreaks of a third world war, to overcome bipolar ideological confrontation, and about the values of the future world order. Justice and morality must become the basis of peace, which will lead to the restoration of trust between peoples and states. The need for dialogue with Russia and the inadmissibility of isolating individual countries from participation in international dialogues are argued. The authors are supporters of the principles of a multipolar world, freedom, justice, information objectivity, respect for other cultures and religions, and speak of the inadmissibility of discrimination on national, racial or religious grounds. The article was prepared based on the materials of the international symposium “United Kingdom – EU – Russia – Greater Middle East: Challenges and Prospects”, held in Bratislava (February 27–28, 2024)

Facing the Policy Challenges of Climate Change: Assessing China's Strategy and Actions in International Environmental Crisis Communication

Climate change represents an unparalleled global challenge that necessitates urgent, unified responses to mitigate its far-reaching impacts. As a leading contributor to global emissions and a key stakeholder in international climate negotiations, China's policy maneuvers, and diplomatic engagements are crucial for spearheading global efforts towards sustainable development. However, the image China presents in global climate change governance does not fully meet its expectations, which is largely due to Chinas strategic deviation in public communication. This study aims to dissect the complexities of China's strategic approach, evaluating its effectiveness, contributions, and encountered challenges within the international climate change dialogue. By focusing on China's capacity to facilitate collaborative global actions and its endeavors in promoting sustainable policies, this research emphasizes the indispensability of adept communication and robust international cooperation in combating the environmental crises of this era.