International Discourse Research Articles

Ecstatic Forms: Air and the Apsarā during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945)

Abstract As a minor deity in Buddhist art, the apsarā (feitian/hiten) is a beloved figure in China and Japan today. Their images adorn bottles of high-end liquor, while their names are bestowed upon moon-bound spacecrafts. Ecstatically tumbling and twirling in the air, the impossible contortion of their acrobatic bodies creates a sense of weightlessness and boundlessness. This essay argues that the apsarā only emerged as an art-historical subject during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945), when intellectuals, artists and performers, on both sides of the frontlines, became concerned with the intermingling of space and form through the medium of air. Tracing how modern writers and choreographers used the apsarā to adumbrate modernist aspirations of movement, speed, aviation and progress, I show how the apsarā was folded into new international discourses on mood, atmosphere and space in art and dance in the early twentieth century.

Exploring the Role of quality management practices (QMS) in mitigating Construction Failures and building collapse

The construction industry in Nigeria faces critical challenges due to frequent building collapses, highlighting the necessity for robust Quality Management Systems (QMS). This study investigates the current state of QMS adoption and its effectiveness in mitigating building failures. Despite the recognised importance of QMS, the industry shows a low adoption rate, with only 34.8% of firms holding ISO certification and 60.9% lacking formal QMS frameworks. A significant barrier identified is insufficient top management support, impacting 71.4% of the companies surveyed. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, including a comprehensive literature review and a survey of 22 industry stakeholders across major Nigerian cities. This methodology allows for a detailed examination of QMS practices, highlighting the critical role of management commitment, communication, and training in enhancing quality outcomes. The research fills a gap by providing a holistic analysis of QMS issues across different regions, which have been previously understudied. The findings underscore the necessity for enhanced regulatory frameworks and standardised practices to ensure consistent quality management. The study contributes to the international discourse on construction quality by emphasising systemic improvements rather than merely technical fixes. It calls for further research into region-specific challenges and broader adoption of formal QMS practices to improve safety and reliability in Nigeria's construction sector.

Discourse Historical Analysis of Identity Construction of New Energy Enterprises in China and the United States

In recent years, with the increasing awareness of climate change and environmental protection, new energy vehicles have gradually become a hot topic in the automotive industry. This article uses the Social Responsibility Report of BYD and Impact Report of Tesla as corpus, adopts a discourse-history research approach to analyze the three-dimensional framework of discourse analysis, and uses the corpus tool Wmatrix 6.0 to analyze the macro-themes, meso-discourse strategies, and micro-language features of corporate identity construction in China and the United States, explaining their similarities and differences in the construction of new energy enterprise identities. This study provides reference for the identity construction of new energy enterprises in China, and has practical significance for enhancing the international discourse construction ability of Chinese new energy enterprises.

Analysis of the situation of journals published in Hungary and indexed by Scopus in 2023

This year, Scimagojr has published its 2023 list of more than 28,000 journals. Almost half of the journals are published by Western European publishers; Hungary publishes the fewest number of domestic journals relative to its population among the Visegrad countries. Hungarian journals in the Humanities and Social Sciences are barely represented in the Scopus indexing database, on the one hand, due to the lack of a technical quality assurance protocol and, on the other hand, due to the lack of DOI identifiers. In this study, we examine the changes in the SJR of journals in 2023. Norway and China have both produced negative lists of journals with too high proportion of national authors. An increasing number of Hungarian authors are publishing in domestically published journals, which raises questions about their participation in international discourse.

Moral rights and the protection of classics: A study of §51 in the Swedish Copyright Act of 1960

This article examines §51 of the Swedish Copyright Act 1960, generally known as ‘the protection of classics’ in relation to international discourses on copyright in the mid-twentieth century. The provision in §51 protects works of cultural significance by deceased authors and artists against reproductions that are considered offensive, even if the works are in the public domain. This article analyses the arguments and motives that led Swedish legislators to draft §51 and contextualises them internationally. The origin of the protection of classics is rooted in the notion of a paying public domain, a provision which existed in various countries in the twentieth century that allowed the state to collect royalties for works in the public domain. In Swedish copyright law this economic right was reinterpreted as a moral right to protect classical works. Unlike conventional moral rights, this right aimed at protecting the interests of the public rather than the integrity of the author. The protection of classics, and to an extent the notion of a paying public domain, can be seen not so much as a regulation of intellectual property but more as a statement about cultural heritage. By showing how the protection of classics operated within the international discourse on copyright law of the twentieth century, this article explores the relation between moral rights, a paying public domain and cultural heritage.

The emergence of international police cooperation in Europe with the creation of the TREVI group

The article examines the roots of international police cooperation in Europe, dating back to the creation of the TREVI Group in the 1970s. The format of the Group is considered and the reasons for its placement outside the format of the European Communities are explained. The centralization and formalization of international police cooperation in Europe, which was observed with the creation of the TREVI Group, is considered. The powers of the TREVI Group to fight terrorism are being investigated. It is emphasized that the granting of such powers to the Group was the result of a response to the threats faced by European states in the 1970s. The debate on the format of the group, which arose among European states, primarily between the United Kingdom, France and Germany, is considered. Germany’s proposals to create a centralized structure and the United Kingdom’s and France’s proposals to create an informal political association are under consideration. It is emphasized that the format of the Group reflects the asymmetric impact of security threats in different countries, which led to the unevenness of the preferences of the states during its formation. The Group’s chosen format reflected the «common denominator» of these political influences. Along with the existence of a common desire to develop international police cooperation, EU member states differed in their vision of the format of such cooperation. It is emphasized that the final format of the TREVI Group reflected the complex structural interdependencies in security issues between the member states of the European Communities and the politicization of security issues in domestic and international discourses. It is emphasized that the negotiations on the creation of the TREVI Group took place in conditions of strong internal politicization of the issue of combating terrorism, which shaped the preferences of states at the EU level. At the same time, the inability of states to agree on a formal structure led to the formation of the TREVI Group primarily as a platform for discussion and cooperation between participating states and an informal body promoting practical cooperation. It is concluded that the Trevi Group has become a relatively free political association, independent of the bodies of the European Communities.

Informing the cannabis policy debate: a cross-sectional study of current and former cannabis users in Ireland

ABSTRACT Background Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug with considerable international discourse regarding its legal status. This study sought to examine the wellbeing, experiences, and attitudes of adults who have used cannabis to inform policy debates. Methods A national, cross-sectional survey was completed. Data related to demographics and attitudes was collected along with validated questionnaires to measure level of dependence and wellbeing. Results Respondents (n = 732) were primarily males (61%) with a median age of 21. Three-quarters (75%) consumed cannabis more than 100 days with few regretting their cannabis use. Additionally, 60% reported previous use of both cocaine and MDMA and three-quarters currently use tobacco. While strongly in favor of more liberal cannabis policies they were ambivalent about decriminalizing all drugs. Depending on the cutoff used, 14.6% to 32.2% of respondents potentially meet the criteria for cannabis dependence. Wellbeing was overall good; however, women were at significantly higher odds of poor wellbeing (OR = 2.59; 95% CI = 1.78, 3.76). Conclusion Findings suggest unanimity among cannabis users toward more liberal legal policies but have discord regarding other drugs. Harm reduction, particularly in relation to tobacco, other substances, and women is indicated.

Media debates about China’s role as a global public goods supplier: frame contestation in reporting on the Chinese COVID-19 vaccine

This study examines different and even conflicting media frames for the Chinese COVID-19 vaccine as a global public good. Through a standardised content analysis approach examining media frames for the Chinese COVID-19 vaccine across three media outlets, the study reveals that Chinese media emphasise the safety and efficacy of their vaccines, highlighting their benefits for the international community. Conversely, the US and German media express apprehensions about China’s ‘vaccine diplomacy’ and perceive it as a political threat. Notably, Germany exhibits a relatively softer stance in this context, implying the existence of various attitudes and behaviours within the US and Europe in terms of coping with China’s rising influence. This case reflects the ongoing competition between superpowers, with the ‘China Threat Theory’ and the ‘China Responsibility Theory’ representing two major ideas dominating international discourse about China. China’s identity as a global public goods supplier in the context of the global pandemic may not make it more acceptable as a responsible great power, but rather, create more Western anxieties over China’s threat to the liberal international order.

Language and power: linguistic imperialism

Linguistic imperialism refers to the dominance of one language over others, often resulting in the marginalization of local languages and cultures. This phenomenon has significant implications for power dynamics in global communication, education, and identity formation. The paper explores the historical context of linguistic imperialism, examining how colonialism and globalization have contributed to the prevalence of languages such as English in international discourse. The object of research is the impact of linguistic hegemony on non-dominant languages and their speakers. The subject of this study focuses on the social, political, and cultural ramifications of linguistic imperialism, particularly in post-colonial societies. Through a comprehensive literature analysis, the article identifies key theories and frameworks that explain the mechanisms of language dominance. The research employs qualitative methods, including discourse analysis and case studies, to illustrate the lived experiences of individuals affected by linguistic oppression. The findings reveal a correlation between language use and power relations, underscoring the need for inclusive language policies that promote linguistic diversity. The prospects for further research development include investigating strategies for revitalizing endangered languages and fostering multilingualism in educational contexts. In conclusion, addressing linguistic imperialism is crucial in promoting social justice and preserving cultural heritage in an increasingly interconnected world.

Evolution of public policy education in the global South: The case of India

ABSTRACT This paper addresses the dearth of comparative knowledge on policy education in the Global South by highlighting the remarkable growth of the field in India and comparing it with the international discourse. We discuss four key themes: the growth trajectory of policy schools, the contemporary landscape, the challenges of curriculum design, and career prospects for graduates. An empirical comparison of 56 policy schools was conducted alongside interviews with stakeholders. The results suggest that the evolution of policy education in India aligns with the internationalization model. However, in school objectives, curriculum, and careers, there is an emergent Indian model. These findings shed light on the policy education patterns of a large country in the Global South and highlight the challenges faced by countries where policy education is emerging.

The prediction of urban growth boundary based on the ANN-CA model: An application to Guangzhou

Urban growth boundary (UGB) delineation is critical not only for China's urban planning policies, such as the "three control lines" of the Ministry of Natural Resources, but also for addressing global challenges related to sustainable urban development. This study contributes to the international discourse on urban growth management by developing an innovative artificial neural network-cellular automata (ANN-CA) model, tailored for cities experiencing rapid expansion. Using Guangzhou as a case study, we constructed an impact factor model that incorporates a wide range of factors, including urban spatial terrain, natural environment, current urban land classification, and industrial and economic conditions, along with the layout of modern service networks. The ANN-CA model was then employed to simulate urban spatial expansion and UGB delineation for the year 2030 under various constraints, such as strict protection zones and sustainable development scenarios. Our findings indicate that between 2020 and 2030, Nansha, Panyu, and Zengcheng districts will witness the most significant urban expansion, with respective area increases of 13.81 km2, 8.94 km2, and 5.8 km2, marking them as key growth areas. Furthermore, we propose that future urban expansion in Guangzhou should prioritize the southern and eastern regions, aligning with the city's strategic spatial objectives of "moving east, expanding south, connecting west, and optimizing north." By emphasizing ecological protection and intensive land use, this study provides a robust framework for urban planning in Guangzhou and offers insights applicable to rapidly urbanizing regions worldwide.

The status of History in the subject-selection ‘marketplace’: Insights from Australian students

AbstractConcern about declining enrollments in senior school History subjects has been a regular feature of history education discourse in Australia for at least 30 years. This concern is also evident in international discourse about History being a subject “in crisis”. In Australia and elsewhere, there has been increased speculation about the reasons History enrollments are contracting. However, students are not often included in these discussions, and the external conditions affecting their subject choices tend to be overlooked. Our mixed methods research draws on descriptive statistics and thematic analysis of data from an online survey of 293 students in years 10, 11, and 12 from across Australia. This article examines influences on History’s status in the subject ‘marketplace’ from the perspective of students and conceptualizes three sets of influences: instrumental, subject status, and local context. We position this work in the context of history education, subject selection, careers education research literature, and policy. The dominance of instrumental influences on the decisions of participants to choose or reject History as a senior secondary subject also leads us to examine how, in uncertain times, the forces of neoliberalism are shaping young people’s perceptions of the alignment of school and future work.

Государственное управление устойчивым развитием: опыт России и Китая

The article examines modern forms of public administration of sustainable development in Russia and China. It has been revealed that national projects predominate in Russia. This framework allows to focus on solving strategic problems and to use project approach technologies for the comprehensive implementation of development priorities. In its turn, China’s strategy is characterized by support of implementation of the sustainable development goals through the adoption of specific regulatory documents for each goal and the identification of funding sources for each goal. The research shows that mutual enrichment with proven management technologies will allow both countries to implement national sustainable development goals in less time, solve common problems in border regions, influence international discourse in a multipolar world, and intensify global cooperation.

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.

Unmasking the depoliticisation of ICT in digital competence frameworks for educators: a critical discourse study

ABSTRACT This study explores digital competence education by looking into how discourse in a typical digital competence framework for educators may or may not promote democracy in the way it features information and communication technology (ICT). The authors examined the Norwegian Professional Digital Competence Framework for Teachers, which is aligned with similar frameworks from all over the world and therefore offers insight into international discourse about ICT. They performed a critical discourse study (sociocognitive approach) to uncover inherent knowledge and assumptions about ICT. Findings show an adaptive approach to this technology, which is conveyed as a ‘tool’, ‘arena for participation’, ‘(communication) channel’ and ‘changing force’. Thus, there is a focus on participation in politics ON the internet. Politics OF the internet and ICT, however, is not mentioned, which indicates that the technology is naturalised and thereby kept away from democratic debate. This suggests a risk of democratic deficiency.

Unpacking the discourse surrounding the impact agenda in the Hong Kong Research Assessment Exercise 2020

Abstract Research with economic utility and social value has been increasingly valued. Such an emphasis can be evidenced by the newly included assessment element of ‘societal impact’ in performance-based research funding (PBRF) schemes in different higher education systems around the world. This paper investigates how the non-academic impact is constructed and perceived in the Hong Kong Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2020, taking into account the local socio-cultural characteristics in the context of Hong Kong. Data sources include 13 impact case studies in the education panel submitted for the Hong Kong RAE 2020 and semi-structured interview with 17 education academics in Hong Kong. Findings revealed that the non-academic impact was constructed through a narrative pattern: (1) problem identification: tensions and synergies between local and international discourse; (2) problem resolution: prioritization of the evidence-based applied education research (with funding); (3) resolution dissemination: strategic employment of promotional genre. The paper discusses how decolonization, academic entrepreneurialism and collectivist culture have characterized the framing and understanding of the non-academic impact in the Hong Kong academia, contributing to the discourse on neoliberalism in higher education by providing a nuanced, local perspective on the impact agenda. Policy implications for a more localized and flexible impact agenda are also provided.

Forced sterilization in the state of California from 1909 to 1979: A historical and legal analysis

This historical and legal analysis examines the phenomenon of forced sterilization in California between 1909 and 1979, a period marked by the implementation of eugenic policies aimed at improving the genetic composition of the population. Through a detailed examination of the legal frameworks, key court cases, and the socio-political context, this study reveals how eugenic ideology gained acceptance, which led to the sterilization of thousands of individuals under the guise of societal betterment. The analysis delves into the ethical, legal, and historical dimensions of these practices and it highlights the role of California as a focal point in the broader national and international discourse on eugenics and human rights. The gradual rejection of eugenic ideology as well as the shift towards recognizing and compensating victims reflect a critical reassessment of the past injustices and underscore the importance of ethical considerations in medical and legal practices.

Religious Education and Ecumenical Formation in Post-confessional Settings – Essentials for the Theological Education of Pastors and Teachers of Religion

Abstract The article discusses the significance of international discourse on ecumenical formation for debates about the future of religious education in diverse environments, both from a German and global perspective. It emphasizes the historical importance of education in the ecumenical movement, tracing back to the early pioneers with a background in the World Student Christian Fellowship. The author draws from his longstanding involvement in international ecumenical work on education to advocate for ecumenical formation for students of theology, including those training to be religious education teachers. The article surveys key policy documents from German and international church bodies and concludes with six essential learnings for theological education in post-confessional environments.

English Language and Its Importance as Global Communication

This study aimed at finding out the importance of English language as global communication. English has emerged as a dominant force in international discourse, playing a pivotal role in facilitating communication among people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds in the global area or around the world. The study used literature study to gather the data from many sources especially in online form in research journal. This study found out that the importance of English language as global communication, basically has 4 major entities . Firstly, in education, English acts as the principal medium of instruction across various educational domains. In science and technology, it acts as a primary medium for communication, collaboration, and the dissemination of knowledge in these fields. In business, it acts as a global lingua franca, English effectively caters to the requirements of multinational corporations, serving as a communication conduit between various business entities. In travel and tourism, it acts as a crucial tool for communication, customer service, marketing, and information dissemination

ENHANCING PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION: ADOPTING THE CAPABILITY PHILOSOPHY IN ENGLAND'S EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

This study evaluates the integration of the Professional Capability Framework (PCF) in England's social work education and its potential applicability in the Czech Republic. As England has advanced its social work training through holistic approaches and continuous professional development [1], this paper explores the feasibility of adapting such reforms to enhance the Czech educational system. By conducting a comparative analysis, the research identifies gaps in the Czech framework and suggests tailored adaptations from the English model. This streamlined examination not only furthers the international discourse on social work education but also proposes actionable strategies for cross-cultural educational enhancements.