Multifaceted Conflicts Research Articles

The Interaction Between Japanese Buddhism and Christianity in the Meiji Period

Although initially fraught with tension, spanning roughly two decades, Buddhists employed various strategies to combat the spread of Christianity and uphold their traditional values. As the 1890s dawned, a new wave of Buddhists emerged, spearheading the reconstruction of Japanese Buddhism through processes of secularization and westernization in alignment with the currents of the Meiji Restoration. This paper delves into the intricate relationship between Buddhism and Christianity in Japan following the Perry Expedition. By scrutinizing the writings and orations of numerous Buddhist leaders spanning the period from the 1860s to the 1890s, this paper elucidates the multifaceted conflicts and interactions between Japanese Buddhism and Christianity. A nuanced analysis of their endeavors, reveals the evolving dynamics and strategies employed by both religions in navigating their coexistence in Japan's religious landscape, where both involuntarily made corresponding relative changes to be involved in social trends and Japanese traditions. This paper also discusses the cooperation and potential union between the two religions at the beginning of the 19th century, when New Buddhists received education in Western philosophy and examined Christianity. In short, the Buddhist-Christian relationship underwent a conversion from opponents to equal religion, even collaboratively enforcing social justice and care.

The Interaction Between Japanese Buddhism and Christianity in the Meiji Period

Although initially fraught with tension, spanning roughly two decades, Buddhists employed various strategies to combat the spread of Christianity and uphold their traditional values. As the 1890s dawned, a new wave of Buddhists emerged, spearheading the reconstruction of Japanese Buddhism through processes of secularization and westernization in alignment with the currents of the Meiji Restoration. This paper delves into the intricate relationship between Buddhism and Christianity in Japan following the Perry Expedition. By scrutinizing the writings and orations of numerous Buddhist leaders spanning the period from the 1860s to the 1890s, this paper elucidates the multifaceted conflicts and interactions between Japanese Buddhism and Christianity. A nuanced analysis of their endeavors, reveals the evolving dynamics and strategies employed by both religions in navigating their coexistence in Japan's religious landscape, where both involuntarily made corresponding relative changes to be involved in social trends and Japanese traditions. This paper also discusses the cooperation and potential union between the two religions at the beginning of the 19th century, when New Buddhists received education in Western philosophy and examined Christianity. In short, the Buddhist-Christian relationship underwent a conversion from opponents to equal religion, even collaboratively enforcing social justice and care.

Transnational companies in environmental conflicts: Rio Tinto, anti-mining resistance in Serbia, and the contradictions of Europeanization

AbstractAfter decades of outsourcing mining activities, Global North governments have begun to domesticate production sites. This strategy aligns with decarbonization goals but also contributes to the emergence of new environmental conflicts and protest movements. The analysis of these movements provides an important insight into the changing shape of transnational rule in the context of resource extraction for the European Green Deal. Building on the approach to reconstruct rule from resistance, we reconstruct the anti-mining resistance movement against a lithium mine in Serbia. Tracing their tactics and addressees, we identify three main conflict actors that the movement is opposed to (the transnational mining company Rio Tinto, the Serbian government, and the European Union (EU)). By addressing these institutions, the protesters do not only constitute a multifaceted conflict constellation around the Jadar project, but they also submit an argument about who can and who is allowed to dictate to others how they ought to behave. While all involved parties play their part, the EU appears more as a structural force during the conflict, preconfiguring the possible conduct of others. Particularly, the accession process places contradictory expectations on Serbia, both enabling and restricting the agency of the government and domestic protest movements. Yet, transnational companies are likely profiting from this constellation in the long run, because the inbuilt contradiction between a commitment to green policies and a pressure to open markets to foreign investments in the context of the accession process is conducive to that end.

Hybrid warfare and the challenge to international law

This article explores the complex landscape of hybrid warfare, a multifaceted conflict strategy blending conventional military tactics with cyberattacks, information warfare, and economic coercion. It examines the challenges hybrid warfare poses to international law, the difficulties in establishing legal definitions, and the strategic responses by major powers including Russia, the United States, and China. The discussion extends to the adaptation of national and international strategies to address the gray zones of conflict that hybrid warfare exploits. Emphasizing the need for innovative legal frameworks and international cooperation, the article highlights hybrid warfare’s impact on global security dynamics and the evolving nature of warfare in the digital age.

The Threats of Climate Change in Nepal: Natural Catastrophes and Global Conflict Frontiers

Nepal, nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, is uniquely positioned with its delicate geological makeup. This renders it vulnerable to escalating environmental threats, primarily driven by global climate change-induced adversities. These climatic adversities not only disrupt the ecological balance but also create a space for multiple conflict frontiers. The primary objective of this research is to delve into the multifaceted conflicts that include competition for scarce resources, decision-making process, and vested interest of foreign powers that may arise from the climatic challenges especially flash floods, glacier lake outbursts, droughts, landslides, and other catastrophic disasters. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of climatic-induced disaster events and their significant role in the origin of conflicts. Employing a qualitative research design using the tool of comparative analysis, the study investigates the conflicts triggered by these disasters of the past two decades. The study will draw insightful parallels between Nepal's unique situation and other global regions. I will spotlight regions like South Sudan, Rwanda, Syria, and, South and Southeast Asia where climate-induced factors, such as acute water and food shortages, have ignited community tensions and other resource-based conflicts in the historical review and analysis. Within Nepal's borders, I will undertake a detailed historical analysis of the specific cases due to climate change. The study aims to bridge the knowledge gap between climate change and conflict dynamics, offering actionable insights for holistic resource management, disaster risk mitigation, and proactive conflict prevention.

Understanding the Challenges Faced by Filipino LGBTQ+ Individuals with Strong Religious Ties

The Philippines is renowned for its deep religiosity, providing hope and support to its citizens. However, this religiosity presents a paradox, as some church teachings openly oppress and stigmatize LGBTQ+ individuals, branding homosexuality as morally wrong. This study explored the complex conflicts experienced by LGBTQ+ Filipinos with strong religious ties and how their faith either supports or exacerbates their challenges. Prior research consistently shows that LGBTQ+ encounter discrimination and degradation within their religious communities, driven by unjust treatment. Employing a phenomenological qualitative approach with in-depth interviews, this study examines Filipino LGBTQ+ individuals aged 18 and above. The findings unveil the multifaceted conflicts participants face, notably inequitable and oppressive treatment within their religious communities. Ecclesiastical dilemmas emerge, primarily due to discrimination, humiliation, and exclusion from the church and its members, stemming from flawed teachings categorizing LGBTQ+ individuals as morally wrong. Perceptions of support from their religion reveal a dual nature. Participants find positive support within their faith, receiving solace from select individuals who encourage focusing on the positive aspects of their religious experience. Conversely, they report negative effects from the church’s problematic teachings, leading to isolation and a lack of support that significantly impacts their well-being. This study contributes to understanding the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, especially within religious contexts, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and correction of misguided beliefs and teachings. The research strives to create a more inclusive and safer environment for all individuals, irrespective of gender or identity, fostering a more accepting and understanding society.

Public Health in Peril: Assessing the Impact of Ongoing Conflict in Gaza Strip (Palestine) and Advocating Immediate Action to Halt Atrocities

Background: The protracted Israel-Palestine conflict has once again escalated, resulting in a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza Strip (Palestine). This brief report aims to provide an objective overview of the historical roots of the conflict, its impact on public health, and a call to action to end the ongoing atrocities. Methods: A literature search was conducted on PubMed, focusing on the period after the recent escalation in October 2023. Seven relevant papers were identified, serving as primary sources for this analysis. Results: We begin by presenting an unbiased historical account of the Israel-Palestine conflict and tracing its origins to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This historical context forms the foundation for comprehending the current crisis and the urgent appeal for humanitarian intervention. The escalating violence has placed immense strain on the healthcare system in Gaza Strip (Palestine), resulting in overwhelmed hospitals, critically low medical supplies, and severe hardships for healthcare workers. Furthermore, the civilian population, especially children, bears the brunt of the conflict, with high casualties and long-term trauma. Urgent calls for a ceasefire, protection of civilians, and the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid are emphasized. Finally, the necessity of addressing these issues through an objective academic lens is emphasized to foster a deeper understanding of multifaceted conflict. Conclusion: The catastrophic impact of ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip (Palestine) on public health is undeniable. Immediate action is imperative to halt atrocities, protect civilian lives, and support medical personnel in their life-saving mission. The call for an objective evaluation of the complex factors at play transcends historical grievances and political differences.

The Greco-Turkish War of 1919–1922: Causes, Course, Effects

The Greco-Turkish war, in its strictest sense, was a multifaceted conflict characterized by the varied actions of the combatants. Even though there were not any coalitions comprising military contingents, joint command structures, or coordinated military forces between the Greek, Armenian, and French nationalist factions, one can argue that each theatre of warfare – Armenian, Cilician, and Greek (Anatolian) – operated as a cohesive strategic unit. For many Greeks and Armenians, this conflict represented an extension of their national liberation effort, driven by territorial aspirations, a quest to realize their national vision, and an ambition to humble a longstanding adversary. On the other hand, the inhabitants of Anatolia and the Muslim refugees who had sought sanctuary in the region – individuals who increasingly identified as Turks rather than Ottomans – were motivated by their pursuit of national sovereignty and independence.

Physically Present but Spiritually Distant: The View of the European Union in Poland

AbstractThe Polish people remain staunchly in favour of the concept of a European Union. Paradoxically though, there has been strong and continued electoral support for Law and Justice (PiS), its ruling party, despite its insistence on precipitating and then continuing multifaceted conflicts with EU institutions. This article examines the internal structural changes in Poland and the attitudes to the EU of Poland’s leaders; the article will argue that those attitudes have deepened pre-existing divisions over integration. By fusing the triple modernization theory of European integration with a two-dimensional concept of party-based Euroscepticism, the article shows how PiS’s ambiguous discourse on European integration, combined with an increasingly instrumental approach to the EU by the Polish electorate—and that electorate’s deepening polarization—have secured steady support for PiS from ostensibly Europhile voters.

Spectral Shadows in Scientific Practice: Unveiling the Haunting Effects of Authorship and Scientific Capital Accumulation

Abstract This article weaves together the intricate realms of authorship and scientific capital within the context of the Tumor Bank at Mexico’s National Institute of Cancerology (INCan). As intellectual property paradigms continue to evolve, the notion of authorship emerges as an intriguing avenue for the dissemination of knowledge. This study employs ethnographic methods to investigate the multifaceted conflicts involving the ownership of biological samples, the authorship of research outputs, and scientific capital. In the context of INCan’s research setting, the discrepancies in sample distribution serve as a symbolic reflection of the scientific capital and influence exercised by researchers. In doing so, interviews with INCan researchers illuminate how intricate collegial and personal relationships and alliances are navigated in order to secure coveted samples. Within this intricate interplay, credibility and power dynamics intertwine, crafting a tapestry of considerable complexity shaping the nuanced dynamics of authorship within the academic sphere.

The Part of the Protestant Church in the Processes of Exiting Electoral Crises in Francophone Black Africa

The analysis presented in this paper starts from an observation that generally shows pluralist electoral competitions in Francophone (French-speaking) black Africa not as frameworks for the expression of political adversity, but rather as real moments of enmity, disorder and multifaceted conflicts. Indeed, the democratic processes initiated by most African States at the beginning of the 1990s did not allow the desired liberalization of the political field. They were confronted with the ruse of political leaders wishing to stay in power for a long time by developing strategies for circumventing real political pluralism, neutralizing and assimilating the opposition. The “passive democracy” that has finally been achieved is characterized by the continuation of monopolistic practices and habits in a context that is supposed to be politically liberal and plural. The resolution of the crisis which strewn the electoral processes in black Africa generally requires a strong implication of various actors and on various scales, in particular the religious actors. The part of the Protestant Church in the process of getting out of the electoral crisis is thus understood as the process of involving the Protestant clergy in the management of socio-political mores before, during and after electoral competitions. Undeniably, the function of the Protestant Church in French-speaking black Africa is not limited only to the mission of evangelization and prayers for peace in the nation, it extends to the management of these socio-political crises. This study is methodologically and theoretically based on documentary research and neo-institutionalism, taking into account the fact that the outcomes of electoral crises are above all political processes and action frameworks where institutional linkages mutually influence each other.

Collaborative governance and conflict management in cultural heritage-led regeneration projects: The case of urban Korea

Cultural heritage-led regeneration projects can give rise to multi-faceted conflicts that limit private rights through (re)development activities in the process of conserving community assets. Collaborative governance can be useful as a means of managing these conflicts. Our work sheds light on how collaborative governance can be applicable to conflict management involving ongoing cultural heritage-led regeneration projects within the South Korean city of Mokpo. Using a document-based analysis, qualitative interviews, and an inductive approach, our study addressed the conflict stage and management throughout the regeneration process. Our findings imply that public and private actors' motivations were contingent upon institutions. Additional results suggest that collaborative governance and stakeholders’ interactions can play crucial roles in managing conflicts.

Public Health in Peril: Assessing the Impact of Ongoing Conflict in Gaza Strip (Palestine) and Advocating Immediate Action to Halt Atrocities

Background: The protracted Israel-Palestine conflict has once again escalated, resulting in a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza Strip (Palestine). This brief report aims to provide an objective overview of the historical roots of the conflict, its impact on public health, and a call to action to end the ongoing atrocities. Methods: A literature search was conducted on PubMed, focusing on the period after the recent escalation in October 2023. Seven relevant papers were identified, serving as primary sources for this analysis. Results: We begin by presenting an unbiased historical account of the Israel-Palestine conflict and tracing its origins to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This historical context forms the foundation for comprehending the current crisis and the urgent appeal for humanitarian intervention. The escalating violence has placed immense strain on the healthcare system in Gaza Strip (Palestine), resulting in overwhelmed hospitals, critically low medical supplies, and severe hardships for healthcare workers. Furthermore, the civilian population, especially children, bears the brunt of the conflict, with high casualties and long-term trauma. Urgent calls for a ceasefire, protection of civilians, and the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid are emphasized. Finally, the necessity of addressing these issues through an objective academic lens is emphasized to foster a deeper understanding of multifaceted conflict. Conclusion: The catastrophic impact of ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip (Palestine) on public health is undeniable. Immediate action is imperative to halt atrocities, protect civilian lives, and support medical personnel in their life-saving mission. The call for an objective evaluation of the complex factors at play transcends historical grievances and political differences.

Nausicaä: a heroína que não segue o Caminho do Herói

The stories of most literary and cinematic works are based on the character’s maturation cycle as his journey unfolds. The protagonist, most of the time, has convictions strongly rooted in values said to be naive, both by the narrative itself and by the common target audience, which leads him to decay in the face of the obstacles of the adventure, and, consequently, makes him doubt his beliefs and adopt a new way of thinking about the world, characterizing its transformation. This sequence is treated as a necessary central element that leads the hero or heroine to victory, that is, a formula for success and, markedly the essence of the transformation arc, for the death and defeat of the villain. In Nausicaa, we are presented with a multifaceted conflict in which the self-styled right parties see the annihilation of the enemy as their triumph and solution. The biggest challenge for Nausicaa, a female character, is not to understand something she doesn’t know, but to remain firm in her initial belief – that men and Ohmus can live peacefully – in the midst of the challenges that present themselves. The purpose of this work is to present the animation Nausicaa (Japan, 1984) by Studio Ghibli. Aspects of Hayao Miyazaki’s work will be presented, such as age classification, aspects of the character, use of close-up, relationships between youth and the feminine, among others.

Darfur Peacekeepers: The African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur (AMIS) from the Perspective of a Hungarian Military Advisor by János Besenyő (review)

Reviewed by: Darfur Peacekeepers: The African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur (AMIS) from the Perspective of a Hungarian Military Advisor by János Besenyő Nina Käsehage BOOK REVIEW of Besenyő, János. 2021. Darfur Peacekeepers: The African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur (AMIS) from the Perspective of a Hungarian Military Advisor. Paris: Éditions L’Harmattan, 234 pp. €29 (cloth), €29 (paper). The book Darfur Peacekeepers: The African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur (AMIS) from the Perspective of a Hungarian Military Advisor combines two perspectives, that of an Africanist and that of a military advisor assessing the multifaceted conflicts in Sudan. It is divided into seven chapters: “Geography and History of Darfur,” “AMIS I,” “AMIS II—History, Structure and Operation,” “AMIS IIE (Enhanced) or AMIS III,” “The Support Mission of the European Union,” “Hungarian Experience,” and the author’s “Conclusion.” The first chapter takes the reader on a journey through the economic, historical, and sociopolitical dimensions of Sudan, its religions, ethnic groups, and natural environment. Chapters 2, 3, and 4 provide detail regarding the three African Union peacekeeping missions in Darfur, such as their structures, phases, and military components. Besenyő profiles the efforts made, the tasks pertaining to the different sectors, and the costs associated with these missions. Chapter 5 describes the support mission of the European Union in Darfur, its development as well as the challenges it faced, such as demands by the African Union (AU) regarding military equipment and the AU’s unwillingness to provide staff to cover other aspects of AMIS for activities such as healthcare. This imbalance, and the presence of foreign military personnel in the region, led to insecurity among the population and a wave of refugees. Additionally, the personal and local accommodation of European staff was dismal, and the African commander treated his European colleagues [End Page 138] as outsiders; further, he did not provide them with the necessary information regarding the mission. Chapter 6 offers insights into the work of Hungarian military observers in Darfur since 2004, the changing role of the position since 2005 as deputy head of field support service (a responsibility that fell to the author), the extension of this position for six months, and Hungarian withdrawal from the mission. In clear terms, the author describes the challenges he had to face during this period as deputy head of field support service: starting with insufficient food stocks for the (international) military staff in the camps, issues of hygiene and sanitation, and the food habits of local soldiers that caused various risks, as well as diseases, for and among the staff within the camps. In his conclusion, Besenyő points out that the AU “was able to achieve results only through the ongoing political and financial and the diplomatic support of the US, EU and UN” (172) because it lacked resources as well as human capacity, such as police or soldiers, lacked experience with peacekeeping missions, and had an “overburdened bureaucracy” (172). According to Besenyő, one of the major failures of the AU was due to “the military reinforcement and expansion of the mission that was supposed to be a monitoring mission originally” (173). Considerable mismanagement of the AU regarding donations and cooperation between the aforementioned international organizations and the AU’s (military) representatives led the inhabitants of the region to lose their faith in the African peacekeepers and turn to self-defense. Such mismanagement included the AU’s unwillingness to grant visas to the international peacekeepers and the lack of English skills on the part of African military partners sent to the region, despite those partners’ ongoing desire and will to lead this so-called African mission. For these reasons, the AMIS missions failed in the author’s eyes. His observations may be taken as testimony to the former failures regarding Darfur, to inform appropriate mutual approaches for this region in the future. In particular, the internal perspectives of the author’s and other experts’ diaries that are cited in chapters 4 and 6 visualize incidents, challenges, and opportunities in Darfur during the mission’s involvement in the region. They may be appropriately classified as being in the tradition of military history and give the description of seemingly anonymous military interventions...

The access to justice gap and the rule of law crisis in Poland

SummaryThe article discusses selected problems of access to justice in Poland as an important context for the rule of law crisis since 2015. The difficulties in formally addressing justiciable problems were illustrated by the findings of empirical studies conducted in 2015 and 2018. The article argues that having experienced obstacles in addressing their justiciable issues, Polish society has developed what can be termed a highly rational stance towards the legal system, which can be expected to contribute to its reluctance to actively oppose the sweeping reforms of the judiciary introduced by populists. Understanding the effects of inaccessibility of justice combined with insufficient options to resolve justiciable problems outside of the law and legal institutions is an important addition to the prevailing politics- and culture-centred approaches to understanding of the long-standing multifaceted conflict around the judiciary in Poland.

Transforming Yemen? Divergent Saudi and Emirati Intervention Policies

AbstractSaudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have pursued distinct policies in Yemen since their intervention began in March 2015. The Saudis remain mired in an air war in the north to defeat the Houthis, an Iran‐linked group that ousted Yemeni President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi. Between 2016 and 2019, the UAE shifted from this task toward a ground war in the south to fight Islamist groups and support the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a secessionist organization that opposes Hadi's government. Why have Saudi Arabia and the UAE pursued such different intervention policies? Building on Elizabeth Saunders’ intervention typology, as well as theories of alliance politics, I analyze individual‐leader perceptions of both the origins and types of external threats. I argue that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman formed a “nontransformative” policy in the north to address a material threat embodied in the Houthis. Alternatively, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed formed a “transformative” policy in the south to counter Islamist threats that could spread to the UAE. Assessing these different intervention policies amid divergent threat perceptions sheds light on Yemen's multifaceted conflict.

Conflict of Relevance and Reliability of İnformation and the Global Network

The conflict of interests in the global information space is multifaceted conflict between manopolists and the government, sellers and consumers, information resources and consumers of information, etc. Systematic discussion and new approaches to the problem of conflict of interests can contribute to raising progressiveness. The purpose of the article is to raise the problem of conflict of interest, to model it both within the framework of an integrated system, and to find optimal solutions in the context of differentiated corporate interests. This will eliminate the manipulation of the niteres conflict in the global network.

Conflict of Relevance and Reliability of İnformation and the Global Network

The conflict of interests in the global information space is multifaceted conflict between manopolists and the government, sellers and consumers, information resources and consumers of information, etc. Systematic discussion and new approaches to the problem of conflict of interests can contribute to raising progressiveness. The purpose of the article is to raise the problem of conflict of interest, to model it both within the framework of an integrated system, and to find optimal solutions in the context of differentiated corporate interests. This will eliminate the manipulation of the niteres conflict in the global network.

Sick Tiger: Social Conflict, State–Business Relations and Exclusive Growth in Thailand

ABSTRACT State–business relations are considered the key to explaining long-term economic growth. However, the fact that there is neither an ideal nor convergent model of such relations requires us to explore political arrangements that underpin them. This article proposes a modified social conflict approach to state–business relations that incorporates into the analysis the role of intra-elite contestation, marginalised groups, and different kinds of leading economic actor, with a case study of Thailand. It argues that, from 1980 to 1997, Thailand’s economic development occurred within the context of multifaceted conflicts and power fragmentation. Banking oligopolies played a leading role in resource allocation that took Thailand to a path of high growth, high inequality and low technological capabilities. Social conflict in the post-1997 era has shifted towards power consolidation, centring on the tussle between the traditional elite and elected politicians. Thaksin’s growth regime (2001–2006) was state-led in character, with profound populist–redistributive impacts. Two military coups in 2006 and 2014 did not change this consolidated structure. The junta replaced Thaksin at the top of the pecking order and rearranged the inner–outer circles of its own clientelistic networks. This evolution of social conflict has rendered Thailand’s economic development increasingly opposing to the notion of inclusive growth.