Participants In Dialogue Research Articles

Intersectionality and women's participation in peace negotiations

Abstract The Women, Peace and Security resolutions have consistently called for women's increased participation at all levels in institutions and mechanisms for preventing, managing and resolving conflict. Despite a long history of feminist interventions to disrupt categories of gender as a stagnant, ahistorical or geographically consistent structure, rationales for women's inclusion continue to rest on problematic narratives and assumptions. We draw on twenty-nine interviews with practitioners whom we asked to speak about their experiences in peace negotiations and the expectations placed on women involved in these processes. The problematic narratives and assumptions we identify on the basis of these interviews and academic literature have the effect of diminishing women's agency and, thus, their ability to participate in peace negotiations on their terms. Women contribute positively to the durability of peace and the inclusion of gender provisions in agreements. Still, when women's identities are constructed as one-dimensional, the benefits of women's inclusion remain paradoxically a cause for celebration and a partial gain. In this article, we apply theories of intersectionality, informed by Black and African feminisms, to expose women's subject positions that may be made invisible because of assumptions that continue to be associated with calls for women's participation in peace negotiations.

Foreign experience of administrative and legal regulation of discretionary powers in the branch of land relations

The article collects and analyzes approaches to understanding and conditions of application and implementation of discretionary powers of local self-government bodies in the sphere of land relations of foreign states. The realities of modern life require public authorities not only to timely and fully fulfill their tasks, but also to comply with high standards of integrity. The described tasks and goals are especially important in the implementation of discretionary rights and duties that can be carried out with a certain freedom of action or at all - at their own discretion. The scientific novelty of the study is that this study in the context of the application of administrative discretion of representative and executive bodies of local self-government is carried out for the first time and can be the basis for reviewing the content of national legislation on these issues and significantly influence the development of legal policy on these issues. The author analyzes the existing normative legal acts that are used by municipalities in different states to exercise their administrative functions at their own discretion on this issue. The study concerns both general approaches to understanding administrative discretion, which often takes place through the adoption of legislation on administrative procedure (their principles, legal certainty and purpose), and the options for their application to the sphere of land relations. The article describes the legal regulation of these phenomena in countries such as Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, USA, France, Great Britain, Norway, Albania, Finland, Bulgaria, establishes patterns, trends and common features of legal regulation, speaks of successful practices, successful experience and prospects for its adoption into the national legal system. The author focuses on the trends in the development of administrative discretion and the importance of digitalization, openness, dialogue and public participation in resolving issues of land relations and concludes on the state of legal certainty of powers, which can be exercised at the discretion of municipalities only by describing the general requirements for the behavior of the latter, to a lesser or greater extent limits the freedom of their operation by law and always grants the right to interested persons to challenge decisions made that affect the sphere of their interests.

Identifying focus areas for science communication training in the context of undergraduate science education

ABSTRACT In this paper, we present recommendations for integrating science communication training into undergraduate science curricula. Science communication training is increasingly acknowledged as an important element of science education. It is essential to introduce this training early in academic development, ideally at the undergraduate level. The current study was aimed at identifying specific focus areas for such training within an undergraduate biomedical sciences program. Therefore, we tasked undergraduate biomedical students with translating general instructions for engaging in science-society interactions into concrete communicative behavior. Following the thematic analysis of 121 written student responses, we identified two primary focus areas, resulting in two recommendations. Firstly, training should concentrate on helping students to operationalize complex communicative concepts, such as respect and listening, into tangible communicative behavior. A special emphasis should be placed on aspects of nonverbal communication. Secondly, science communication training should prioritize fostering informed views of the nature of science, while connecting to building knowledge and understanding of models of science communication. This approach could enhance students’ receptivity to important aspects of the dialogue model, such as accepting diverse forms of knowledge and recognizing scientists and non-scientists as equal participants in dialogue. For both recommendations, we contemplate potential educational interventions and/or pedagogical approaches.

Evaluating Negotiators Who Deceptively Communicate Anger or Happiness: On the Importance of Morality, Sociability, and Competence

AbstractResearch has shown that negotiators sometimes misrepresent their emotions, and communicate a different emotion to opponents than they actually experience. Less is known about how people evaluate such negotiation tactics. Building on person perception literature, we investigated in three preregistered studies (N = 853) how participants evaluate negotiators who deceptively (vs. genuinely) communicate anger or happiness, on the dimensions of morality, sociability, and competence. Study 1 employed a buyer/seller setting, Studies 2 and 3 employed an Ultimatum Bargaining Game (UBG). In all studies, participants learned a negotiator’s (the target’s) experienced and communicated emotions (anger or happiness), before evaluating the target. Across studies, targets were evaluated lower on morality if they deceptively (vs. genuinely) communicated anger or happiness. Notably, negotiators deceptively communicating anger were evaluated lower on morality and sociability but higher on competence than those deceptively communicating happiness. Studies 2 and 3 investigated behavioral consequences by examining whether in a future negotiation participants chose the target to be their opponent or representative. Results showed that for opponents, participants preferred targets who genuinely communicated happiness (vs. anger), which was associated with their perceived morality or sociability. For representatives, participants not only preferred targets who had genuinely communicated happiness (vs. anger), but also targets who had deceptively communicated anger (vs. happiness), which was associated with their perceived competence. These findings show that when evaluating deceptive (vs. genuine) communication strategies, people distinguish between morality, sociability, and competence. The importance they attach to these dimensions is also contingent on the behavioral decisions they face.

Collaborative Governance dalam Mewujudkan Kota Singkawang Sebagai Kota Tertoleran Tahun 2023

Tolerance is one of the essential pillars in creating a harmonious and inclusive society, particularly in a city with ethnic and cultural diversity like Singkawang. Collaborative Governance, as an approach involving various stakeholders in the decision-making process, is key to achieving this goal. This study aims to explore how Collaborative Governance plays a role in making Singkawang a Tolerant City in 2023, using Ansell and Gash's (2007) theory of Collaborative Governance as an analytical framework. The research method used is a qualitative study with a descriptive approach. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and related document analysis. The results show that there are 13 main stakeholders involved, with the Singkawang City Government as the primary facilitator. Each has a specific role in facilitating cooperation, conducting dialogues, preserving culture, and supporting activities that promote tolerance. The study also found that the roles and contributions among stakeholders have not yet been fully integrated into a structured legal framework, and there are still challenges in aligning interests and long-term commitments. Collaborative Governance in Singkawang is effective in enabling better coordination among stakeholders, but there are still shortcomings in dialogue participation, consensus on mutual understanding, and accountability mechanisms that need improvement. This study provides important insights for the development of public policy and collaborative practices in Singkawang.

Characteristics and Emerging Trends in International City Negotiations

The article examines key features, main directions, and current trends in international negotiations between subnational territorial units using the example of cities. In today’s world, where the global political system is undergoing epochal change, the international activities of non-governmental and subnational actors, including their participation in international negotiations, have intensified. One of the key features of international city negotiations is that they occur mainly in a multilevel and multilateral format. This is due to the hybrid nature of cities, which are both state and non-state entities. The balance of power between cities and states in international relations depends on factors such as the degree of autonomy granted to sub-national units by the central government, as well as the level of economic and political influence held by cities. Sometimes, the position of a city may differ significantly from that of the state it belongs to. At the international level, there are several specialized institutions and mechanisms that allow cities to coordinate their positions and develop common approaches. These include the World Association of United Cities and Local Authorities, the World Assembly of Local and Regional Authorities, and the Metropolis Association. The main topics of today’s multilateral negotiations between cities include combating climate change, ensuring protection from natural disasters, promoting the rights of migrants and other displaced people, and fostering innovation in urban environment and governance. In contrast, bilateral negotiations between cities, based on the institution of sister cities, focus more on the humanitarian, scientific, educational, and cultural spheres of cooperation. Finally, current trends in international city negotiations include the increasing use of digital technologies and the geographical reorientation of Russian cities’ partnerships towards the countries of the “global majority.”

Freire's Praxis, Democracy and Critical Consciousness in Islamic Education

Critical philosophy in education assumes that students are so naive and unable to read social reality critically, and this also happens in Islamic education. Paulo Freire tries to promote the importance of student-centred education, active participation and critical consciousness in education. This study aims to: (1) explore Freire's ideas about praxis; (2) explore Freire's thoughts on democracy; (3) explore Freire's thinking about critical consciousness; (4) integrate the concepts of praxis, democracy and critical consciousness in Islamic education. This is literature research which involves review of literature that is relevant to Freire's concepts and their application in Islamic education. The findings of this study are: (1) Praxis allows students to link Islamic knowledge and values with concrete actions in life; (2) Democracy promotes student participation in decision-making and open dialogue, enabling them to actively contribute to learning; (3) Critical consciousness helps students understand the structure of society and analyze their understanding of Islamic teachings critically; (4) The concepts of praxis, democracy and critical consciousness in Islamic education provides opportunities for students to integrate religious teachings with their life experiences, understand the social context and develop a critical understanding of Islam.

COMMUNICATION PATTERNS OF WAYANG GOLEK PUPPETEERS IN PROVIDING SOCIAL CRITICISM MESSAGES TO THEIR AUDIENCES IN BANDUNG REGENCY

This study aims to investigate the communication patterns of wayang golek puppeteers in Bandung Regency as they deliver social criticism messages to their audiences. The primary objective is to understand how traditional wayang golek performances can address contemporary social issues while engaging audiences in meaningful dialogue. Employing a qualitative research methodology, this study utilized direct observations and in-depth interviews with key participants, including wayang golek puppeteers and audience members. The data collection involved attending live performances, analyzing the content and delivery of social critiques, and conducting interviews to gain insights into the effectiveness and reception of these performances. The findings reveal that Wayang Golek puppeteers employ interactive techniques to engage their audiences, incorporating contemporary issues into traditional narratives to provoke thought and reflection. The performances demonstrate a successful adaptation of cultural practices to address modern societal challenges, fostering a participatory dialogue between the puppeteers and their audiences. The study highlights the role of cultural symbols and allegories in bridging traditional values with contemporary social critiques and underscores the importance of maintaining cultural heritage while addressing current issues. The results contribute to the broader discourse on participatory communication and the role of traditional art forms in societal change.

Outlining a Democratic Transition in Iran: The Significance of a Non-Dominant Social Contract and the Expansion of Universal Rights

Amidst significant upheavals in Iran, the "Woman Life Freedom" movement has emerged as both a call for social justice and an opportunity for Iranians to discuss a new social contract for the country. This paper draws on Philip Pettit’s philosophy of "New Republicanism" and Danielle Allen’s notion of "Justice by Means of Democracy" to propose a foundation for this new social contract. The central idea is “non-domination”—the principle that a society should be constructed so that no individual or group can exert arbitrary power over another. From this perspective, the “Woman Life Freedom” movement seeks not just the overthrow of the existing regime but the creation of a society where the rights and freedoms of all citizens are equally guaranteed and promoted. Alongside advocating for gender equality including LGBTQ rights, this paper emphasizes the necessity of guaranteeing life with dignity, the freedom of religious practice, and political autonomy for Iran's diverse regions in a new Iran. Achieving this requires a new social contract based on dialogue and collective participation, forming the bedrock for a new Iranian society and political regime. This paper is structured as follows: It begins by defining what a social contract entails and how it differs from a constitution, arguing that constitutions often fail without a preceding social contract. It illustrates this by reviewing constitutional developments in Iran up to the 1979 revolution. The paper then explores how a new social contract can be formulated for Iran and outlines its primary principles. Finally, it discusses the concrete political, social, and economic structures that this new social contract would establish in a post-Islamic Iran.

Sharing and comparing languages – how teachers and pupils co-construct language comparison interactions

ABSTRACT By focusing on differences and similarities between languages, pupils can increase their learning of abstract principles, metalinguistic awareness and language learning strategies (Duarte, J., & Günther-Van der Meij, M. (2018). A holistic model for multilingualism in education. EuroAmerican Journal of Applied Linguistics and Languages, 5(2), 24–43; Star, J. R., & Rittle-Johnson, B. (2009). It pays to compare: An experimental study on computational estimation. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 102(4), 408–426). However, research has demonstrated that the possible benefits of multilingual approaches, such as language comparison, might be limited due to the nature of the classroom interaction in which these approaches are implemented (Rabbidge, M. (2019). The effects of translanguaging on participation in EFL classrooms. The Journal of AsiaTEFL, 16(4), 1305–1322). By using conversation analysis, the current study aimed to gain more insight into how teachers and pupils co-construct language comparison interactions in whole class conversations. Both the conversational structure and the teachers’ practices to stimulate pupils’ active contribution to the interactions were analysed, demonstrating a dominant conversational structure consisting of two key components. Dialogic and non-dialogic participation frameworks could be identified with the first providing pupils more opportunities to actively participate and contribute their own language comparisons than the latter. This study provides interactional evidence for the role of language comparison in making use of pupils’ diverse languages and has direct implications for teachers’ ways of shaping participation frameworks to stimulate home language use in the classroom.

Rebirth of Socratic Origins of Philosophy in the Digital Era

It has been proven that philosophical dialogues and debates using digital information dissemination tools now play a leading role in popularizing philosophy beyond the academic community. It has been established that the main differences between oral dialogue and printed interviews are the degree of text editing, the possibility of changing the positions of dialogue participants, the presence of speech intonational and emotional colouring, and stylistic communication limitations. The perceptual advantages of oral dialogue lie in its accessibility to a wide range of people, deeper immersion in the communicative situation, and a better understanding of the personal traits of the communication participants.

Government participation in virtual negotiations: evidence from IPCC approval sessions

The Covid-19 pandemic challenged global governance in unprecedented ways by requiring intergovernmental meetings to be held online. For the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), this meant that the intergovernmental approval of the key findings of the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) had to be conducted virtually. In this paper, we assess how the move away from face-to-face meetings affected country participation in IPCC approval sessions. Our findings demonstrate that virtual meetings increased the size of member governments’ delegations, but this did not necessarily translate into a greater number of interventions during the approval of the Summary for Policymakers (SPM) as time zone differences reduced engagement levels significantly—particularly for countries from the Pacific, East Asian, and Latin American regions whose delegations often found themselves in IPCC meetings late at night and early in the morning. These results offer initial, empirically robust evidence about what online meetings can and cannot achieve for promoting more inclusive global governance at a time when the IPCC and other organizations reflect on the future use of virtual and hybrid meeting formats.

Gendered Practices in Transboundary Water Negotiations

Abstract This paper analyzes how practices in water diplomacy, and in particular in international water negotiations, are gendered and with what effects. We conduct a comparative analysis of three intergovernmental decision-making forums on international rivers: the Nile Technical Advisory Committee, the Chu-Talas Water Commission, and the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine. These three cases demonstrate how gender is relational and creates situations in which gendered norms and values are strengthened, challenged, and changed, and sometimes used strategically to gain more power. In addition, two specific dynamics were observed: first, aligning with gendered stereotypes, confrontational practices in water negotiations are perceived as masculine and cooperative ones as feminine. Second, women’s participation in negotiations leads to both male and female negotiators adapting their behavior, resulting in a tendency towards less openly confrontational dynamics in more gender-balanced settings.

Artificial Intelligence and the Judiciary: Analysis of regulatory policies in Brazil and Italy

This article aims to carry out a comparative study between the regulation of artificial intelligence systems in the judiciary in Brazil and Italy. The research addresses aspects such as legislation, ethics, privacy, transparency and fairness, in order to identify the main similarities and differences between the two regulations. The methodology used consisted of a comparative approach between Brazilian and Italian regulations, with analysis of legal documents and interviews with experts. The results indicated that both countries have specific legislation for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the judiciary, with significant differences in relation to ethical approach, transparency and privacy. The main findings highlight the importance of broader and more consistent regulation to ensure the fair and transparent use of AI in the judiciary, as well as the need for a broader and more participatory dialogue with civil society to promote more democratic and accountable regulation. It is hoped that this study can contribute to a broader reflection on the regulation of AI by the judiciary at a global level and to the formulation of more effective and fair public policies in this area.

Strengthening Nadhatul Ulama as Moderate Islam in the Digital Era

The era of the digital, millennial, or Industrial Revolution 4.0 presents numerous challenges and intense competition, necessitating not only global competencies but also critical thinking skills. This is particularly important for Muslims (specifically NU members) to avoid alienation and marginalization. This paper aims to analyze the strengthening of the moderate ideology of NU, which boasts the largest following in Indonesia and significantly influences the nation's civilization. NU, as a moderate Islamic movement, adopts an inclusive approach through the wise use of social media and digital technology, its role in education, promotion of digital literacy, combating hoaxes, and participation in interfaith dialogue. Furthermore, NU promotes an understanding of moderate Islam, fosters peace, and fights extremism amidst the rapid advancement of information technology. Moderate Islam is perceived not merely as a religion but as a civilized way of life. The efforts of NU in the past, present, and future must remain dynamic, continuously adapting to the challenges of the times on a global scale, to build a more advanced Indonesia in the future.

Instrumental Reason as a Third Subjectivity in the Self–Other System

The article examines the challenge of achieving sustainable mediational equilibrium within the Self–Other relationship. It argues that the mere pursuit of mutual understanding among dialogue participants is insufficient to guarantee productive communication, particularly in contexts where interactions are driven by competition for scarce resources and opportunities. Under such conditions, subjects risk becoming dependent on instrumental reason – the logic of control and suppression – which transforms both the Self and the Other from fully-fledged personalities into functions of reified rationality. The analysis introduces a distinction between two roles of the individual: the person as a bearer of unique values and meanings, and the individual as a subject of social relations, an actor immersed in practical interactions. It is demonstrated that the capacity of the former to exert control over the latter is limited, and that interactions are shaped not only by the personal qualities of the participants but also by the impersonal logic of instrumental reason. This logic is conceptualized as a kind of third subjectivity that mediates the dialogue between the Self and the Other. Achieving mediational equilibrium becomes possible through the development of autonomy among the parties, through their transformation, mutual recognition, and the search for a measure of compatibility. This approach is traced through examples from A.S. Akhiezer’s theory of sociocultural mediation, A.P. Davydov’s concept of inter-subjective dialogue, and R. Bush and J. Folger’s theory of transformative mediation. Key concepts in the latter include empowerment (strengthening participants’ ability to clearly recognize their goals and make responsible decisions) and recognition (willingness to hear and understand the Other’s perspective). The essence of transformative mediation lies in the transition from imposing one party’s position to a collaborative search for new possibilities, allowing the realization of both Self and Other’s interests through dialogue. In conclusion, the article asserts the importance of overcoming the logic of mutual accusations by shifting the focus from the opponent’s personality to the impersonal structures limiting the self-determination of all parties.

A study of social media use for scientific communication and dissemination among Spanish education researchers

This work focuses on understanding how researchers in Spain perceive the importance of social media in scientific communication and dissemination and deepening their understanding of the influential underlying factors. From the initial identification of 5,314 researchers affiliated with higher education institutions in Spain, who published in journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Sciences from 2016 to 2020, 487 were surveyed, and 20 were interviewed. The results show how despite the potential of non-academic social media for the social dissemination of scientific knowledge, use remains low among the researchers surveyed in this study. Also, data allow us to recognize how the time of use of social media and the perception of the training needed influence the perception of the usefulness of social media by Spanish researchers on education. Use that does not seem to be oriented toward dialogue and citizen participation. Higher education institutions should improve the communication and scientific dissemination led by researchers through training and the design of dissemination policies that guarantee an active and general use of them (not only academics but also generalists like Facebook or Youtube) to transfer scientific knowledge to society better.

Tweeting on thin ice: Scientists in dialogic climate change communication with the public

This study examines the dynamics of interactions between climate scientists and the public on Twitter, utilizing a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. It explores scientists' tweets, public responses, and the factors influencing the "two-way" interactions and engagement with climate change issues. The findings indicate that scientists' personal disclosures and discussions of their professional lives significantly influence public engagement, particularly resonating with fellow scientists. Conversely, professional accomplishments often elicit more skeptical or critical responses from the public, highlighting the need for contextually relevant communication for lay audiences. Additionally, the study emphasizes the role of visual content, such as images and videos, in enhancing the accessibility and appeal of scientific information on social media. Furthermore, the current study uncovers a spectrum of public attitudes towards climate change, ranging from support to skepticism. It underscores the importance of acknowledging these diverse perspectives in climate communication. The use of humor and references to popular culture in public responses suggests an engaging and relatable approach to the topic. Ultimately, the study concludes that effective science communication on social media necessitates a nuanced understanding of audience perceptions, strategic utilization of visual elements, and a focus on fostering dialogic and participatory conversations, as argued by the public engagement with science (PES) model. This approach not only enhances public engagement with scientific content but also promotes broader civic awareness and participation in scientific dialogues about climate change, especially on social media platforms like Twitter.

Relazioni pubbliche: pars communicans della «sociologia pubblica»?

The contribution seeks to position public relations (PR) as a communicative component of public sociology (PS), tracing the evolution of PR from its inception to the modern-day constructs that form its theoretical foundation and practical activities. It argues that concepts such as stakeholder, relationship, and reputation are not merely central to PR but also intricately intertwined and utilized within the realm of sociological inquiry. The paper underscores the societal impact of PR, especially emphasizing corporate social responsibility (CSR) and social campaigns. These efforts aim to propagate specific issues, cultivate a collective awareness, and ultimately provoke transformation in social attitudes and behaviors. A notable tension exists within PR between empirical practices and scientific precision, drawing attention to the need for interdisciplinary strategies and mid-range theories to bridge this gap. PR, while not exclusively, is primarily situated within the social sciences and, more specifically, within the Sociology of Cultural Processes as an academic discipline. This article calls for a deeper integration between PR and PS, advocating for the use of shared concepts, categories, methods, and tools. Additionally, PR targets the identification of distinct publics and the initiation of active, participatory dialogue with them. Although the predominant literature and major journals in PR are American, the article acknowledges that PR’s application on local grounds is where the synthesis of local and global takes place, demonstrating the field’s wide-reaching relevance and adaptability.

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)