Political Agenda Research Articles

Beware the puppeteers: the role of geopolitics in the bargaining dynamics between a Russian politically connected MNC and the country of Montenegro

PurposeThis paper aims to use the obsolescing bargaining power (OBP) Model (Vernon, 1977, 1998) to analyze the case of United Company Rusal, a Russian politically connected multinational companies (MNCs) that was one of the world’s largest aluminum companies between 2005 and 2014, having acquired and, ultimately, sold the Montenegrin aluminum smelter company Kombinat aluminijuma Podgorica.The authors did so with the aim of answering the following question: How do geopolitics affect the bargaining balance of power between a Russian MNC and a host country? Design/methodology/approachThe authors used the discourse analysis methodology to identify the key players in the bargaining process and illustrate the evolving bargaining process.FindingsThe authors demonstrated that, over time, the shift in power from the Russian MNC to the host government had not merely been the result of the increase in committed MNC assets in the host country but, rather, of a geopolitical chess game involving the Russian Government, North Atlantic treaty organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU). By extending the OBP model with geopolitics, the authors found that a political agenda can influence the outcome of a bargaining process.Originality/valueThe authors extended the OBP model to illustrate the complex interaction between an emerging market MNC and an emerging host country government, indirectly influenced by two supranational organizations – the EU and NATO.

English Language Policy in Cyprus under the British Empire Period and it is Impact on Current Sustainable Education Policies

In this research, the foreign language education policy of Cyprus, which was under British rule between 1878 and 1960, with a special reference to the English Language and its reflection on the present day were examined. The study on the period in question is based on a qualitative analysis of British archival documents and domestic sources. As the history of Cyprus, it is still possible to see especially traces of the education policy formulated by the British who ruled the island in the 19th and 20th centuries. In the early years, relatively minor attempts at colonialism were made compared to other British colonies, as the British gave the colonies the autonomy to govern their own languages and educational systems. The influence of the colonial power’s language, particularly in the Cypriot education system, started to be noticed after the 1930s when the political agenda changed and the British attitude changed. As a result, during the colonial period of the United Kingdom in Cyprus, the British tried to bring the education of the society, which was obtained as a result of education, to a common point by gathering it in a central structure.

How Many Leave Europe and Why Do They? The Birth of Statistics on Global Migration. Brussels 1853

Abstract The historical study of the production of statistical knowledge concerning global migration has garnered little attention among historians. This is striking in light of the broader and richly explored domains of global migration regulation, knowledge production, and the history of sciences, including statistics. The marginalisation of this area in historical discourse is noteworthy, considering the pivotal role that statistical knowledge plays in understanding and managing migration. An examination of this topic unveils the interplay between migration policy, statistical methodologies and the contexts in which they were collected. Statistical data bears the mark of the context of its creation and incorporates the peculiarities related to the state of administrative technologies and the resources of the states that collected it. Such data also shows the imprint of social representation, that make it difficult to distinguish the ‘other’, the foreigner, the alien and the migrant, as well as the political agendas that justify the establishment of such a costly means of knowledge.

Sovereign climate bonds: Policy innovation for just transitions in developing countries

This paper proposes sovereign climate-aligned bonds (SCBs) as an innovation that could mobilise climate investment towards developing countries. The research focuses on identifying the mechanisms underlying the issuance of SCBs in developing countries to unlock climate investment from capital markets and what they imply for facilitating just transitions. The research bridges scholarship across three fields: policy innovation, climate finance and just transitions, undertaking semi-structured interviews in two samples: SCB direct managers and intermediary and expert organisations. Drawing on Seychelles’s blue bond and Indonesia’s green sukuk as case studies, the research found that gaps in the public budgets of both countries were the main triggers for issuing SCBs and internationally, the influence of international organisations (World Bank and UNDP). Domestically, national wealth, access to international markets, alignment of the instruments' characteristics with political agendas and compatibility with regulations were key factors. SCB benefits, such as capital mobilisation, new investors and transparency, were perceived to outweigh additionality concerns or reputational risks (though higher transaction costs compared with non-green issuances remained a consideration). SCBs may be used as political statements in support of climate agendas, surpassing the perceived benefits of the mobilised capital. A legacy of exclusive dynamics in private markets remains a structural barrier for SCBs to be transformational in addressing climate change. Risk-return rationales and the exclusion of climate from countries’ risk profiling place developing countries in a more challenging position. While these instruments may not be sufficient to close the climate investment gap, they have an important role to play.

Harmed but Armed: Trajectories of Agenda Setting in the Struggles for Local Disability Regulation in East Java, Indonesia

ABSTRACT The empowerment dimension of global development has emerged as a catalyst in bridging the gap between disability issues and policy affairs. Within this context, agenda setting assumes a pivotal role as an essential practice in public policy, influencing the fabric of societal situations and shaping a wide array of public issues, agendas, and discourses. Drawing upon an instrumental case study approach, our research employs 23 semi-structured interviews to delve into the complexities of actors’ agenda setting processes. More specifically, we examine the challenges faced by individuals in leadership and managerial positions within the disability-affiliated realm, as they strive to advance their agendas for the formulation of local disability regulations in East Java, Indonesia. As our exploration unfolds, we uncover four stumbling trajectories of these actors during their agenda-setting process, where these challenges reflect the ‘human’ power to progress from struggles to success. These findings not only deepen our understanding of agenda setting in the Indonesian context but also provide valuable insights for the development of context-specific typologies and attributes related to agenda setting in this distinctive setting.

Exploring the Value of Computational Methods for Metajournalistic Discourse: The Example of COVID-19 Reporting in Dutch Newspapers

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic raised questions about trust in journalism and the quality of news reporting during societal crises. While journalists and media professionals frequently offered critical reflections based on personal experiences and observations, computational methods are not widely used to support these evaluative processes. We aim to extend the conversation on metajournalistic discourse by considering the inclusion of empirical methods for monitoring journalistic practices. By disclosing our findings about Dutch news media’s corona reporting between 2019 and 2022, we demonstrate how computational methods for content analyses of news texts can yield empirically informed insights into different facets of journalistic performance. The corpus includes 106,616 corona-related articles from national and regional newspapers in the Netherlands. We deployed text analytical methods such as topic modelling and named entity recognition to explore Dutch corona reporting in respect to different normative criteria (informing, monitoring, offering platforms for discussion and opinion, interpretation, analysis, and setting public agendas). The study was requested by a large Dutch newspaper to receive a systematic-empirical analysis of journalistic practice for self-evaluation. We argue that computational methods combined with qualitative analyses can stimulate dialogue and critical reflection among news media professionals.

Who is the language policy for? Translation discrepancies and their implications to (dis)trust

This paper investigates the impact of language policy translation as a discursive action on historical and political mechanisms of trust within the context of Indigenous language revitalization in Taiwan. Combining a critical discourse studies approach and translation theories, we examine the translation discrepancies between the Chinese source text and the English translation of Tawain’s Indigenous Language Development Act (2017). We focus on the analysis of the interpersonal meanings conveyed by two Chinese modal verbs (ying/應 and de/得), aiming to elucidate how Taiwan’s Government positions itself within both language versions. The findings suggest that the government constructs itself as more actively responsible for the Indigenous language development in the English version. This strategic move reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing Taiwan’s international reputation as the English version is meant for global audiences. Considering language policy is inherently ideological with the government’s political intentions, we discuss the implication of distrust created by the translation discrepancy. This study highlights that language policy translation can be recontextualized to suit a government’s political agendas and ideological appropriations.

Мировоззренческие и идеологические предпосылки международного сотрудничества ирландских левых националистов и РСДРП(б) в 1916–1917 гг.

The article examines the ideological and attitudinal prerequisites of the international cooperation between Irish leftist nationalists and the RSDLP (Bolsheviks) in 1916–1917. It describes the historical aspects characterizing the essence of the ideological orientations of Ireland’s national liberation organizations at the beginning of the 20th century within the context of the RSDLP (Bolsheviks) international agenda during 1916–1917. The analysis draws upon lesser-known domestic sources from the 1910s, some of which are introduced into scholarly discourse for the first time. The author expresses the opinion that during this period, Bolshevik leaders, particularly V.I. Lenin, I.V. Stalin, and L.D. Trotsky, placed considerable hopes on the socialist awakening in Ireland. For the international communist movement, Britain remained the primary imperialist predator, and the struggle against global imperialism continually shaped the political agenda in Soviet Russia. The article notes the existing Bolshevik viewpoint on the Irish question in international affairs during those years, according to which Ireland’s movement against English imperialism represented a progressive social process and therefore needed to be supported through both overt and covert means. In conclusion, the article sheds light on the intricate dynamics of international collaboration between Irish leftist nationalists and the RSDLP (Bolsheviks) during the pivotal years of 1916–1917. Overall, it enriches scholarly discourse by offering a comprehensive analysis supported by primary sources, normative-legislative base, and representative literature.

The trustification of AI. Disclosing the bridging pillars that tie trust and AI together

Trustworthy artificial intelligence (TAI) is trending high on the political agenda. However, what is actually implied when talking about TAI, and why it is so difficult to achieve, remains insufficiently understood by both academic discourse and current AI policy frameworks. This paper offers an analytical scheme with four different dimensions that constitute TAI: a) A user perspective of AI as a quasi-other; b) AI's embedding in a network of actors from programmers to platform gatekeepers; c) The regulatory role of governance in bridging trust insecurities and deciding on AI value trade-offs; and d) The role of narratives and rhetoric in mediating AI and its conflictual governance processes. It is through the analytical scheme that overlooked aspects and missed regulatory demands around TAI are revealed and can be tackled. Conceptually, this work is situated in disciplinary transgression, dictated by the complexity of the phenomenon of TAI. The paper borrows from multiple inspirations such as phenomenology to reveal AI as a quasi-other we (dis-)trust; Science & Technology Studies (STS) to deconstruct AI's social and rhetorical embedding; as well as political science for pinpointing hegemonial conflicts within regulatory bargaining.

COVID-19 grassroots memorial practices in the UK

At the time of writing, confirmed UK deaths from COVID-19 number over 160,000. While the restrictions on burial rituals and closure of faith spaces during successive UK lockdowns have impacted the commemoration of COVID-19 victims, the emergence of grassroots memorial practices – from street art campaigns to yellow hearts in the windows of bereaved households – demonstrates the extent to which communities have adapted ceremonial processes in a period of national trauma. This visual essay examines a selection of grassroots activities, created both during and between UK lockdowns, charting the way in which apparently coherent aesthetic approaches to COVID-19 memorialisation provide cover for diverse political and personal agendas.

Legislative Foundations: Exploring Land Take Laws and Urban Regeneration Policies in Italy and Europe

Soil is now a central issue on the European as well as the national political agenda, as it represents a fundamental ecosystem for human survival on the planet. Today, more than ever, its protection and proper use in various contexts (agricultural, natural, urban) require stringent policies that can be implemented immediately. The difficult reversibility of urban transformations is the main threat to the ecosystem integrity of soil. Starting from this statement, the main objective of the proposed work is to analyze how the main European countries (Italy, France, Germany, and Spain) are addressing the issue of the goal of zero net land take by 2050 by examining the current laws and strategies. The results highlight how the regulatory aspect plays a key role in managing the phenomenon and how the absence of a national framework law can generate strong distortions and different interpretations of the soil ecosystem. The analysis of the Nature Restoration Law, adopted by the European Commission in July 2023, enables us to assess whether the regulations and measures adopted by the major European countries align with the European Union’s trends. Through a comparative perspective, the study aims to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of sustainable development practices and provide valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and academics.

Voices unheard: Inclusive journalism in Indonesian election reporting

The media holds a pivotal role in shaping the public agenda, particularly in the context of elections. In this process, media coverage is expected to embody inclusivity by encompassing the multifaceted nature of our society, incorporating diverse sources, and narrating a story that reflects a myriad of perspectives, including those of marginalized groups. This research, grounded in the principles of inclusive journalism, investigates how Indonesian media sheds light on people with disabilities (PwD) within the framework of election reporting. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative approach, this study examines articles published on two prominent online platforms – Kompas.com and Detik.com – focusing on their coverage of issues pertaining to PwD within the electoral context. The research highlights generally positive media coverage but notes a limited representation of PwD. Government sources dominate, indicating a need for more inclusive journalism. While legal and human rights perspectives prevail in framing, there is a call for more direct voices from PwD. Overall, the study underscores the importance of inclusive reporting, recognizing PwD as active participants in both politics and society for a more equitable democracy in Indonesia.

Society and Archaeological Sites in Interwar Greece

Throughout the twentieth century, Greek society invested in the enhancement and management of archaeological sites and monuments seen as particularly important for the nation’s political and diplomatic agendas. Antiquities have always been part of public life in modern Greece, as evidenced by national campaigns emphasizing the timeless value of ancient Greek culture, promoted in the service of national, political and economic ends. In this context, the Greek Archaeological Service has long carried out works for landscaping and demarcating archaeological sites, as well as for enhancing access to them. This study, drawing on archival material of the Directorate for the Management of the National Archive of Monuments (DMNAM) and other sources as well as two case studies—the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae/Andritsaina and the archaeological site of Delphi—examines the factors that have determined the relationships between antiquities and Greek society. In particular, it focuses on contradictions, and occasional conflicts, related to such relationships during the interwar period (1918–1939) and the social impact of the promotion and enhancement of archaeological sites. The paper also emphasizes local communities’ and authorities’ involvement in managing archaeological sites in their regions due to high tourist interest during this period.

Bienestar subjetivo, agenda pública y mejores políticas gubernamentales

This article summarizes and updates information on subjective well-being and its role in the public agenda, design, and evaluation of public policies including its definition, measurement, main findings reported in the literature, and its use in the design-evaluation of public policies and introduction into government agendas. A narrative literature review was conducted, its results show that subjective well-being is a tool used to guide public action in developed countries; however, in Latin America, knowledge about it and its role in government is new and fragmented. In some countries, progress has been made by constant measurement through the national statistical agencies, but its incorporation into government performance is scarce.

Shocking Experience: How Politicians’ Issue Strategies Are Shaped by an External Shock During Campaigns

In this article, we focus on how the issue strategies of political leaders are influenced by an external shock that completely changes the public agenda of the election campaign. The 2022 Hungarian parliamentary election campaign is a unique case to investigate this question, as Russia attacked Ukraine six weeks before the election day (April 3, 2022). The study aims to investigate whether the campaign’s issue strategies changed due to this shocking event, and if so, what are the main directions of the changes. The examination relies on a manual content analysis of Hungarian party leaders’ Facebook posts during the campaign, covering both the period before and after the outbreak of the war. First, based on the literature, we distinguish between different issue strategies such as issue ownership, issue stealing, “riding the wave,” and multi-issue and issue-poor strategies. We categorize political leaders’ issue strategies based on their issue focus before and after the external shock. Our results show that while war, economy, and foreign policy play a greater role in the communication of most political actors after February 24, there are remarkable differences between political actors. The communication of opposition party leaders seems to persist with their original issue strategies (issue-poor and multi-issue campaigns), while Viktor Orbán clearly changed his focus immediately after the invasion of Ukraine and ran a “riding the wave” campaign with a focus on war.

Entrepreneurial Creative Thinking and Venture Performance: Reviewing the Influence of Psychomotor Education on the Profitability of Small and Medium Scale Firms in Port Harcourt Metropolis

The significance of small and medium enterprises to an economic development of a country cannot be overemphasized. The growth of a business depends on the development of abilities needed to execute a smooth running of day business activities. Research has established the fact that fast economic growth of regions lies on the extent of trade activities in the area. Given this established importance of enterprise, this present study aims at empirically developing the relationship between entrepreneurial creative thinking and venture performance with specific reference to small and medium scale firms in Port Harcourt metropolis. Descriptive survey design was adopted and primary data were used. The data collected were analyzed using mean, aggregate mean, and Spearman rank correlation with the aid of statistical package for social sciences, version 25. Findings shows that there is a significant and positive relationship between psychomotor education (our proxy for creative thinking) and profitability, as indicated by p-value of at 0.05 level of significance. We conclude that entrepreneurial creative thinking is an ingredient that managers of small and medium enterprises deploy to achieve maximum profit. Based on the empirical findings and conclusion, we recommend that there should be a need for policymakers to consider developing small and medium enterprises, not only through the provision of social amenities but also development of public agenda for the acknowledgement of creative thinking, skill development, and prioritization of skills improvement for both expert and non-expert business owners.

Corruption and Co-Optation in Autocracy: Evidence from Russia

Do corrupt officials govern differently in elected office? This article develops a theoretical framework and analyzes new data from financial disclosures to estimate the governing costs of corruption. First, I uncover substantial hidden wealth held by roughly one quarter of the legislators in the Russian Duma; these “kompromat deputies” are vulnerable to damaging information being used against them by the regime. Analyzing their behavior in office, I find that these deputies are less active and more absent members of parliament. When called to vote, kompromat deputies from the opposition also more eagerly support the regime’s political agenda. Finally, kompromat deputies are less likely to win reelection, suggesting that they have shorter time horizons as well as that parties have incentives to rotate them out. Autocrats permit and then monitor corruption in order to co-opt potential challengers, who in turn trade loyalty to the regime in exchange for opportunities to self-enrich.

A patient perspective on kidney disease in the public health agenda.

A patient perspective on kidney disease in the public health agenda.

China's Cultural Revolution and Mao's External Threat Inflation: Crushing Soviet-Style Capitalist Restoration, 1966–1969

Abstract Stoking fear and hatred of foreign countries to serve internal needs has been a recurring pattern in Communist China. This article examines Chinese discursive treatment of the Soviet Union in 1966–1969 in textual, visual, and audio outlets. During the height of the Cultural Revolution, radical followers of Mao Zedong deliberately choreographed anti-Soviet propaganda in accordance with their evolving political agenda at home. By emphasizing the need to forestall “capitalist restoration” in China, the propagandists alleged that capitalism had already been restored in the USSR. In the face of strong inner-party objection to the terror and destruction of the Cultural Revolution, Maoist polemicists discredited and attacked their domestic foes by accusing them of disloyalty and collaboration with Soviet “revisionists” to subvert China's Communist system. The radical Maoists sought to justify the chaotic violence of the Cultural Revolution by conjuring up the threat of a Soviet invasion, hoping to refocus domestic mass struggle on alleged sympathizers of the USSR. Yet Mao's invocation of this war scare triggered a dangerous security dilemma and turned the USSR into a strategic enemy, a striking example of a self-fulfilling prophecy in world politics.

Spain: Political Developments and Data in 2023

AbstractThe year 2023 was marked by a dense and turbulent political period. The country faced local and regional elections, snap elections and the reformulation of the left‐wing coalition government. Spain also chaired the Council of the European Union during the second semester. The victory of the right (the Partido Popular and Vox) in the local and regional elections held in May in 12 regions (Autonomous Communities), precipitated the call for general elections in July 2023. This process culminated in the renewal of the Sánchez coalition government with support from the Basque and Catalan pro‐independence parties and the exclusion of Podemos leaders from the new governing coalition. The decline of Podemos, the emergence of Sumar and the disappearance of Ciudadanos characterise the new Parliament. The reform of the law on sexual consent and the start of negotiations on a controversial amnesty law dominated the political agenda. In terms of the Spanish economy, the negotiation of an addendum to the National Recovery and Resilience Plan also stands out.