Political Crisis Research Articles

Stigmatization and perceptions of Venezuelan migrants in Peru in the context of Venezuela’s political and economic crisis

This study analyzes the social and individual stigmatization toward Venezuelan immigrants in Peru within the context of the largest migratory movement in Latin America, driven by the political, economic, and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. The study employs a qualitative approach, using semi-structured in-depth interviews with a diverse sample of 24 participants from major Peruvian cities, including Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, and Trujillo. These in-depth interviews provide insights into the complexity of perceptions toward Venezuelan migrants, ranging from stigmatizing views driven by associations with economic threats and criminality to more positive perceptions that acknowledge the migrants’ adaptability and economic contributions. The findings reveal that while negative stereotypes perpetuate social exclusion and pressures for cultural assimilation threaten the preservation of migrant identities, there are also narratives highlighting resilience and successful integration. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing intercultural education programs, promoting labor integration policies, and collaborating with the media to combat stigma. It concludes that addressing these challenges through a multidimensional, human-rights-based approach can foster greater social cohesion and better integration of migrants, benefiting both the migrant population and Peruvian society.

On the Legal System of the First Republic of Armenia (1918–1920)

Abstract This article examines the development of the judicial and legal systems in the First Republic of Armenia (1918–1920), highlighting key reforms and challenges. It explores the establishment of various courts, including conciliation, district, and appellate courts, as well as the introduction of a jury court and notarial activities. Despite progressive reforms aimed at democratizing the legal system, such as the creation of jury courts and the regulation of investigatory bodies, widespread malfeasance plagued state administration. Efforts to combat corruption through the establishment of the Extraordinary Investigative Commission and Extraordinary Court proved ineffective, leading to their abolition in 1920. The article also discusses the failure to adopt a constitution, largely due to the republic’s short-lived existence and unresolved political crises. This research draws on primary sources including materials from the National Archives of the Republic of Armenia, parliamentary and government session minutes from 1918–1920, official records, statistical data, periodicals, and contemporary writings.

Anarchic Unfreedom: Critical International Theory Versus Neoliberalism and the New Right

In recent years, a number of voices have raised concerns about the role of critical theory in the contemporary political crisis. Critical theory has been accused of providing intellectual resources for the global rise of the new right, whether in Trump’s America or in Putin’s Russia. While acknowledging the ostensibly critical, even emancipatory appearance of the new right, my paper insists on the need for critical theory. Indeed, a desire for liberation is expressed not only by the new right, but also by the ruling neoliberal discourse. Both neoliberalism and the new right make emancipatory use of a key modern political distinction: the distinction between hierarchy and anarchy, or inside and outside. Both promise liberation from hierarchies and want to achieve freedom through anarchic competition, either on globalized markets or in international relations. However, upon close examination, the promised freedom is an anarchic unfreedom. It submits all competitors to a powerful competitive logic, justifies hierarchic submission and harbors an enormous potential for violence. Critical International Relations theory is uniquely suited to diagnose this problem and to point us into an alternative direction.

Exogenous Shocks and Party System Development: What is the Effect on New Party Entry?

ABSTRACT Since 2020, the world has been officially battling a COVID-19 pandemic. Even countries with established crisis management plans and years of experience in handling political and economic crises, have been shaken. In the midst of the pandemic’s rampant effects, how politicians handle the crisis is of crucial importance to the preservation, development, and protection of nations in the future. Who is in power determines not only the stability, but the political course of countries. Hence, what happens to the party system as a result of an exogenous shock is a question we need to answer. Importantly, we have little evidence on how the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic affected party competition. Building on the party systems literature, we examine the effect of the pandemic on electoral volatility, party system size, and the number of new party contestants. We hypothesise that, in countries where the incumbent government handles the crisis less effectively, electoral volatility tends to be higher, party system size tends to be larger, and more new parties tend to enter the electoral race. Drawing on evidence from national parliamentary elections held by electoral democracies from March 2020 to April 2022, the empirical results support our hypothesis.

The Problem of ‘Siloed Media Blocs’: How Modes of Communication Shape Our Organizing

Abstract Our mass media has taken us into a realm of political crisis, dividing our people in new ways, not simply in the old ways of class, race, and gender, or liberal and conservative. The multiple new ‘media silos’ – with conflicting ideas of ‘fake news,’ ‘alternate facts,’ and myriad conspiracies – also block any simple resolutions. In this article, we will try to dig deeper into this problem, and find what solutions we can.

Urban protopops in the public life of Russia in the era of the political crisis of the early 17th century

The article shows that the protopopes at the beginning of the XVII century usually took a patriotic position and opposed impostors and interventionists, which is especially clearly seen in Bryansk, Zaraysk, Nizhny Novgorod and Veliky Novgorod. Episodes of the protopops' loyal attitude towards the supporters of impostors are not typical and were caused by their presence in the occupied territories. The support of patriotic forces by the protopopes of Russian cities strengthened their position both within the clergy and in society as a whole, as manifested by their participation in the signing of the Approved Letter of Mikhail Fedorovich not among the Consecrated Cathedral, but as electors from places not traceable in an earlier era

Трансформація стійкості держави в умовах глобалізації світу

Purpose: is to analyse the modern process of forming state stability in the conditions of the transformation of the international political security space. Method: The research was conducted using a neo-institutional approach, historical and systemic methods, a comparative approach, and a functional method. Findings: Determination of the conceptual foundations of the formation of state stability in the conditions of a crisis international security environment. Theoretical implications: It consists in forming a holistic view of modern theories of the institution of the state and the factors that ensure its stability against the background of the aggravation of contradictions in the international political and security environment caused by Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Practical implications: The main political, economic and security factors were analysed, and a model was formed based on the neo-institutional approach to ensure the stability of the state institution in the conditions of worsening globalisation threats and the formation of a new architecture of the international security environment. This study can be a valuable resource for professional researchers, analysts in geopolitics and geostrategy, security and defence sector representatives, international organisations, and state and local authorities. Originality: It consists of applying a neo-institutional approach to ensuring the stability of the state institution in the context of the crisis of the international political and security environment triggered by Russiaʼs aggression against Ukraine.

The Effect of Geographical Factors on the Foreign Policy of Qatar during 2014-2016

Objectives:Qatar is a small country that showed an important role in the local, regional, and international levels. Several geographical factors such as location, area, shape, and regional water have affected Qatar’s foreign affairs policy. Therefore, this study aims at illustrating the role of geographical factors in the country’s foreign affairs policy. What makes the study significant is that it is the first study which focuses on this topic in Qatar. Methods: The study has used to analysis the Foreign polices decisions two methods (i.e. Dwisha, 1977) (Dawisha) framework throughout the study. Results: The study revealed that some geographical factors had recently benefited Qatar during the forced siege by some GCC countries. Also, the political crises made Qatar depends mainly in its foreign affairs policy on the given energy resources alongside with a wide range of foreign relationships network with the effective countries in the international policy. This, enabled Qatar to overcome on the lack of space and population in order to enhance its economy to be out of the dominance of some GCC countries. Conclusions: Finally, the study approved that Qatar had inter-relation foreign network that positioned Qatar politically among countries, organizations, institutions comparing with large states. Keywords: Qatar’s geopolitics, Foreign policy, geographical factors, Qatar Siege, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Lost in Translation; The Evolution of Spanish Translations and the Black Legend in England from 1578 to 1740

This paper traces the evolution of the Black Legend using Spanish accounts of the colonization of the Americas published in English from 1578 to 1740. The Black Legend, largely spread by English, Dutch, and German Protestants, was an anti-Catholic and anti-Spanish narrative demonizing the Spanish colonization of the Americas. Relying in particular on the English appropriation of Spanish Friar Bartolomé de las Casas’s Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies, originally published in Spanish in 1552, the thesis argues that English editions of the text reflect England's political and religious turmoil in the 16th and 18th centuries. Previous work on the Black Legend centered on how the authors of New World accounts intended to have their work received in Europe. By studying printed paratexts, including dedicatory letters to patrons, letters to the readers, and the translations themselves, I show how English publishers and translators, and the statesmen who sponsored these publications sought to use Bartolomé de Las Casas's accounts as political. The conquest of the New World brought enormous wealth and power to Spain. At the same time, throughout this period, England suffered religious and political conflicts that boiled over into civil war in the mid-17th century. Many in England feared being overrun by a Catholic Empire or overthrown by Catholics from within. Facing various religious and political crises at home English leaders and booksellers used translations of Las Casas's work to advance their own hopes of British imperial expansion in the New World and to encourage the English to unite in the face of the Spanish threats, such as the Netherlands Civil War and Spanish Armada.

An Efficient Deep Learning Framework for Optimized Event Forecasting

There have been several catastrophic events that have impacted multiple economies and resulted in thousands of fatalities, and violence has generated a severe political and financial crisis. Multiple studies have been centered around the artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) approaches that are most widely used in practice to detect or forecast violent activities. However, machine learning algorithms become less accurate in identifying and forecasting violent activity as data volume and complexity increase. For the prediction of future events, we propose a hybrid deep learning (DL)-based model that is composed of a convolutional neural network (CNN), long short-term memory (LSTM), and an attention layer to learn temporal features from the benchmark the Global Terrorism Database (GTD). The GTD is an internationally recognized database that includes around 190,000 violent events and occurrences worldwide from 1970 to 2020. We took into account two factors for this experimental work: the type of event and the type of object used. The LSTM model takes these complex feature extractions from the CNN first to determine the chronological link between data points, whereas the attention model is used for the time series prediction of an event. The results show that the proposed model achieved good accuracies for both cases—type of event and type of object—compared to benchmark studies using the same dataset (98.1% and 97.6%, respectively).

Connectedness between green bonds, clean energy markets and carbon quota prices: Time and frequency dynamics

In this paper, we investigate the time and frequency dynamics of connectedness among green assets such as green bonds, clean energy markets, and carbon prices. Using daily price data, we explore return spillovers across these green financial markets by applying the novel framework on time and frequency dynamics proposed by Baruník and Krehlík (2018). This allows us to identify the direction of spillovers among our variables, and decompose the connectedness to differentiate between short-term and long-term return spillovers. Our results indicate that green bonds and carbon prices act as net receivers of shocks, but mainly in the short-term. We also observe a low level of connectedness among our clean energy markets across both low and high frequency bands, even during times of economic or political crisis. Additionally, there are periods in which connectedness between the clean energy assets is driven by the long-term. In periods of economic and political stability, carbon prices may also provide an interesting diversifying tool for short-term investors. Our results should be of interest for investors and portfolio managers who focus on green financial markets, by strengthening the notion that green financial markets can offer diversification opportunities, for both short-term and long-term investors. Policy makers could also benefit from our insights on conectedness in their work on short-term and long-term climate policies. This paper is the first to use this framework to investigate systematic risks within green financial markets.

Rethinking the theory of quiet politics: bad corporate behavior and the failure of quiet politics in the east coast gas crisis in Australia, 2022

Abstract The theory of quiet politics has two propositions; first, that business interests prefer to engage with governments in ‘quiet’ arenas shielded from the media and the day-to-day political fray, and second that business interests exert power over governments in quiet politics. We counter the second proposition, arguing that business generally exercises influence rather than power in quiet politics. One precondition for the successful exercise of influence is the acceptance by business of certain protocols of behavior in interactions with governments. In this paper we underline the importance of such protocols by exploring the dynamics of a conflict between the east coast gas industry and the federal government in Australia amidst steep rises in domestic gas prices and supply restrictions in 2022. The gas industry behaved badly in the economy and in politics and did not abide by the relevant protocols of engagement with the government. The government responded aggressively and quiet politics failed. The paper underlines the importance of the behavioral pre-conditions for business influence in quiet politics and what can go wrong if this fails.

Silencing the Guns: African Traditional Proverbs and Aphorisms for Peace and Security in 21st Century Africa

Africa is yet entangled with some Western modernity responsible for their political crises and incessant insecurity. Insecurity in Africa has historical roots from pre-colonial to post-colonial periods. The continent's hosting of the seventh United Nations Peace Support mission and over 60 percent of the UN Security Council's agenda addresses African insecurity underscore the urgent need to tackle these challenges. This paper examines insecurity in Africa and advocates for reviving African traditional methods to restore peace, utilizing proverbs and wisdom. Through analysis, criticism, and prescription, it explores the inherent insecurity problems and argues that African proverbs offer valuable insights for fostering unity. The study compares Western crisis resolution methods with African approaches, concluding that traditional African means are a more effective alternative. It highlights Africa as a potential solution to its own insecurity while recognizing the benefits of Western methods. The paper concluded that Africa has strong indigenous values and security systems capable of addressing insecurity even before colonialism. The paper recommended that African traditional security outfits are more efficient and better considered as alternative measures to solving the problems of peace and insecurity in Africa rather than adopting the Western war-war method.

Political ideology shapes support for the use of AI in policy-making.

In a world grappling with technological advancements, the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in governance is becoming increasingly realistic. While some may find this possibility incredibly alluring, others may see it as dystopian. Society must account for these varied opinions when implementing new technologies or regulating and limiting them. This study (N = 703) explored Leftists' (liberals) and Rightists' (conservatives) support for using AI in governance decision-making amidst an unprecedented political crisis that washed through Israel shortly after the proclamation of the government's intentions to initiate reform. Results indicate that Leftists are more favorable toward AI in governance. While legitimacy is tied to support for using AI in governance among both, Rightists' acceptance is also tied to perceived norms, whereas Leftists' approval is linked to perceived utility, political efficacy, and warmth. Understanding these ideological differences is crucial, both theoretically and for practical policy formulation regarding AI's integration into governance.

Populist and Crisis Communication during Political Crisis: Thematic Content Analysis of Pakistani Politicians’ Speeches

Populist and Crisis Communication during Political Crisis: Thematic Content Analysis of Pakistani Politicians’ Speeches

Raging Ennui: On Boredom, History, and the Collapse of Liberal Time

Abstract This article aims to outline a theory of political boredom based on the concept of the liberal temporal dispositive. According to this concept, modern politics is characterized by the reduction of political time consumption to enable the growing temporal autonomy of the individual. However, individuals may experience considerable stress in their pursuit to utilize this free time effectively. Boredom arises when individuals fail to “fill” their available time with meaningful actions. Political crises of boredom occur as attempts by individuals to relieve the pressures accompanying temporal autonomy, sometimes restarting political temporality on a new, massive scale. Furthermore, the article examines modern political philosophy as inherently rooted in the liberal temporal dispositive. Through several historical examples, it is discussed how political philosophy may either contribute to imbuing politics with a desire for meaning or abstain from it in an attitude of serene resignation. It is proposed that liberal democracy requires a temporal ethics based on the latter.

The Office of Shaykh al-‘Aql of the Druze in Lebanon

This book forum centers on Said Abou Zaki's Arabic book, “The Office of Shaykh al-‘Aql of the Druze in Lebanon.” It includes contributions from various scholars, each offering a unique perspective on the historical and institutional analysis of Druze religious leadership in Lebanon: Tuba Yildiz, Yusri Hazran, Akram Khater, and Abdul Rahman M. Chamseddine. Yildiz acknowledges the lack of historical readings and erroneous information in early 20th-century works on the Druze. She appreciates Abou Zaki's comprehensive study of Lebanese and Ottoman perspectives, offering a broader understanding of the Druze religious institution's development and its connection with the Ottoman Empire's socio-religious policies. Hazran commends the book for providing a comprehensive historical study of the Druze community's religious and spiritual leadership, shedding light on its evolution from the 11th century through to the Ottoman Empire's fall. Although the book excels in its research methods and historical insights, Hazran suggests strengthening it by addressing specific methodological and historical issues, such as placing the discussion on existing narratives and substantiating Emir Bashir Shihab II's role in the schism. Khater highlights the internal tensions in Abou Zaki's book arising from its threefold goals: serving as a historiographical essay, an origins story, and a history of Mashyakhat al-‘Aql. Khater commends the work's critical review of existing literature and acknowledges the book's significant contribution to understanding the position of Shaykh al-‘Aql amidst political crises. Chamseddine praised Abou Zaki's critical historiographical approach and genealogical method. Chamseddine highlights the importance of integrating oral histories and local traditions into academic research. He notes that Abou Zaki's work sheds light on the Druze community's religious evolution, although he critiques the book's occasional lack of coherence due to abrupt transitions and unexplained terminology. The reviewers concluded that the book constitutes a significant contribution to Druze Studies.

Humanitarian Architecture in Service of Children: Designing an Orphanage for Vulnerable Children in Yaoundé

This research explores the impact of humanitarian architecture in designing an orphanage for vulnerable children in Yaoundé, Cameroon. In a context where millions of children are affected by social, economic, and political crises, particularly in Sub- Saharan Africa, humanitarian architecture emerges as a viable response to ensure their protection and well-being. The literature review highlights the key principles of humanitarian architecture, such as user-centered design, the use of local and sustainable materials, and the creation of resilient spaces in times of crisis. Through case studies, including projects in Burkina Faso and Mali, this research examines how architectural approaches can be integrated into educational and care facilities to improve the living environment of vulnerable children. The work concludes with design proposals for an orphanage in Yaoundé, focusing on adaptation to the local climate, material sustainability, and community participation, aiming to strengthen the resilience and autonomy of children.

Explaining the Taliban’s Revival: Thomas Spragens’s Crisis Theory

The revival of the Taliban and their rapid domination of Afghanistan shocked the world. It is a response to the chronic historical, political and social crises of the Afghan society, which is still in geopolitical and strategic confusion and disorder. Using the analytical descriptive method, the present study attempts to answer the question related to the causes of the reemergence of the Taliban based on Thomas Spragens’ crisis theory. The research hypothesis states that the conflict between political actors and the creation of a political deadlock has caused successive crises and political, social and security disintegration in the society. Accepting the Taliban, the Afghan people seek to solve the crisis and restore, peace, stability, order and security for themselves and their descendants. It seems that the occupation of the country, nonimplementation of Sharia laws and spread of corruption are signs of a brewing crisis caused by the weakness of the central government, lack of nation-state agreement, the spread of ethnocentrism and overdependence on America. To address these challenges, Afghans increasingly resort to Jihad and the formation of an Islamic Emirate as a possible solution.

Extending the multiculturalism metaphors: state identity in Nasarawa State’s Su-dir dance theatre as fruit salad juice

The robust multiculturalism debate and its attendant metaphors have paid little attention to the peculiar realities of managing the inherent cultural diversity in Africa. This paper opens up the existing debate on multiculturalism, and offers an option of the Fruit Salad Juice as the identity produced through the active cultural interactions within a typical African multi-ethnic state. The Fruit Salad Juice alternative specifically applies to the theatrical performances that emanate from these multicultural collaborations. The paper examines Su-dir dance theatre being one of the products of the Let’s Sheathe Our Swords (LSOS) project launched by the Nasarawa State government of Nigeria to facilitate social therapy and cultural integration after a protracted period of inter-ethnic, religious and political crises in the state. Data for this study was collated through the participant observation and interview methods. At various points, I conducted interviews with the administrators, consultants, and artistes of the Nasarawa State Performing Troupe, as well as some members of the Su-Dir audience. Nasarawa state is conceptualized as a fruit salad bowl, and the LSOS theatrical pieces as juice produced thereof. The idea of Fruit Salad Juice is demonstrated in the evidence of inclusivity and state identity found in the compositional elements of the Su-dir dance theatre and other outcomes of the LSOS project.