Political Decisions Research Articles

Natural resource rents and public spending on education in Africa: Does women's political empowerment matter?

The increase in the number of women in political office is one of the most significant social trends of recent decades. Although still underrepresented, women's participation in decision-making bodies is increasing. This paper analyzes the moderating effect of women's political empowerment on the relationship between natural resource rents and public spending on education in a sample of 47 African countries over the period 2003–2020. This study employs several recent methods to effectively address the endogeneity issue, including the Generalized Method of Moments in System (GMM-S) and the Two-stage Instrumental Variables (2SIV) approach. Overall, the results show that natural resource rents reduce public spending on education, but their interaction with the index of women's political empowerment in composite and disaggregated form increases public spending on education in Africa. These results are tested at four levels of robustness, including the inclusion of additional control variables, the exclusion of outliers, and the use of alternative dependent and independent variables. We suggest improving the representation of women in African political decision-making. This could include quotas for women in decision-making bodies, mentoring programs for women leaders, and financial incentives for political parties that promote women's participation. Steps must also be taken to address structural barriers that prevent women from fully participating in political life, such as discrimination and violence against women.

A framework to characterize and classify soundscape design practices based on grounded theory

Abstract In recent years, various stakeholders and political decision-makers have recognized the significance of high-quality urban sound environments, stressing the need for user-centered trajectories. Despite the rising interest in this field, the soundscape approach has not yet fully permeated urban planning and design, possibly due to a lack of comprehensible guidelines on how to implement and curate successful soundscape designs, attributed to on-going developments on this subject. In the course of the Catalogue of Soundscape Interventions (CSI) Project, a taxonomy of eight dimensions was developed to serve as an orientation aid for practitioners, describing important aspects of soundscape-related measures that can be used as a brief to facilitate communication between authorities, consultants, and researchers. This study describes the theoretical framework and, in particular, the sequential coding process involved in deriving these dimensions, which is based on grounded theory. It lists observations and limitations of the resulting taxonomy and builds upon these findings to critically review and revisit existing nomenclature and concepts. Finally, a qualitative distinction in the form of a design pyramid according to ascending levels of epistemic rigor is proposed, to differentiate between documented practices, which may serve as a reference point for future harmonization and standardization.

Beyond retribution: Individual reparations for IHL violations as peace facilitators

Abstract Three decades after the United Nations Security Council invoked its Chapter VII powers to create the ad hoc criminal tribunals, there can be little doubt that the prosecution of individuals responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) contributes to restoring and maintaining peace. While there is little doubt that the reparatory function of justice is just as crucial as retribution, under international law today, reparations for IHL violations remain harrowingly insufficient or borderline non-existent. In scholarship and strategic litigation, various attempts have been made to distil an individual right to reparations from black-letter IHL. This article argues that such approaches are doomed to fail, as procedural aspects of international obligations rarely, if ever, emerge through the evolution of an existing customary international obligation, let alone via the crystallization of a new customary international norm. They are usually triggered by a political shift that makes States adopt novel regulations setting forth the jurisdictional ramifications of enforcing a pre-existing right or obligation. This article thus advances a two-fold argument. First, it asserts that States’ increased compliance with the obligation to provide compensation for violations of IHL attributable to them would contribute to “the restoration and maintenance of peace” just as much as the prosecution of persons responsible for serious violations thereof. Second, it argues that the individual right to claim reparations for IHL violations can only be established through a political decision of States, and that the establishment of an international mechanism for Ukraine might be an important precedent for the evolution of the current international system.

Lietuvos Didžiosios Kunigaikštystės viešieji notarai XVI amžiaus kryžkelėse: nuo 1512 metų Europos notariato nuostatų iki Antrojo Lietuvos Statuto

The Imperial Notary Ordinance, which began being written in the late fifteenth century, not only further cemented the statements set forth in Ars notariae, but also fundamentally transformed the status of notariat, declaring the notariat a governmental institution. According to the opinion of Notariat experts, this Ordinance that was declared in 1512 is fundamental for having the main professional characteristics of the contemporary Latin notariat. This similarity also outlines the continuity of modern European notariat.Lithuanian society in the beginning of the sixteenth century lived with a notariat that was not fully developed, since, only after receiving the right from the Pope in 1501, public notaries began being nominated in the Vilnius diocese. During the first half of the sixteenth century, the development of notariat was visible particularly in the dioceses of GDL. This was to be expected, knowing that the notariat was established in GDL through the Church. Notariat developed in the secular government only as much as there was cooperation with and participation of diocesal notaries public, by serving in the office of a ruler or a voivod. We can observe a tendency in the beginning of the sixteenth century of secularization of the notaries public – they would switch to service in a purely secular office after leaving the clergy and/or becoming supporters of the Reformation. At the same time, similarly to Poland, in the later half of fifteenth century and onwards, Lithuania saw the rise of notaries with apostolic mandate, which declared the primacy of the Pope’s rule. We think, that the Notary Ordinance of 1512, could have had impact (negative?) to the further development of GDL notariat. Firstly by raising the questions of political loyalty and personal choice in regards to which highest authority to obey – the Pope’s or the emperor’s, ecclesiastical or secular.During research we acknowledge that both the First and the Second Statutes of Lithuania could have been partially influenced by the Notary Ordinance by notaries public participating in their conception. Thanks to them, articles regarding the Roman law have been created. The removal of Latin language as the written language of the courts by the Second Statute was not beneficial to the Roman notariat and a serious challenge to the notaries public and to the further development of notariat in GDL. The New Statute became an opportunity for the secular notariat to form as a legal institute. However, for it to happen there had to be further political decisions in support of it, there had to have been the right conditions and enough time to prepare qualified specialists and for the society to be prepared to trust those specialists.

The Implementation of Good Governance for Optimizing the Potential Corruption Prevention in the Development of the Nusantara (IKN)

The decision to develop the Archipelago Capital (IKN) as the capital city of Indonesia is one of the state political decisions that has a big vision towards a Golden Indonesia 2045. As a project with a large and complex budget, its financial management must be carried out in an accountable manner, free from corrupt practices, and supported with a strict monitoring system so that it can run by prioritizing the principles of good governance. Therefore, IKN development policies and regulations must be in line with these principles and objectives. This study aims to describe the current condition of IKN development related to the potential for corruption, opportunities, and obstacles in preventing it. So, this study can produce policy recommendations that can be implemented in the implementation of IKN development. The legal research method used in writing this thesis is a normative juridical research method, with a statutory approach. The research uses qualitative analysis using primary and secondary legal data/material sources. Data/legal material processing activities begin with collection, analysis, and presentation, then formulated and presented systematically and descriptively according to the respective subject matter. The results of the study show the potential for corruption in the institutional aspects of the IKN Authority which are still weak in supervision, financing schemes that are vulnerable to conflicts of interest, and the implementation of IKN development where the procurement of goods still has the potential to give rise to bribery and conflicts of interest. This makes the development of IKN not in line with the principles of good governance. So, to prevent potential corruption in IKN development, better prevention optimization is needed in these three aspects, both in the preparation of clauses in regulations and the formation of institutions. It is hoped that this will enable the IKN project to run efficiently, effectively, and without corrupt practices occurring.

The Influence of Political Memes on Political Marketing Strategy in Malaysia

Rapid development and quick-moving media not only change how people behave and communicate but also completely alter the marketing approach used to promote politics to maintain political power. The usage of memes in politics has also altered the agenda-setting of social groups that are concerned with Malaysian politics. This study aims to examine the impact of political memes on Malaysian youth, particularly on their decision to vote in general elections at the age as early as of 18. It also tries to examine the elements that make memes effective political marketing tools. Using a quantitative study involving 400 young people, it discovered that politics and memes had an impact on the younger generation. Further study is imperative to investigate on the young people preference that influenced their political decision making.

Considering Future Generations in Democratic Governance

Intergenerational issues encompass various future concerns ranging from climate change to government debt, which can potentially harm the well-being of future generations. Scholars have discussed intergenerational equity and justice, and efforts to incorporate future generations in decision-making in society have been growing, including establishing future-regarding institutions. Nevertheless, democratic governance often prioritizes short-term gains over long-term benefits. This thematic issue aims to present the current state of progress and academic discourse on incorporating considerations for future generations into current decision-making. The issue comprises 10 articles with a varied focus, including on young people and those who are yet to be born. Challenges such as misrepresentation and negligence in democratic deliberation are explored, along with legal obligations grounded in human rights. Proxies for future generations in political decision-making are examined, revealing limitations in enforcing their interests. The impact of political short-termism on government responses is discussed, and the role of narratives in moral philosophy is explored. Diverse cases, including climate litigation in the German Federal Constitutional Court, highlight the complexity of addressing future generations. These articles explore and identify challenges in incorporating consideration of future generations, which could be used to catalyze studies on actions that will be taken in the future.

Die Bedeutung des Brexits für die Demokratie in Großbritannien

Abstract On the one hand, Brexit has repatriated key competences from the EU to the UK, broadening the scope for political decisions which respond to national democratic preferences. On the other hand, it has highlighted traditional weaknesses of the British democracy, further concentrating powers in the hands of the British government and strengthening the role of the Prime Minister as the head of an “elective dictatorship” subject to few checks and balances. We explore these developments in light of constitutional law, political expert opinions, and mass surveys, showing that British democracy remains strong but is challenged by heightened popular expectations and widespread demands for reform.

The relationships between citizens’ perceptions of corporate political activity and their health risk perception

Risk perception is a pertinent issue in the situation of constant risks associated with the biological, climatic, or technological factors that affect citizens’ lives today. The context in which a risk-generating situation arises can influence the way citizens perceive it. Among other factors, it is important to take the political context into account in risk perception research. In this vein, a wide variety of firms try to influence political decisions made by public authorities through the implementation of corporate political activity (CPA) strategies. In the case of polluting industrial complexes, residents who live close to them may perceive higher health risks when they become aware of the implementation of CPA strategies by firms. However, this reality has been neglected in the academic literature. To help fill this gap our research is based on institutional and attribution theories and the social risk perspective. The aim of the paper is to provide empirical evidence on the relationships between perceived CPA strategies, namely information and financial incentives, and health risk perception. For this purpose, the study focuses on residents who live near a polluting industrial complex. The results are obtained using structural equation models, and they show that each CPA strategy influences citizens’ health risk perception in a different way. Finally, we offer theoretical and practical implications of citizens’ health risk perception in a context with corporate political involvement.

Theoretical Debate Over the Relationship Between Ideology and Practical Politics

Political ideology is based on beliefs, values, and principles guiding the preferred form of government and societal organization. While providing coherence and direction for political parties, ideologies often clash with the pragmatic realities of governance. Practical politics prioritizes pragmatic considerations over ideological principles, focusing on achieving realistic goals through compromise and negotiation. This tension underscores the dynamic nature of political theory and practice, where ideological ideals must adapt to real-world complexities. The clash between ideological ideals and pragmatic necessities in governance underscores the dynamic nature of political theory and practice. Scholarly research explores this interplay, highlighting debates on the relationship between ideology and practical politics. The study highlights the complexity of navigating the interplay between ideological frameworks and practical considerations in political decision-making. It acknowledges the challenges inherent in reconciling abstract principles with the exigencies of governance. It analyses political ideology theories imperative for policymakers to balance ideological commitments and pragmatic policies. This research comprehensively explores theoretical approaches to the relationship between ideology and practical politics, shedding light on the ongoing discourse within political theory and its implications for effective governance.

The Ben Pimlott Memorial Lecture 2022: Patterns of Harm and Resistance: The Early History of Transphobic Algorithmic Bias

Abstract This piece explores an early example of transphobic algorithmic bias in an electronic computing system in the UK government, which was designed to collect taxes and apportion welfare state benefits. It argues that the logic of computation has long been used to obfuscate political decisions and launder government disdain for the rights and needs of marginalized groups.

Policy, Incentives, and Partnership are Keys to Sustaining Food Security, Land Management, Waste Management, and Agrarian Reform

Informed by cases from Southeast Asia (including Indonesia), Pakistan, and Nigeria, this April 2024 Issue puts together an argument that policy, incentives, and partnership are keys to sustaining food security, waste management, land management, and agrarian reform. The political decision to build a new Indonesian Capital in East Kalimantan could mean a positive for boosting local development. However, environmental and potential population pressures can compromise local social environmental settings that challenge the local food system. The article from Cahyono and Tokuda - offers insights into the role of sociodemographic factors as predictors of food security in East Kalimantan, Indonesia.   This Issue also covers research on sustainable waste management from Indonesia (Al Muqsit et al. deal with waste management from the views of visitors of a heritage tourism Area in Semarang using a survey) and Nigeria (Ogunseye et al. on how households leverage waste recycling for a green economy based on qualitative studies). The case from Nigeria advocates for policy that promotes equity, incentives, and partnership. Using the PRISMA framework, Gafuraningtyas et al. examine the literature on agrarian reform from Southeast Asia. The authors compared different approaches, including constraints and opportunities in agrarian reform in countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor Leste, and Vietnam. This Issue also offers policy insights into (1) how macroeconomic conditions shape local decentralization and its implication on fiscal capacity in Jambi, Indonesia (Zevaya et al.); (2) how soil organic carbon shapes agriculture, food security, and Health in the context of Pakistan (Amanullah and Khan); And (3) How to know if land management is responsible: Evaluating the 8R framework of responsible land management (de Vries).

Performance information and issue prioritization by political and managerial decision-makers: A discrete choice experiment

Abstract Issue prioritization is the first stage of attention-based theories of decision-making, but remains theoretically and empirically uncharted territory in public administration research. We propose and test how issue prioritization is informed by the characteristics of the performance information on which decision-makers rely, in particular its source (internal or external information), nature (objective or subjective information), aspiration level (historical, social, or coercive aspirations), and required cognitive effort (attention costs). Furthermore, we theorize how these characteristics of performance information determine issue prioritization decisions of political and managerial decision-makers in different ways. We empirically examine issue prioritization decisions in road maintenance and primary school education using a discrete choice experiment among 2,313 local government officials. The experiment reveals that decision-makers are more likely to prioritize issues that are signaled through objective performance measures and that are articulated relative to coercive aspirations, but that the effects of the information’s source and attention costs differ between policy domains. Comparison of observational variation regarding decision-makers’ roles indicates that public managers more strongly prioritize road maintenance issues that are articulated in objective performance information, but not in primary school education. The study advances public administration research and theory with a ‘horizontal’ behavioral perspective on decision-makers’ information processing to prioritize between simultaneous performance issues.

MONGOLIA AND THE REPUBLICS OF CENTRAL ASIA

The article examines the state of relations between Mongolia and the post-Soviet republics of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan). The author assesses main constraints of Mongolian-Central Asian economic cooperation, as well as steps to strengthen various elements of interstate partnership. Another part of the research is the study of Ulaanbaatar’s attempts to develop new theoretical approaches to the strengthen Mongolian policy in Central Asia in the context of the observed growth of global geopolitical and geo-economic tensions. It is obvious that in the current conditions Mongolia’s needs to expand the range of international partnerships becomes a serious challenge, requiring the authorities of the republic to make important political and foreign economic decisions in the short term.

Policy utilisation of occupational safety and health research: results from a tripartite unicameral parliamentary system in Denmark

Background: Use of research evidence in policy decisions is under-researched. Especially, there is a need for more research in countries with different forms of government than bicameral legislatures. Aims and objectives: This article examines the impact of occupational safety and health (OSH) research on decision-makers in a tripartite unicameral parliamentary system (legislature and agreements). More specifically, we identify and discuss information acquisition and types of research use in policy decisions. Methods: Using both semi-structured and structured questions, we conducted 30 interviews distributed evenly within three groups of elite political actors: elected members of parliament; top-level public administrators; and social partner politicians. Analysis and reporting were subject to investigator triangulation. Findings: The three groups of elite political actors acquire information about OSH issues from different sources. The most important are: interest groups, networks and internal specialists. Findings show that elite actors generally use research knowledge conceptually and instrumentally, and to a lesser degree strategically and tactically. Many types of information influence politicians. They mostly perceive themselves as initiators of new research. The social partners primarily perceive themselves as users of new research results to initiate change and influence political decisions. Discussion and conclusion: How and when research knowledge is used differs between the three groups. It is important for researchers to tailor research communication to the particular needs of different stakeholders and interact directly with the elite actors and indirectly through lower level specialists from stakeholder organisations, and gain exposure through external sources such as the press and social media.

The image of voivodeship cities among residents: exploring age-related perspectives

Purpose: Image is one of the key issues in city marketing and branding. City image studies are essential tools for urban planners, social researchers as well as political decision-makers and local authorities aiming to understand how people perceive the urban space in which they live. The objective of this article is to identify the image of voivodeship cities among their residents based on the respondents’ age categories. Methodology/approach: The article relies on the results of a quantitative study conducted with a sample of 728 respondents residing in selected voivodeship cities in Poland. The research tool employed in the study was a standardised survey questionnaire. Findings: The findings reveal a statistically significant difference in the assessment of the overall city image by residents across various age categories. Practical implications: This article may serve as an inspiration for city managers who, in shaping a positive image of urban centres, can communicate information about selected city attributes tailored to the chosen age category of inhabitants. Originality/value: The research results unequivocally confirm that older city dwellers appear to be more inclined to feel an emotional connection to their place of residence and express positive opinions about it.

Visual frame analysis of the UKIP leave campaigns ‘Turkish migrant’ Brexit visuals

ABSTRACT The lead up to the 23 June 2016 democratic divorce of the United Kingdom from the European Union observed rigorous campaigning from the ‘Leave’ and ‘Remain’ spectrums. Immigration was high on the agenda, with UKIP’s leave campaign commissioning seven visuals focusing on migration from Turkey, with this anti-immigration rhetoric receiving much criticism. This study analysed these visuals by performing a semiotic and visual frame analysis. The findings present important indications of how politicians utilize existing connotations and ‘othering’ ideologies to influence political decisions, and the messages in accordance with the socio-political climate prevalent at the time. It was found that the visuals relied heavily on connotations appropriated upon the Turkish identity, and their previously invested-in self-other ideologies, enabling the visuals to transcend a greater message. Simultaneously, pre-existing antagonism connected to immigration was also utilized within a setting of political distrust. The rhetoric promoted basing Brexit on Turkey’s entrance to the Union, omitting the Union from the equation and question.

“We’re sinking”: a qualitative interview-based study on stakeholder perceptions of structural and process limitations to the Canadian healthcare system

BackgroundDespite longstanding efforts and calls for reform, Canada’s incremental approach to healthcare changes has left the country lagging behind other OECD nations. Reform to the Canadian healthcare system is essential to develop a higher performing system. This study sought to gain a deeper understanding of the views of Canadian stakeholders on structural and process deficiencies and strategies to improve the Canadian healthcare system substantially and meaningfully.MethodsWe conducted individual, ~ 45-minute, semi-structured virtual interviews from May 2022 to August 2022. Using existing contacts and snowball sampling, we targeted one man and one woman from five regions in Canada across four stakeholder groups: (1) public citizens; (2) healthcare leaders; (3) academics; and (4) political decision makers. Interviews centered on participants’ perceptions of the state of the current healthcare system, including areas where major improvements are required, and strategies to achieve suggested enhancements; Donabedian’s Model (i.e., structure, process, outcomes) was the guiding conceptual framework. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and de-identified, and inductive thematic analysis was performed independently and in duplicate according to published methods.ResultsThe data from 31 interviews with 13 (41.9%) public citizens, 10 (32.3%) healthcare leaders, 4 (12.9%) academics, and 4 (12.9%) political decision makers resulted in three themes related to the structure of the healthcare system (1. system reactivity; 2. linkage with the Canadian identity; and 3. political and funding structures), three themes related to healthcare processes (1. staffing shortages; 2. inefficient care; and 3. inconsistent care), and three strategies to improve short- and long-term population health outcomes (1. delineating roles and revising incentives; 2. enhanced health literacy; 3. interdisciplinary and patient-centred care).ConclusionCanadians in our sample identified important structural and process limitations to the Canadian healthcare system. Meaningful reforms are needed and will require addressing the link between the Canadian identity and our healthcare system to facilitate effective development and implementation of strategies to improve population health outcomes.

Mapping the evidence of novel plant-based foods: a systematic review of nutritional, health, and environmental impacts in high-income countries.

Shifting from current dietary patterns to diets rich in plant-based (PB) foods and lower in animal-based foods (ABFs) is generally regarded as a suitable strategy to improve nutritional health and reduce environmental impacts. Despite the recent growth in supply of and demand for novel plant-based foods (NPBFs), a comprehensive overview is lacking. This review provides a synthesis of available evidence, highlights challenges, and informs public health and environmental strategiesfor purposeful political decision-making by systematically searching, analyzing, and summarizing the available literature. Five peer-reviewed databases and grey literature sources were rigorously searched for publications. Study characteristics meeting the inclusion criteria regarding NPBF nutrient composition and health and environmental outcomes in high-income countries were extracted. Fifty-seven peer-reviewed and 36 grey literature sources were identified; these were published in 2016-2022. NPBFs typically have substantially lower environmental impacts than ABFs, but the nutritional contents are complex and vary considerably across brands, product type, and main primary ingredient. In the limited evidence on the health impacts, shifts from ABFs to PB meats were associated with positive health outcomes. However, results were mixed for PB drinks, with links to micronutrient deficiencies. If carefully selected, certain NPBFs have the potential to be healthier and nutrient-rich alternatives to ABFs and typically have smaller environmental footprints. More disaggregated categorization of various types of NPBFs would be a helpful step in guiding consumers and key stakeholders to make informed decisions. To enable informed policymaking on the inclusion of NPBFs in dietary transitions as part of a wider net-zero and health strategy, future priorities should include nutritional food standards, labelling, and subdivisions or categorizations of NPBFs, as well as short- and long-term health studies evaluating dietary shifts from ABFs to NPBFs and standardized environmental impact assessments, ideally from independent funders.

Environmental barriers perceived by the Finnish population with spinal cord injury: a cross-sectional survey.

Cross-sectional survey of the Finnish population with spinal cord injury (SCI). To explore the frequencies of perceived environmental barriers (EB) that made participation harder for the Finnish population with SCI and to compare the occurrence of perceived EBs by gender, age, time since injury, and injury severity. Participants were recruited from the registers of the three SCI outpatient clinics responsible for the lifelong care of people with SCI in Finland. The self-administered Nottwil Environmental Factors Inventory Short Form (NEFI-SF) collected in the Finnish Spinal Cord Injury Study (FinSCI) (n = 1772) was used. Nonparametric tests and multinomial logistic regression models were utilized. 880 individuals responded to the NEFI-SF items (response rate 50%). Climate was perceived as a barrier by 72% and a serious one by 44% of the respondents. The rates regarding public access were 59% and 24%, private home access 46% and 18%, and long-distance transport 45% and 20%. Four out of ten respondents reported that finances, lack of assistive devices for short-distance transport, and political decisions restricted their participation. The NEFI-SF total scores were higher (meaning more perceived restrictions by EBs) for those more severely injured. Climate, access to public and private places, challenges with transport, finances, and political decisions were the EBs most frequently perceived to restrict participation by the Finnish population with SCI. Most EBs that were prominent causes of restrictions are modifiable. Greater accessibility to the built environment, equal services to all, and positive special treatment could reduce their effects.