Political Divisions Research Articles

Civic Organizations and the Political Participation of Cross-Pressured Americans: The Case of the Labor Movement

Civic associations underpin American democracy. How can politically cross-cutting associations engage members who hold divergent viewpoints amidst increasing partisan polarization and nationalization of politics? I examine this question in the context of labor unions, studying how unions engage members who hold conservative views at odds with some of the union’s political actions. Using original surveys of local union presidents, members, and non-members along with in-depth interviews in selected local unions, I show how local union leaders can foster norms of participation among politically cross-pressured members. Norms of participation increase conservative members’ perceptions of political representation and engagement in politics, including participation in the union’s political action committee and support for union political mobilization. These findings have implications for understanding civic associations and participation in an era of political division, as well as the role unions continue to play in politics.

Separated by Degrees: Social Closure by Education Levels Strengthens Contemporary Political Divides

Separated by Degrees: Social Closure by Education Levels Strengthens Contemporary Political Divides

Polityka Białoruskiej Autokefalicznej Cerkwi Prawosławnej na uchodźctwie wobec Patriarchatu Konstantynopolskiego po 1948 roku

The article discusses the attempts of the Belarusian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (BAOC) in exile to establish relations with the Patriarchate of Constantinople in the second half of the 20th century. BAOC’s intentions and policy towards the Constantinople Patriarchate were analysed, which included the implementation of the following goals: 1) confirmation/recognition of the canonical status of the BAOC by the Patriarchate of Constantinople; 2) unification of all Belarusian Orthodox parishes in the democratic West under the jurisdiction of BAOC; 3) overcoming the political division of the Belarusian diaspora in the West and reducing its role in the functioning of parishes; 4) independence of the Belarusian Orthodox Church in exile from the influence of the Russian Foreign Orthodox Church.

Conceptual Metaphors and Image Schemas in the conceptualization of Neoliberalism and Socialism in Presidential Inauguration Speeches. An infometric approach

Introduction: This study explores how neoliberalism and socialism are conceptualized through image schemas in political discourse. These conceptual frameworks are best analyzed using the Conceptual Metaphor Theory, specifically its analytical tool of image schemas. The metaphorical structures identified in the analyzed texts reflect a polarized stance, particularly opposing right-wing ideologies. Neoliberalism is metaphorically framed as something negative, associated with darkness, evil, and positioned downward. Objective: To analyze how neoliberalism and socialism are conceptualized in political discourse using image schemas. Methods: The study employed a bibliographic review to collect and analyze political texts, focusing on metaphorical language. Articles were selected based on relevance and discarded if they lacked clear metaphorical usage or did not align with the research focus. The analysis utilized the Conceptual Metaphor Theory to identify image schemas in the discourse. Development: The study highlights that the conceptual metaphors present in political discourse shape public perception by framing neoliberalism as inherently negative, using metaphors of darkness and downward movement. Conversely, socialism is portrayed through positive metaphors, symbolizing light and upward movement. This metaphorical polarization reflects broader societal and political divisions, where language reinforces ideological opposition. Conclusions: The study concludes that political discourse consistently uses conceptual metaphors to portray neoliberalism negatively and socialism positively. These metaphors contribute to reinforcing ideological divisions, emphasizing the role of language in shaping political perspectives. The objective of understanding these conceptualizations was met through the identification of recurring metaphorical patterns

Political Divisions in Large Cities: The Socio-Spatial Basis of Legislative Behavior in Chicago and Toronto

Political Divisions in Large Cities: The Socio-Spatial Basis of Legislative Behavior in Chicago and Toronto

Exposure to anti-refugee hate crimes and support for refugees in Germany

Abstract In recent years, anti-refugee hate crimes have soared across Europe. We know this violence has spread fear among refugees, but we know less about its effects on the non-refugee population. This is an oversight, as research suggests political violence often has effects on the broader population. Those effects can range from increased solidarity with the targets of the violence to reduced pro-social behavior and less support for the targets of the violence. In this research note, we examine the effects of exposure to anti-refugee hate crimes in Germany. Our results suggest no direct effect of exposure to anti-refugee hate crimes on support for refugees. These results have several implications for our understanding of political divides over refugees in Europe.

Chortkiv Deanery of the Stanislaviv Greek Catholic Eparchy in 1939-1946

The purpose of the article is an objective study of the historical development of the Chortkiv Deanery of the Stanislaviv Diocese of the Galician Metropolis of the Greek Catholic Church during the Second World War of 1939-1945 and the establishment of Soviet power in Galicia in 1945-1946, which led to the forced liquidation of the UGCC and its transformation into a “catacomb” church. Research methodology: the basic methods are microhistorical, biographical and prosopographic. The scientific novelty is that for the first time the peculiarities of the historical development of the Chortkiv Deanery of the Stanislaviv Eparchy of the UGCC during the Second World War and the “second Sovietization” of Galicia (1939-1946) are analyzed. Conclusions: The authors show the specifics of church-state relations, the mutual influence of political and ecclesiastical administrative-territorial divisions in the process of liquidation of the UGCC, and the role of individual priests in the events of this time.

Political discontent in Spain, diagnosis and solutions

The starting point is the presence of a widespread feeling of political confrontation and division among Spanish citizens. This is compounded by dissatisfaction with and distrust in a system that is perceived by many as elitist and out of touch with real needs. Several factors related to this perception of politics are explained and quantified. On the one hand, there are economic elements, such as the stagnation of GDP per capita, the persistence of a relatively high at-risk-of-poverty rate, and the rates of material deprivation. And in all these elements, a significant territorial inequality can be observed. There are significant differences between Spain, France and Germany over the period considered. On the other hand, political factors determine much of the public debate in Spain: Historical memory and the Spanish Civil War, as well as the terrorism of ETA and other terrorist groups. The emergence of new parties is analyzed, especially VOX. Finally, the enormous difficulty of finding a territorial structure of political power that would bring together the consensus of most political forces. It is necessary to find formulas for fiscal federalism that will make it possible to move away from the current decentralization of spending without the Autonomous Communities having their own tax capacity. This study concludes by pointing out the relevance of all these problems and the need to find solutions through democratic debate and deliberation with agreements.

Investigating and evaluating the impact of COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 response measures on construction projects in Iraq

Abstract. At the end of 2019, the whole world was exposed to a major health crisis, which the Coronavirus, which went out of the control of all countries, including Iraq, The negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues to this day on the construction industry sector in Iraq. This research aims to study and find the most common risk factors for the Coronavirus crisis and analyze them using the descriptive analysis method (HEAT MAP), in addition to identifying, analyzing and evaluating response procedures after Covid-19 by finding the relative importance index (RII). The factors of the Covid-19 crisis were extracted and the most common different response procedures were found from the archives of (24) completed construction projects in the projects of the University of Kufa, Karbala and Babylon. The current practice and the possibility of occurrence of risk factors, their severity and the possibility of their occurrence were diagnosed by conducting interviews accompanied by an open questionnaire with (15) Iraqi experts concerned with construction project management and then directing a detailed closed questionnaire to (140) others. All the results obtained were subjected to statistical tests to verify their validity, and the results showed the presence of (37) factors related to the Coronavirus, with the identification of their characteristics and the most affected project objectives, as well as the most affected contracting parties. When using the (HEAT MAP) method, it was found that the group of political risk factors is dominant and that the most harmful factors are the curfew and changes in the current government policies followed to combat the epidemic, curfew decisions and changes in the current government policies followed to combat the epidemic, political division, conflicting decisions, and the absence of plans and preparation for such crises. The delay in state funding for funded projects in the Middle Euphrates due to strict measures in the Middle Euphrates by the government that has existing projects was the most harmful. When applying (RII) to find the most important response measures, it was holding regular working sessions to discuss COVID-19 policies and response mechanisms, imposing a state of emergency due to the Corona virus as a force majeure, and finally cooperating with regulatory bodies to facilitate policy changes as well as enhancing scientific advice. Through this study, the project reached many conclusions and recommendations that would reduce or mitigate the impact of the Corona pandemic or any future events on the objectives of any construction project.

The Historical Memory Paradigm as a Methodological Approach for Historical Commissions: The Case of Colombia's Historical Memory Group

Abstract: The last three decades have seen an increasing recognition of the potential of historical commissions as a tool to address the legacies of the past in contexts where social and political unrest and divisions are historically deeply rooted. Given their broad definition, historical commissions enjoy great flexibility in terms of how they carry out their investigations. This article analyzes the activities of the Historical Memory Group set up in Colombia in 2007, which adopted the historical memory paradigm, characterized by a combination of archival research and oral testimonies, as a core aspect of its investigative work, and argues that this paradigm provides a useful methodological approach to be included in the wide range of tools available to historical commissions.

The Strategic Management of Ukraine in The Ukraine vs Russia War: An Analysis Through SWOT Framework

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has significant implications for Ukraine's strategic management, presenting challenges across military, economic, and political dimensions. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Ukraine's strategic management approach using the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) framework. Ukraine's strengths include a strong national identity, support from Western allies, and a capable military, which have helped maintain its sovereignty despite Russian aggression. However, weaknesses such as economic challenges, internal political divisions, and dependence on Western support hinder its independence and strategic position. Opportunities for Ukraine lie in building stronger alliances with Western countries, overcoming economic challenges, and implementing diplomatic initiatives. These efforts can provide financial and military assistance, address economic issues, and achieve goals through negotiation. Threats to Ukraine include Russian military power, economic coercion, and political interference, which limit Ukraine's ability to achieve its objectives and make it vulnerable to regional pressures. This paper examines Ukraine's strategic position in the conflict, considering geopolitical dynamics, military capabilities, and historical context, highlighting the strategic management approach through the SWOT framework.

Rywalizacja mocarstw regionalnych i globalnych w pogrążonej wojną domową Libii

RIVALRY OF REGIONAL AND GLOBAL POWERS IN CIVIL WAR-RIDDEN LIBYAThe aim of the article is to analyse the role that the conflict in Libya plays in the politics of regional and global powers. The theory of regional security complexes was adopted as a theoretical perspective for considerations. The analysis focuses on the impact of threats within the Middle Eastern regional security complex, with particular emphasis on the North Africa sub-complex, and the impact that global powers have on this complex in connection with the conflict in Libya. The research problem under consideration is how the Libyan civil war fits into the architecture of regional security. The conditions of the conflict in Libya, such as the geostrategic location, tribal and regional divisions, weakness and breakdown of state structures, make it easy for both regional and global powers to influence its course. The clear division of the state into two strong and competing political and territorial units means that external actors are forced to take sides and get involved in the internal strife. The involvement of external actors has deepened and perpetuated the existing political, geopolitical and social divisions. Both sides of the conflict, with the support of regional and global powers, are entrenching their positions, stiffening their negotiating stances and thus limiting the chances of reaching a political agreement.

The Impact of Iraqi State’s Political Division on Islamic Republic of Iran’s Internal National Security (An Analytical Research from Scenario Planning Perspective)

The Impact of Iraqi State’s Political Division on Islamic Republic of Iran’s Internal National Security (An Analytical Research from Scenario Planning Perspective)

Transcending Borders in Orhan Pamuk’s My Name Is Red

Orhan Pamuk's novel My Name Is Red (1998) blurs the territory-bound art, cultural fences, and national boundaries to promote fraternity and connectivity through the two-fold strategy of obliterating conflict and encouraging philanthropic sensibility. This paper has examined the crossing of the divide in the massive migration, international trade, and refugee problems of the border postulated by Alejandro Lugo, Atzili Boas, Victory Konrad, and Anne-Laure Amilhat Szary’s border theory that emerged post-1990. Based on the insights of this theory, this paper argues that the ultimate resolution for the ongoing struggle among the people from diverse political, geographical, ethnic, and anthropological backgrounds in the third space is through the elimination of the territorial differences and the advancement of cross-cultural assimilation and humanitarian approach. This study uses qualitative research design to validate the argument that the territorial boundaries between the nations trouble social synchronization. The study’s finding reveals that the arts such as paintings transcend political division and promote the cultural adjustment in the liminal space. Istanbul is the setting that represents the transitional landmark between Southeast Asia and Europe as a cross-cultural and cross-border notion. The painting of the natural objects and the human procession merges the Eastern and the Western essences. The novel surpasses the conformist boundaries and endorses a multicultural artistic society without any religious, cultural, and geographical discrimination. Therefore, art functions as a tool to promote the aura of art, and such a sensation becomes the tool for the extension of psychological, physical, and social well-being.

Variables influencing truth reconciliation commissions to promote post-conflict peacebuilding and statebuilding in Africa: a South African experience

Truth and reconciliation commissions (TRCs) are understood to offer cheap justice, a justice not bound by the law. South African experience in the post-apartheid era shows that they are significant tools for peacebuilding as well as statebuilding. The experience shows that the use of TRCs has created an authoritative record of what happened; enabled the victims to tell their stories without fear or embarrassment, and recommended legislative, structural and institutional reforms that avoided the repetition of past abuses. Successful peace and statebuilding are based on the above in order to achieve sustainable peace. TRCs promote rule of law, human rights protection, and ensure healing and freedom for all. However, the relapses of conflicts and political tensions, intercommunal hatred and divisions in African countries, create more questions than answers. These continuous issues show that TRCs have instead not resolved conflicts. The paper found that TRCs can only lead to successful peacebuilding and statebuilding if there is willingness on the side of the citizens as well as their political leaders. There is need to learn from the South African experience to ensure that TRCs lead to successful peacebuilding and statebuilding. The paper relied on historical research designed to study TRCs in Africa.

Can Conversational Receptiveness Build Trust in the Media?

Trust in nonpartisan news is essential to civil society—but is declining in the United States. However, language that demonstrates active engagement with opposing views may build trust. One way to demonstrate such active engagement is conversational receptiveness: the use of linguistic features such as agreement, acknowledgment, subjectivity, and positive emotion, among others. A review of prior work on conversational receptiveness suggests its usefulness in interpersonal conflict. This toolkit might effectively apply also to the challenge of restoring trust in nonpartisan media. A demonstration study illustrates proof of concept: In 600 opinion articles from prominent news sources, more receptive language was associated with reader trust. Pending programmatic research will address limitations, feasibility constraints, open questions, and future empirical directions—including causal tests in applied settings. At a minimum, extrapolating conversational receptivity from its role in interpersonal conflict suggests a role in building trust in nonpartisan media. Conversational receptiveness might present a cost-effective, scalable approach for media producers to bridge political divides and rebuild trust—without alienating existing audiences.

Lines, cuts and engrams: comparing contemporary partition narratives from (Northern) Ireland and Upper Silesia

ABSTRACT This essay offers a comparative perspective on several narrative representations of two partitions that were established in Europe in the 1920s. Partitions of Ireland and of Upper Silesia had markedly different consequences and political vicissitudes but there are also significant parallels when it comes to selected bordering practices as well as patterns and modes of remembering partition that have been exploited in contemporary writings from either region/country. The principal focus of the essay is on how partition narratives and other representations of bordering have reflected and perpetuated tropes and images connected with social and political divisions in either society. Of particular significance is the persistence of geopolitical lines that may have disappeared from maps and territories and yet they have continued to inspire contemporary identity projects that are informed by stories and memories of the past in borderland areas. The two borders – and their narrative representations – are discussed with reference to Anna Bernard’s concept of ‘partition literature’, Tim Ingold’s ‘ghostly lines’ as well as Astrid Erll’s notion of ‘travelling memory’ and its effects on the nexus of territory and identity in recent writings from Northern Ireland and Upper Silesia.

Reconceptualisation of Social Solidarity: Networked Segmentation as a New Digital Divide

Many authors have recognized the unifying potential of digital technologies. McLuhan introduces the phrase "global village," while Castells writes about the emerging society as "networked." However, the experience of living in a "networked society" has questioned assumptions about the one-dimensional nature of the impact of digital technologies both on global social solidarity and solidarity at the micro level. Castells himself makes a sort of leap by considering the transformation of society from networked to segmented, heralding the end of the traditional concept of mass audience. Through mass and especially new social media, the audience as an interactive subject is open to further segmentation and differentiation. These insights indicate the necessity of reconsidering the impact of new media technologies – on the one hand, on forms of constructing social identity and social connectivity, and on the other hand, on the creation of a digital divide, supported by algorithms and artificial intelligence. Furthermore, certain categories need to be revised/redefined, primarily considering them in the context of social and political divisions that the use of social networks generates and deepens, such as the concept of the "digital divide," originally associated with the problem of unequal access to digital resources. The main aim of the paper concerns contributing to the modernization of research categories used in media and society studies, to make their theoretical and practical application more adequate and tailored to contemporary social reality. The paper will propose new formulations of key concepts, aiming to make the inherent multidimensionality of the discussed categories evident, within the context of the impact of new media and technologies. The ultimate result of the paper is contained in a sort of mapping of how the new media ecosystem supports processes of building social solidarity and creating digital alienation.

General content and main objectives of the research of professional-public interaction in the post-war reconstruction of Beirut

The readers are offered the third in a series of publications dedicated to the interaction between the cultural community, urban planning specialists, city and state authorities during the reconstruction of the Lebanese capital Beirut after the civil war of 1975-1990. The example of Beirut is the most important historical precedent, on which, in particular, the development of a general strategy for promoting the revival of the destroyed cities of the Arab world can be oriented. Beirut has a number of features common to almost every major Arab city, including ethnic fragmentation and economic diversity, political divisions that are sharp to the point of antagonism, and multi-denominationalism. For the first time in modern history, the reconstruction of Beirut was carried out under the strong influence of civil society and its organizations, and not only political parties, but also non-governmental organizations (so-called third sector organizations), as well as new target groups, movements and currents. The story of Beirut's post-war reconstruction and civil influence on it can be seen as a unique example of a long-lasting and quite fruitful participation program. Studying the genesis of such large-scale, multi-professional and multi-purpose public participation could be the key to developing organic and effective approaches to large cities in various regions affected by the consequences of wars, civil conflicts or natural disasters. The methodology of such research should be based on the reconstruction of the chronological sequence (timeline) of key events during the post-war reconstruction of the Lebanese capital. On this schedule, it is necessary to pay special attention to situations of intervention of public organizations and/or the third sector in the processes of implementation of design and construction, distinguishing at the same time the modes (stages) of preparation and implementation of influence. The general goal of this research is to reveal the content, mechanisms of implementation and stages of deployment multifaceted processes of discovering and preserving the rich historical heritage of Beirut, which took place in a constant dialogue between specialists of various professions, scientists and public activists. The purpose of this publication is to build a work plan of the research, define its specific components and characterize the expected scientific and practical results.

People believe political opponents accept blatant moral wrongs, fueling partisan divides.

Efforts to bridge political divides often focus on navigating complex and divisive issues, but eight studies reveal that we should also focus on a more basic misperception: that political opponents are willing to accept basic moral wrongs. In the United States, Democrats, and Republicans overestimate the number of political outgroup members who approve of blatant immorality (e.g. child pornography, embezzlement). This "basic morality bias" is tied to political dehumanization and is revealed by multiple methods, including natural language analyses from a large social media corpus and a survey with a representative sample of Americans. Importantly, the basic morality bias can be corrected with a brief, scalable intervention. Providing information that just one political opponent condemns blatant wrongs increases willingness to work with political opponents and substantially decreases political dehumanization.