Political Dynamics Research Articles

Historical analysis using topic modelling: insights from Khevenhüller’s diary 1742–76

Abstract Research on the political dynamics of the Viennese court in the Habsburg Monarchy has emphasized the significance of trends among the court nobility, who influenced imperial decisions. Therefore, we explore the diary of Johann Joseph Khevenhüller-Metsch, a confidant of Maria Theresia. While his diary, written intermittently from 1742 to 1776, comprises a valuable resource, the sheer volume of information spanning 35 years and approximately 645,000 words has hindered a comprehensive examination. Employing a combination of quantitative topic modelling and historical close reading, we analysed Khevenhüller’s diary to identify multiple themes and their evolution, elucidating historically significant topics that have been ignored in existing research. This study contributes to the ongoing debate surrounding the introduction of quantitative methods in historical research. Through the analysis of Khevenhüller’s diary, we uncovered topics that constituted the core of discourse among the Habsburg nobility during the 18th century.

PATUNG SEBAGAI MEDIA REKAM JEJAK TRANSFORMASI POLITIK, SOSIAL, DAN BUDAYA DALAM MUSEUM LIMA GUNUNG

This article discusses the role of sculpture as a medium for documenting political, social, and cultural transformations at the Lima Gunung Museum. The sculptures in this museum not only represent visual beauty, but also function as symbolic reflections on socio-political issues. Case studies of works such as Gus Semar Gunung, Cocot Kencono, Cicak vs Buaya, and Sinar Hati Gus Dur present critiques of phenomena such as pluralism, the post-truth era, power conflicts, and cultural acculturation. Through an aesthetic analysis approach based on AA Djelantik's theory, this article shows how sculpture can be a documentation tool that preserves historical narratives visually, conveys universal social criticism, and triggers dialogue with audiences. Documentation through sculpture provides an important contribution to understanding the dynamics of Indonesian society and politics, making art a bridge between aesthetic values ​​and social messages.

Muhammadiyah's Dilemma in Assisting the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis in Myanmar

This study analyzes the strategies employed by Muhammadiyah in addressing the humanitarian crisis affecting the Rohingya ethnic group in Myanmar, along with its positioning within international policy frameworks. A qualitative method was used, incorporating in-depth interviews with the chairman and vice chairman of the Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC), who served as key actors in aid distribution in Myanmar, along with three other representatives from Muhammadiyah’s leadership. Secondary data, including academic journals, news articles, online sources, and literature reviews, were also utilized to support the analysis. The findings reveal that Muhammadiyah faces various social, political, and cultural challenges in Myanmar, including local resistance, the politicization of aid, and language barriers. Unlike state-led humanitarian interventions, Muhammadiyah operates under regional diplomatic constraints. These conditions require adaptive negotiation strategies with both governmental and non-governmental stakeholders. This study highlights the critical role of faith-based organizations in humanitarian diplomacy and offers a comparative perspective on Muhammadiyah’s position alongside international actors such as UNHCR and ICRC. It emphasizes the need for cross-cultural communication training, integration with ASEAN’s humanitarian frameworks, and stronger institutional partnerships to improve the sustainability of humanitarian missions. Academically, this research contributes to the discourse on humanitarian diplomacy by exploring the intersection of religious-based humanitarianism and international political dynamics. Practically, it provides policy recommendations to enhance aid effectiveness in conflict-affected areas.

Favorable geopolitical conditions rather than climate promoted societal development in historical Xinjiang region, China

The contemporary renaissance of the ancient Silk Road through China’s Belt and Road Initiative has brought Xinjiang—a pivotal hub along this historic trade corridor—worldwide attention. This resurgence highlights a critical academic lacuna: despite the profound significance of the past social development in Xinjiang in comprehensively understanding Chinese history, the key factors governing its long-term social evolution remain unclear. Such limitation is probably constrained by fragmented frontier historical records and the lack of comprehensive quantitative analyses integrating socio-natural systems. This study innovatively employs multi-proxy historical records from 200 BCE to 1912 CE, in particular systematically categorized warfare data, using Pearson’s correlation, multivariate regression modeling, and Granger causality analyses at annual resolution. Our findings reveal that the historical social development in the Xinjiang region is fundamentally driven by favorable geopolitical situation rather than pleasant climate, especially during the unified administrations of the Han, Sui-Tang, and Qing dynasties. Specifically, while climatic factors exhibit limited correlation and almost no causation with (geo-)political and socio-demographic dynamics, three distinct causal chains are identified with different war types: (1) central government-initiated military campaigns (primary focus of this study), (2) local rebellions, and (3) external/nomadic invasions. Regression models indicate that garrison reclamation is the most influential predictor, with 1-unit increase corresponding to around 0.8-unit growth in agricultural immigration ( β = 0.8), substantially exceeding the impacts of central government-waged war ( β = 0.16), institutional establishment ( β = 0.52), and agriculturalist immigration ( β = 0.38) when garrison reclamation serves as the dependent variable. These results establish a coherent framework explaining the social dynamics in the Xinjiang region over the past two millennia, and offer an empirically-grounded historical case for the sustainable development in current Xinjiang under climate change as well as valuable supplements and new insights into the simplistic perspective of climatic-environmental determinism.

Exploring the impact of women's leadership and governance towards stability and development: a case study of Limpopo Province

This study explores the impact of women’s leadership and governance on stability and development in Limpopo province in South Africa, employing a qualitative research approach to provide a comprehensive analysis. Limpopo Province, with its complex socio-political landscape and historical context, presents a unique case for examining the role of women in leadership positions within both governmental and non-governmental sectors. The research integrates qualitative data to assess how women in leadership contribute to fostering stability, promoting socio-economic development, and influencing policy reforms. The qualitative component involves in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with women leaders, policymakers, and community members to gain insights into the strategies, challenges, and impacts of female leadership in governance. The findings showed that women in leadership positions have a positive influence on governance practices, social cohesion, and inclusive development, though challenges related to gender-based discrimination, political power dynamics, and institutional barriers remain significant. This study contributes to the broader discourse on gender equality in leadership, offering policy recommendations aimed at enhancing women’s participation in governance to achieve sustainable development and long-term stability in South Africa. Anti-discrimination laws must also be given top priority by governments and organizations, and prejudices in hiring and promotion procedures must be actively addressed.

The Impact of Health Policy on Total Ankle Arthroplasty Prices in the United States.

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is increasingly used due to advancements in surgical technology leading to promising results. Although TAA may have a higher upfront complication rate, its long-term benefits, including lower rates of adjacent joint arthritis and subsequent surgeries, may enhance its cost-effectiveness relative to ankle arthrodesis. Notable regional variability in TAA prices exists, influenced in part by state-level political dynamics and healthcare regulations. This study investigates how state-level political affiliation, certificate of need (CON) laws, and Medicaid expansion affect TAA pricing across the United States, with a specific focus on North Carolina. Data were sourced from the Turquoise Health Database, covering TAA prices since 2021. The unit of analysis was at the hospital level, with price defined as the negotiated hospital facility fee for TAA procedures (current procedural terminology code 27702), exclusive of physician fees. Multivariable regression analyses assessed relationships between TAA prices and factors, including CON regulations, Medicaid expansion, political affiliation, and socioeconomic variables like the area deprivation index. Political affiliation was assessed using both a composite score integrating five indicators of state political control and the Cook Partisan Voting Index for a more granular approach. States with CON regulations showed lower TAA prices, with average savings of $1,650. Medicaid expansion correlated with higher prices, with an average increase of $1,690. The composite political score showed minimal effect, although the Cook Partisan Voting Index indicated higher prices in Republican-leaning states. In North Carolina, higher area deprivation index scores correlated with reduced TAA prices by $15,331.50, potentially due to competitive market pressures or reliance on government payers. CON laws may reduce costs, whereas Medicaid expansion correlates with higher prices. Political affiliation shows minimal influence, with Republican affiliation weakly associated with higher prices. These findings provide insights for policymakers aiming to balance cost control and access to TAA. Level IV.

Persepsi Mahasiswa tentang Keputusan Mahkamah Konstitusi Mengenai Syarat Calon Presiden dan Wakil Presiden

Of the phenomenon associated with the constitutional court's decision on the age of candidates for presidents and vice presidents is considered unconstitutional because it is actually established by the 2017 no. 7 law of 2017 that the eligibility of presidential candidates and vice presidents is at least 40 years old. The study aims to explore and analyze deeply how students view or understand this constitutional court decision and what it does to the political and democratic dynamics in Indonesia. The method used in research is a descriptive qualitative with a data-collecting technique an in-depth interview of a semi structure. The theory used is social perception according to jalaludin rakhmat in order to find out how the student's perception in response to a constitutional court ruling on the terms of candidates for President and vice President at the verdict number 90/puu-xxi/2023. As for the findings of this study, that is, positive and negative perceptions and positive and negative effects.

Media and Islamophobia in Europe: A Literature-Based Analysis of Reports 2015–2023

This study examines the increasing Muslim presence in Western Europe, driven by migration, fertility rates, and religious conversion according to recent demographic research. Triggering events such as the 9/11 attacks in 2001 and the 7/7 London bombings in 2005, marked as milestones, worsened by the global media and propaganda, have significantly fueled Islamophobia across the region. Countries in Western Europe, like Spain, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, are selected focus areas to reflect social change and overlapping responses to the shifts. This study investigates the connection between rising anti-immigrant sentiment toward Muslims and the media’s role in shaping Islamophobia by negatively depicting Islam as a religion of war or terror. By analyzing the European Islamophobia Reports from 2015 to 2023, this study examines how Muslims are portrayed both as immigrants and through their symbolic societal presence. The study critically analyzes anti-Islam propaganda and the life experiences of Muslim communities by implementing qualitative methods through a literature review. The findings of this study reveal a paradox between Europe’s advocacy for diversity and the realities shaped by political and global dynamics, which hinder efforts toward inclusion. These insights could inform media policies to promote more balanced representations of Muslims and guide societal initiatives aimed at reducing prejudice and fostering greater inclusivity in Western Europe.

The public health consequences of mandatory return migration: a call for action

Migration has long shaped human societies, often generating complex social and political dynamics. In the United States, migration from Latin America represents a significant proportion of inflows, but increasingly restrictive policies have intensified hardships for migrants. Returning migrants frequently encounter systemic barriers such as limited healthcare access, economic instability, and social exclusion, all of which contribute to widening health disparities. The “healthy migrant effect” often declines as migrants face limited medical resources, reintegration difficulties, and weakened social support networks, which heighten the risk of mental health issues such as depression and PTSD. Moreover, food insecurity, poor living conditions, and exposure to violence further exacerbate physical and mental health vulnerabilities. Forced return migration magnifies these risks, leading to the marginalization of returnees both socially and economically. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated, equity-focused migration policies that integrate public health, legal, and social support systems. Sustainable, rights-based approaches are essential to promoting the long-term wellbeing of migrants and achieving broader public health goals.

Rural elderly and migrant youth: A case of gender analysis of overseas-employment and shifting roles in Bagamati province of Nepal”

Nepalese Society is diverse, complex and known as unique due to its social-cultural and political dynamics. Gender is considered a vibrant issue in modern society. This study is designed to find out the current situation of abroad employment trend and shifting role of Gender in the absence of Migrants. Purposively Makwanpur and Chitwan district of Bagamati Province were chosen for this research execution that covers all three geography. Two Urban municipalities Hetauda and Bharatpur city were chosen for the interview conforming to the high migrant rates conducted interview was conducted between Novembers to December 2024 The study found that the shifting role in the absence of migrant’s transferred to the old age people significantly high. The farming practice of farmers are traditional and migration trend is high. The food sufficiency is limited and inspiring for the migration to earning. Both Male and Female rate is out migration in some cases. The domestic work is initiated by the elderly people with extra burden and aloneness is recorded high. The youth absences is questionable to the Policymakers for the sustainable development planning process. The migration uplifted the lifestyle of the houses and expenses more towards the loan repayment, education, and health and so on. The study concluding that the lack of youth creating a gap in the community is not taking over by the elderly people in most of the houses. The smart plan are suggesting for the agriculture and other sectoral areas involving such peoples who can contribute in sustainable development and local resource and local available skills and people aligning is the best sustainable approach advised.

EXPLORING CULTURAL, POLITICAL, AND SOCIOECONOMIC INFLUENCES ON COLLECTIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE IN LIBYA

This study explores the factors that shape collective psychological resilience in Libya, particularly in the context of the nation’s recent political instability, economic challenges, and complex cultural dynamics. The paper examines how these elements interact to strengthen or undermine community resilience, using a mixed-methods approach. Through qualitative interviews and quantitative data analysis, this research identifies key determinants of psychological resilience, focusing on cultural values, social capital, and economic conditions in Libyan society. Political instability, compounded by a decade of conflict, has forced communities to adapt and develop unique forms of resilience. This study also delves into the role of familial and community structures in coping with adversity, as well as the impact of government policies and foreign influence on the collective psyche of Libyan citizens. The findings suggest that while political and socioeconomic factors have undeniably shaped resilience, cultural influences rooted in communal solidarity and the importance of social support networks have played a central role in fostering psychological resilience. Understanding these complex factors is crucial for designing interventions aimed at improving mental health and social stability in post-conflict societies. The paper concludes with recommendations for policy makers and international organizations seeking to enhance psychological resilience through culturally appropriate and context-sensitive strategies.

Inequality and Political Cleavage in Africa: A Review Article

Abstract Since the onset of the third wave of democratization in sub-Saharan Africa approximately three and a half decades ago, political scientists have debated the drivers of African politics. In her latest book, Inequality and Political Cleavage in Africa, Catherine Boone advances the idea that persistent regional voting blocs constitute a central and underexplored feature of African electoral competition and policymaking. Drawing on theoretical insights from new economic geography, comparative political economy, and cleavage theory, she demonstrates the long-term effect of European colonization's territorialization of African states. Accordingly, colonial rulers designed administrative institutions leading to the creation of economically distinct regions. The combination of strong administrative institutions and spatial inequality triggered the emergence and subsequent consolidation of persistent regional voting blocs. Economically, stratification, rather than ethnicity, shapes African political dynamics. This review article discusses Boone’s provocative theory relative to existing literature. Subsequently, the implication of Boone's findings is discussed relative to several pertinent topics in African politics.

Revisiting Secularism in India: Constitutional Framework and Contemporary Challenges

Abstract Secularism is a cornerstone of India’s constitutional democracy, envisaging the equal treatment of all religions and the protection of religious freedom. However, evolving political dynamics, religious polarization, and legislative actions have challenged the practical application of secularism in India today. This paper examines the constitutional roots of secularism, key judicial interpretations, and contemporary events that question its resilience, such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Hijab controversy, temple-mosque disputes, and the recent Waqf Bill developments. By incorporating scholarly views, judicial pronouncements, and recent statistics, this research highlights the urgent need to revisit, reassert, and revitalize the secular framework to ensure India’s democratic survival.

Political Economy Implications of Electric Vehicle Policies: A Bibliometric Analysis

This article examines the current landscape of research on electric vehicle (EV) policy, emphasizing the critical yet underexplored role of political economy. While existing studies predominantly focus on infrastructure development, sustainability, and subsidy policies, there is a notable lack of attention to the political dynamics and economic influences that shape EV initiatives. This study investigates the implications of EV policies through a bibliometric analysis, utilizing tools such as VOSviewer to map and analyze academic literature on the topic. It provides a comprehensive overview of key themes, including highly cited research, author contributions, country-level outputs, institutional engagement, and network analyses such as co-citation, bibliographic coupling, and keyword co-occurrence. The study also highlights the countries that have significantly contributed to the field. Findings reveal that integrating political economy perspectives is essential for developing comprehensive and equitable EV policies that address the diverse needs of stakeholders. Ultimately, this article calls for a more holistic approach to EV research, advocating a deeper exploration of the interplay between political and economic forces to enhance the effectiveness and inclusivity of electric mobility initiatives. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on EV policy frameworks by offering insights into the complex dynamics of political economy, thereby informing policymakers and researchers seeking to navigate the challenges of sustainable mobility transitions.

Empowering the Collective: Redefining Youth Activism and Political Dynamics Within Nonprofit Organizations

Empowering the Collective: Redefining Youth Activism and Political Dynamics Within Nonprofit Organizations

Enduring Ascriptions of Dependence: Cultural Autonomy and Relational Interdependence in the Marshall Islands

AbstractThis article examines the tensions between external ascriptions of dependence and internal narratives of autonomy and interdependence in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). The RMI suffers from and endures the legacy of violent colonialism and ongoing reliance on foreign aid, structural factors that inform external ascriptions of dependence. Yet, Marshall Islanders assert their autonomy by engaging in culturally meaningful practices in their everyday life, while government officials frame their diplomatic and geopolitical relations through the prism of relational interdependence. Juxtaposing ethnographic material with historical analysis, the article adopts a relational rather than structural approach to the study of dependency, arguing that it is a claim open to political negotiation and not a label or a possessive quality. Focusing on the interplay between local practices and global political dynamics, this multiscalar analysis provides a nuanced perspective on contemporary geopolitical dynamics and the complexities of postcolonial statehood.

Bibliometric Analysis of the Influence of Fundamental Political Policies on Gold/USD Price Movements

In the wake of rising geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, understanding how fundamental political policies influence gold and USD price dynamics is critical for investors and policymakers. This study aims to systematically map existing literature on the interplay between policy decisions and gold/USD movements using a qualitative bibliometric approach. The author retrieved 1,000 publications from Google Scholar (2020–2025), extracted publication metrics via Publish or Perish, and visualized co‑authorship and keyword co‑occurrence networks with VOSviewer. Four thematic clusters emerged: (1) digital finance and system scalability, (2) policy uncertainty and crisis impact, (3) market efficiency and political dynamics, and (4) emerging financial technologies. High‑relevance terms such as wavelet, pandemic, scalability, blockchain, and political risk underscore the dominance of advanced quantitative methods, crisis‑driven market analysis, infrastructural challenges, and policy‑induced volatility. Our findings highlight the importance of integrating economic, political, and technological dimensions to inform adaptive policy frameworks and stabilize markets. This bibliometric synthesis provides a foundation for future empirical research exploring policy‑driven gold and currency price behavior. This research makes an original contribution by applying a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to map the evolution of literature on fundamental political policies and gold/USD price dynamics, and by identifying underexplored research gaps.

Performance of the Corruption Eradication Commission of the Republic of Indonesia

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is a state institution that has the main task of eradicating corruption in Indonesia. Since 2003 the Institute has been established as an independent institution to fight corruption despite facing various internal and external challenges. The performance of the KPK can be seen from several main aspects, including the number of cases handled, the effectiveness of investigations and investigations, and prevention efforts carried out through education and socialization to the community. In addition, the success of the KPK is also measured by the extent to which this institution can maintain its independence in the face of political and social pressure. However, the KPK's performance is not free from controversy, especially in terms of internal policies, supervision of public officials, and relations with other state institutions. Evaluation of KPK performance requires a comprehensive analysis of factors that support and hinder its effectiveness, including regulatory changes, human resources, and technology implementation. On the other hand, the role of the KPK in strengthening the legal system and encouraging an anti-corruption culture in Indonesia remains a hope for the public to create clean, transparent, and accountable governance. The KPK's performance continues to grow with internal reforms and employee capacity building through training and results-based learning. Nevertheless, the challenges in eradicating corruption are still large, and the KPK must continue to adapt to existing social, political, and economic dynamics in order to achieve its goals to the maximum. This study aims to see how the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) performs in eradicating corruption in Indonesia. Through secondary data analysis and interviews with KPK employees, this study identifies various challenges faced by the KPK and the achievements that have been obtained. The results of the study show that although the KPK has succeeded in uncovering major corruption cases, political challenges and limited human resources are still the main obstacles in its performance. This research also provides recommendations to increase the effectiveness of the KPK in facing existing challenges.

From Executive Branch to Independent Commission: The Development of Crime Prosecution and Lessons from Indonesia

This study aims to analyze the impact of political dynamics on institutional independence in criminal prosecution processes, focusing on the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) in post-1998 democratic transition Indonesia. The central issue examined is how constitutional weaknesses are exploited by lawmakers to manipulate institutional design, thereby undermining the capacity of these bodies to function independently. Utilizing a socio-legal methodology that integrates legal analysis with social science perspectives, this interdisciplinary approach explores the interplay between institutional frameworks, regulatory structures, and political dynamics. The findings reveal that the concept of the unitary executive, previously abandoned, has reemerged as a justification for political intervention in institutional design. Consequently, both the KPK and Komnas HAM have experienced a significant erosion of their institutional independence, impairing their effectiveness in addressing corruption and human rights violations. This study contributes to theoretical debates on institutional challenges in emerging democracies and offers practical insights for safeguarding institutional autonomy to ensure the accountability and integrity of governance structures.

Regional variations in employment discrimination claims: the impact of environmental factors

Purpose This study aims to examine geographic variations in the number and types of employment discrimination charges filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), including those based on race, sex, age and disability. This study introduces a generalized model, incorporating unique individual variables, to analyze how state-level environmental factors such as economic conditions, education levels, employment patterns and political dynamics shape both the frequency and nature of these cases across the USA. Design/methodology/approach Using a ten-year sample of EEOC filings (2012–2021) alleging workplace discrimination involving race, sex, age and disability claims, the authors used a paired comparison method to test individual variables emblematic of four major environmental factors. The authors then selected the superior variables to create a general claims model used in regressions of each state’s number of protected class EEOC claims. Findings The study highlights significant variations in the number and type of EEOC charges across different states while also identifying key environmental factors that influence these disparities (economic conditions, educational attainment, unemployment rates and political climate). It advances a general claims model to explain variation in general and with specific protected class charges. Research limitations/implications The reliance on state-level data may obscure significant intrastate variations, particularly those with diverse demographics and economic conditions. Furthermore, EEOC data does not report all the incidents of employment discrimination as many are never reported/filed. Practical implications Managers should note the factors within their states that seemingly contribute to the rise/fall of EEOC claims and contemplate how these factors may impact their organizations. Originality/value This study developed an original statistically significant model, using distinctive environmental variables related to the number and type of EEOC employment discrimination claims filed across the USA. It is also the first to individually examine cross-sectional differences by state regarding race, sex, age and disability claims.