Political Dynamics Research Articles

The Amendment Process of the Constitution of Pakistan: Political Dynamics & Legal Implications

Pakistan’s constitutional amendment process reflects a persistent tension betweendemocratic aspirations and authoritarian legacies, shaped by political dynamics and legalambiguities. The 1973 Constitution, amended 26 times, oscillates between empoweringdemocracy (e.g., the18th Amendment’sfederalism) and entrenching autocracy (e.g.,Zia’s8th Amendment). WhileArticles 238-239mandate a two-thirds parliamentary majorityfor amendments, military regimes and elite negotiations have frequently subverted this process. The judiciary’s inconsistent application of abasic structure doctrineevident in cases likeNRO (2009)andDistrict Bar Association (2015)further complicates the balance between parliamentary sovereignty and constitutional supremacy.Challenges include politicization (e.g., Musharraf’s 17th Amendment), instability from frequent changes, and public distrust due to exclusionary elite bargaining. Comparative lessons from India’s basic structure jurisprudence and Bangladesh’s post-crisis reforms highlight the need for participatory mechanisms, judicial consistency, and military accountability. Reforms like digital crowdsourcing of amendments and sunset clauses for emergency measures could transform Pakistan’s Constitutioninto a resilient, inclusive framework.

Nothing is inevitable: The flexibility imaginary in the Chinese platform economy

This article explores how the political–economic balancing of state interests and potential state intervention influences everyday perceptions of platform companies in China. We introduce the term “flexibility imaginary” to describe the adaptability and responsiveness exhibited by our research participants in Hangzhou amid changing conditions and unforeseen transitions. Focusing on the flexibility imaginary aids in unpacking the assumptions, values, and expectations embedded in how societies deal with uncertainty and transformation. By zooming in on the notion of replaceability as a key feature of the flexibility imaginary, we explain how platform companies have become integral yet are still seen as transient elements of daily life. We demonstrate that while the flexibility imaginary shapes local interpretations and political dynamics, it does not challenge the state–corporate digital paradigm that underpins everyday existence. Understanding these limits is crucial for exploring future developments.

Urbanising the Villages: Three modes of village incorporation and the implications for structural transition in India’s “Chinese-style” special economic zones (SEZs)

Urbanising the Villages: Three modes of village incorporation and the implications for structural transition in India’s “Chinese-style” special economic zones (SEZs)

Climate Extremes and Protests in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, 1995–2013

Abstract Scientists have shown a relationship between climate conditions and social unrest, specifically related to temperature and precipitation trends. Though deviations from historically normative patterns are becoming more pronounced, it remains unclear how or to what extent they might be linked to protests. Similarly, we know little about the extent to which the relationships between local climate anomalies and protests are contemporaneous versus lagged. To address these questions, we examine correlates of local protest levels between 1995 and 2013 in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Our innovative methodology involves modeling geocoded, media-reported protests (derived from the Integrated Crisis Early Warning System) at 0.5° × 0.5° geospatial resolution, using unobtrusive, satellite-derived data on temperature and precipitation patterns and historical deviations. We also integrate comparable satellite data on nightlight pollution. Properties of our outcome variable require negative binomial regression analysis. We find that net of controls gauging local and country-level social, political, and economic dynamics, temperatures, and precipitation are related to protests in unexpected ways: In any given year and location, protests are strongly, positively associated with heavy precipitation and with higher temperature levels. Protests are also strongly, positively associated with historical deviations in climate patterns, especially anomalies related to both wetness and dryness. Such historically aberrant precipitation has pronounced curvilinear, lagged effects on protest levels. We situate these complex findings using classic, structurally based arguments grounded in social science theory. Significance Statement This study examines the connection between local climate conditions and protests in South Asia over time (1995–2013). South Asia is home to India, the world’s most populous country. As a region, it is highly vulnerable to climate change and the way it affects people and societies. We find that high temperatures and heavy rainfall associated with “bad weather” partly explain local protest levels. However, when and where protests occur also reflects historically abnormal temperatures and the presence/absence of rainfall, which points to the links between climate extremes and social instability, especially in the long term. The innovative data sources we use help improve both social science and climate science modeling. Future work should examine if these protest patterns exist globally.

How to overcome local policy conflicts that hinder climate actions? A green roof planning dispute between politicization and de-politicization

The integration of green infrastructure, such as green roofs (GR), in urban centres is considered crucial for climate change adaptation, and improving environmental quality. Previous research highlights the benefits of GR, including urban heat island mitigation, energy efficiency, biodiversity enhancement, and stormwater management. However, it also addresses the challenges, particularly in cold climates, where seasonal variations affect GR performance. Furthermore, barriers such as policy constraints, financial limitations, and cognitive challenges can hinder the mainstreaming of vegetated roofs. This study examines the political and policy dynamics surrounding GR implementation through a case study of a planning conflict in Turku, Finland. It employs a mixed-method approach, analyzing planning documents, municipal decision-making data, media reports, and stakeholder interviews. Findings reveal that the politicization of GR in Turku was driven by conflicting interests among stakeholders, including a local affordable housing developer. The introduction of the Blue-Green Factor (BGF) planning tool in 2021 facilitated the depoliticization of GR by providing a flexible framework for enhancing urban greenness and stormwater management. This case underscores the importance of adaptive policy frameworks in overcoming local conflicts and advancing urban sustainability goals. The study also contributes to the broader discourse on urban political ecology and critical planning studies, emphasizing the need for context-sensitive approaches to green infrastructure implementation.

Impact of Trump Administration Policies on Pakistan-United States Bilateral Relations: A Comprehensive Appraisal

The bilateral relationship between Pakistan and the United States underwent significant transformations during the Trump administration (2017–2021), marked by a shift toward transactional diplomacy and conditional cooperation. This article provides a comprehensive appraisal of how President Donald J. Trump’s "America First" policy redefined engagement with Pakistan, emphasizing burden-sharing in counterterrorism and conditioning military and economic aid on measurable outcomes. Key policy shifts included the suspension of nearly $2 billion in security assistance, the termination of trade benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), and public accusations of Pakistan harboring militant groups. These measures strained diplomatic ties, fueling anti-American sentiment in Pakistan and prompting Islamabad to recalibrate its foreign policy. In response, Pakistan deepened strategic partnerships with China and Russia, notably through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), to reduce dependence on the U.S. The article also examines Pakistan’s role in Afghanistan’s peace process, highlighting its dual position as both a facilitator and a subject of scrutiny. Geopolitical tensions were further exacerbated by the U.S.’s growing alignment with India, intensifying Pakistan’s security dilemmas. Through an analysis of political, military, and economic dynamics, the study reveals that the Trump era underscored the fragility of a relationship historically driven by strategic expediency rather than shared long-term objectives. The findings contribute to broader discussions on how emerging powers navigate shifting alliances in an increasingly multipolar world.

Social media and electoral dynamics: A dataset of X and facebook activity during the 2024 European elections.

The "RightNets" dataset presented in this paper was collected within the framework of the RightNets project, focusing on digital campaigning during the six months leading up to the 2024 European elections in Italy. It encompasses 10,000 tweets and 411 Facebook posts, systematically gathered to analyze online political dynamics. For each tweet, the dataset records its unique ID, engagement metrics-including retweet, reply, like, and quote counts-and timestamps, along with attributes identifying retweets, replies, or quotes. Similarly, the Facebook dataset includes post metadata such as unique ID and engagement metrics like likes, shares, and comments, as well as posting dates. The data was collected using automated tools that targeted specific election-related hashtags, ensuring a focus on relevant political content. The dataset is hosted in a GitHub repository, providing accessibility and fostering reproducibility. By emphasizing transparency, it allows researchers to study key dimensions of digital campaigning, such as engagement patterns, the spread of misinformation, and the potential for foreign interference. The granular details enable analysis of voter interaction trends and candidate accountability across platforms. Furthermore, its design supports interdisciplinary research, with applications in political science, law, and computational social science. The dataset holds significant potential for reuse, serving as a benchmark for longitudinal studies, a foundation for computational model development, and a resource for comparative analyses across elections and countries. It is a tool for exploring the complexities of modern digital political communication and for informing regulatory measures to enhance the fairness of online electoral processes.

The Political Dynamics of Caste Census in India: Its Impact on Electoral Strategies

The Political Dynamics of Caste Census in India: Its Impact on Electoral Strategies

Market in the Fragmented State: Alibaba and the Chinese Governance Regime of Big Tech

This article maps China’s emerging governance regime of big tech firms in the 2020s through the case of Alibaba. Contesting dominant media narratives that frame the Chinese state as either clashing with or aligning with private platforms, it provides an alternative perspective rooted in Chinese political traditions, based on long-term ethnographic observations and industry analysis, and informed by changing global sociotechnical and geopolitical conditions. In this hybrid model, the pragmatic Leninist central state both leverages and controls private tech giants to balance economic growth, social stability, and national security amid geopolitical tensions and a slowing economy. Local governments, meanwhile, maintain a fragile symbiosis with platforms like Alibaba to advance their own political and economic goals. This “market in the fragmented state” contrasts with the current oligarchical U.S. model, where big tech firms often capture state power to serve corporate interests. Despite their monopolistic and infrastructural tendencies, Chinese platforms operate within a fragmented, state-dominated system that both enables and restrains their growth, depending on shifting political dynamics. Understanding this emerging governance regime diversifies the current conceptualization of state market relations globally and state governance of big techs beyond Silicon Valley. It also sheds light on China’s ongoing techno-driven restructuring and global expansion and prompts questions about the influence of geopolitical competition on China’s governance approach and its global implications.

Reconstructing Identities amid Cold War and Postcolonial Politics

This article examines the role Zainichi Korean (literally, “Koreans in Japan”) scientists and engineers played in the social and political dynamics of scientific collaboration between South Korea and Japan from the early 1950s to the early 1970s. It argues that the contributions of Zainichi researchers have often been overlooked in the history of South Korean science due to the complexity of their identity politics for South Korea, as they sought to navigate the political risks caused by the Cold War and postcolonial context. Facing ethnic discrimination in the Japanese labor market from the late 1950s onward, many Zainichi Koreans with science and engineering degrees sought jobs in South Korea. However, their ties to pro–North Korean organizations raised suspicions about their loyalty. Further, they were often seen as representatives of new Japanese economic and cultural imperialism, particularly after the normalization of relations between Japan and South Korea in 1965. To navigate these challenges, Zainichi researchers often downplayed their “Zainichi” identity, presenting themselves as “Korean students abroad.” Those lacking the necessary cultural capital to do so faced greater difficulties adapting to South Korea, with their contributions frequently ignored due to fears of potential links to North Korea. By highlighting the New Korea Academic Research Society and two Zainichi researchers, Park Bong-ryol (1926–2001) and Kim Chul-woo (1926–2013), this article sheds light on the self-fashioning strategies used by Zainichi scientists and the political factors that led to their marginalization in the history of scientific interactions between Japan and South Korea.

Putting the Critical Voice Aside-Religion, Politics, and Therapy As Described by Secular Therapists Working with Ultra-Orthodox Clients: A Qualitative Study from Israel.

Israel's Ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredi) are a culturally distinct and tightly-knit community. Since their lifestyle, which rests on the strict interpretation of religious sources, sets them as a cultural minority within the dominant secular culture of modern Israeli society, addressing mental health within this group requires tailored approaches that consider the community's values and lifestyle, as well as the distinct social and political dynamics between secular therapists and Haredi clients. However, while Haredi's unique position often becomes a source of tension in Israeli politics and society, it also affects therapeutic encounters between ultra-orthodox clients and secular therapists, as this unique dynamic between religious and secular cultures can lead to ambivalent attitudes toward each other. This study was designed to examine the unique experiences of secular therapists in providing mental health treatment to the ultra-orthodox sector in Israel in the current social-political situation. Twenty-one qualitative semi-structured interviews conducted with secular psychologists and art therapists regarding their experiences with working with ultra-religious clients identified three main themes: (1) a feeling of an outsider, (2) colliding viewpoints, and (3) sameness. While interpretative phenomenological approach was used, the interviews wereanalysed usingthematic analysis based on Colaizzi's approach. These themes highlight the ambivalent experience and illuminate this captivating intersection of therapy, religion, and society. Public workplaces should consider enabling intercultural therapies, acknowledging their benefits and challenges.

COVID-19 related community lockdowns in two low-income communities in Jamaica

Objective: Community quarantine has been one of the public health management strategies used to control the spread of COVID-19 in Jamaica. This paper sought to understand COVID-19 related community lockdown experiences reported by residents in two communities in Jamaica. Methods: Forty-three in-depth interviews were completed in two communities that experienced COVID-related ‘community lock-down’. Using qualitative content analysis, themes and subthemes were identified and further categorized as pros and cons. Excerpts from the voices of participants were then utilized to further illuminate their feelings and experiences. Results: Females constituted the majority (53%) of participants and the mean age of participants was 44.1 years (SD =20). ‘Pros’ and ‘Cons’ as broad categories embodied nuances held by participants about their lockdown experiences. ‘Time to Bond’, Attention to Social Needs’ and ‘Staying Informed’ emerged as ‘Pro’ themes, while ‘Communication Pains’, ‘Nuff Discrimination [a lot of discrimination]’ and ‘Unmet Needs’ were the ‘Con’ themes emerging from participants’ experiences. Conclusion: The study highlights important issues related to communities and their lockdown experiences and the relevance of these to health promotion efforts. Heightened interest in health related information and education are opportunities for increased health promotion. Implementation of community lockdowns should not be an ad hoc process, but one with forethought, taking into account communication, social realities, political dynamics and health promotion.

The ICJ’s Advisory Opinion on Kosovo as a Tool of Costly Counter-Secession

Secessions are costly. That does not mean that counter-secessions more generally, and international judicial opinions as tools of counter-secession specifically, are costless. The trajectory of the International Court of Justice’s 2010 Advisory Opinion (Opinion) on Kosovo’s declaration of independence is a case in point. Initially deemed as not unfavorable to Kosovo’s independence from Serbia, over time, the Opinion proved a useful counter-secession tool for the opponents of Kosovo’s independence. The current structure of the international legal system and the dynamics of power politics facilitated leveraging the Opinion as a mechanism of counter-secession efforts. It is shown that not even the sponsorship of a secessionist state such as Kosovo by an individual dominant power like the United States can override the structural impediment to recognizing new states: the absence of coherent norms on state recognition in international law. Moreover, the support of powers such as Russia and China has meant that Serbia, as a counter-secessionist state, could use the Opinion to sustain the lack of international consensus on Kosovo’s independence, engage in a campaign for Kosovo’s derecognition, and extract concessions from Kosovo’s main independence sponsors. Serbia’s use of the Opinion as a tool for counter-secession has proven costly, however, as its sovereignty has become beholden to the whims of great power politics in a similar way to which Kosovo is indebted to the main sponsors of its independence.

Two Paths, One Purpose? A Comparative Historical Study of Islamic Higher Education Development in Indonesia and Turkey

This research discusses the development of Islamic higher education in Indonesia and Turkey through a comparative historical approach, focusing on the social, political and cultural dynamics that influenced it. The main issue raised is how the two countries, despite having strong Islamic education traditions, adopted different paths in developing Islamic higher education systems. The aim of this study is to explore the differences and similarities in the development of Islamic higher education in the two countries and their impact on educational identity and curriculum integration. The method used is a historical comparative study with document analysis and primary sources related to the development of Islamic higher education in Indonesia and Turkey. The results show that although both countries face similar challenges in modernization, Indonesia maintains more religious identity in Islamic education, while Turkey leads to secularization by integrating Islamic higher education within the framework of secular education. The impact of these findings suggests that Islamic higher education in Indonesia and Turkey can teach each other lessons in integrating religious values with the demands of modern science, taking into account their respective social and political contexts.

Unveiling Political Participation Dynamics: The Impact of Social Media Skits on Youth Engagement in the 2023 Nigerian General Elections

Unveiling Political Participation Dynamics: The Impact of Social Media Skits on Youth Engagement in the 2023 Nigerian General Elections

Fostering Harmony Amidst Diversity: Religious Moderation and its Role in the Social-Political Contexts of Malaysia

This article specifically examines the dynamics and challenges of Islamic moderatism in Malaysia in the socio-political landscape. This is an important issue to be explored further, because lately moderation and radicalization in Islamic discourse have not only affected political stability but also social conditions in plural Malaysia. The writing of this article uses qualitative methods in the process of data collection and analysis. By using a deductive approach by understanding the arguments and opinions of academics and credible and academically tested literature sources, it becomes the main reference in the preparation of this paper. The result is that the Malaysian government promotes moderate Islam through state initiatives in instilling moderate Islamic values such as (Islam hadhari, wasatiyah, and rahmatan-lil-‘alamin). The societal response to radicalism and liberalism in Malaysia involves various government and NGO initiatives, including public education, talk shows, publications and seminars. These efforts aim to monitor and reduce the influence of liberal Islam, which is perceived as a threat. The existence of social media as a stream of technological development also plays an important role in shaping moderate Islamic discourse in Malaysia, serving as a platform for the dissemination of moderate views and countering extremist narratives. The involvement of other elements such as the role of Islamic parties in shaping moderate policies in Malaysia is significant in understanding and adapting to Malaysia's complex political dynamics. They strive to balance Islamic principles with democratic values, thus promoting a more moderate political discourse.

Review of James Falkner’s “prince Eugene of savoy: A genius for war against louis XIV and The Ottoman Empire”

This review aims to evaluate various dimensions of James Falkner’s recent work, Prince Eugene of Savoy: A Genius for War Against Louis XIV and the Ottoman Empire, first published in 2022. The book comprises 205 pages and is organized into twelve chapters, excluding the appendix and bibliography. Written in English, the work offers a chronologically structured account of Prince Eugene of Savoy’s life and military career, with a particular focus on his campaigns against both the Ottoman Empire and France. Drawing upon archival materials and scholarly research in military history, Falkner’s objective is to provide the reader with a detailed understanding of Prince Eugene’s strategic and political acumen. The book successfully contextualizes his military engagements within the broader political dynamics of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. As such, it serves as a valuable resource for researchers, academics, and students interested in the military history of early modern Europe, particularly in the context of Habsburg-Ottoman and Habsburg-French relations.

Political Patronage and Its Impact on Service Delivery in Uganda

abstract This study seeks to undertake a thorough analysis of the effects of political patronage, a pervasive and deeply rooted practice that is prevalent throughout Uganda and has profound implications for governance and service delivery. In this research, Kabale Municipality, located in Kabale District, serves as a crucial case study. This municipality has been selected due to its unique political dynamics and the evident discrepancies in service delivery that reflect broader national trends. By exploring the disparities in service provision between regions that are considered loyal to the government and those that maintain affiliations with opposition parties, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how political patronage shapes the landscape of service delivery in Uganda. The situation in Kabale is illustrative of the systemic issues prevalent across the country, making it an ideal microcosm for this analysis. The research employs a comparative case study design that is intricately guided by the philosophical framework of critical realism. A diverse range of qualitative methodologies, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observational studies. The expected recommendations may include the introduction of policy reforms that enhance transparency and accountability in the allocation of resources, the establishment of more inclusive and participatory mechanisms for decision-making, and the implementation of strategies designed to empower marginalized communities that have historically been sidelined due to their political affiliations. Key words: political patronage, service delivery, participatory politics, decision making

Rainbow Consciousness? Exploring the Political Outcomes and Dynamics of Queer Linked Fate

Rainbow Consciousness? Exploring the Political Outcomes and Dynamics of Queer Linked Fate

KOMUNIKASI DAN PENDIDIKAN POLITIK ULAMA DAYAH ACEH DALAM PILKADA 2024 DI KABUPATEN BIREUEN

Political Communication of Aceh’s Dayah Ulama in the 2024 Regional Elections in Bireuen District. This study examines the role and political communication strategies of dayah ulama in Bireuen District during the 2024 Regional Elections (Pilkada). Dayah ulama hold a strategic position as influential religious figures in shaping public opinion and determining the political support of the community. The study aims to understand the communication patterns employed by dayah ulama in conveying political messages, the main issues they advocate, and their influence on voter behavior. Using qualitative research with a phenomenological approach, data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation to capture the phenomenon comprehensively. The findings reveal that dayah ulama prioritize religious values, justice, and social welfare in their political messages and education. The communication strategies implemented include the use of religious study forums (pengajian), sermons (khutbah), and social media to expand their audience reach. The role of dayah ulama in the 2024 Pilkada extends beyond merely supporting specific candidates; they also act as guardians of political morality within the community. This study provides insights into the relationship between religion and politics as well as the relevance of dayah ulama in local political dynamics.