Political Dynamics Research Articles

A doctor for the crown princess: child mortality and women’s political agency at the Danish court, 1784–1797

ABSTRACT This article examines the entwined dynamics of gender, material bodies, and court politics at the Danish, absolutist court during what has been termed the reform reign, 1784–1797. The reform reign was inaugurated by a 1784 bloodless coup d’état, in which the crown prince took power in the royal Privy Council. During the following years, his leading advisers faced opposition from other factions at court and within the royal family, and the crown prince and his wife faced reproductive challenges, as they lost several children shortly after birth. The article explores the attempts at seeking influence made by two wives of leading advisers to the royal crown prince, Frederik (6.). Producing a male heir was imperative to the crown prince couple’s claim to power in the absolutist reign, and the advisers’ political positions therefore also hinged on the couple’s reproduction. I discuss how the advisers’ wives, the two sisters Sybille Reventlow (1753-1827) and Charlotte Schimmelmann (1757-1816), attempted to solve these issues and advance their group’s position at court. The article identifies several strategies employed by the women to help the crown prince couple’s situation, but primarily aimed at the crown princess; firstly, conversations on childrearing; secondly, the discussion of adoption; while a third strategy included traveling to the spa at Bad Pyrmont, where the advisers’ wives would engage the spa’s famous doctor Heinrich Mathias Marcard as accoucheur to the crown princess. The women’s struggles to gain influence show how those women who were not members of the royal household tried to navigate the political world of a hereditary and personal monarchy, where personal relationships and parenting experiences were also a political matter.

Language Politics in Sri Lanka: Linguistic Purism, Cultural Pluralism and Identity

This study, based partly on archival research, tackles a number of interrelated issues regarding the sociolinguistic dynamics of language politics in Sri Lanka from the colonial era to the present. In colonial Ceylon, such politics initially manifested as resistance against foreign elements, but later evolved into internal conflicts when majoritarian Sinhala-focused linguistic purism movements appropriated Sinhala as a national identity marker. The resulting civil war until 2009 indicated that misguided prospects of linguistic purism in the name of ethnic nationalism have been a costly mistake for this small state, threatening to tear the nation apart. Regarding more recent issues of language planning and policy reforms, which also concern the place of English, the focus turns specifically to the rapid digitalisation of communication and related impacts of global virtual language environments. These substantially reduce the significance of any specific language or local vernacular, while individual and group identity is strengthened through inclusive use of linguistic registers within multilingual digital spaces.

The politics of Gulf foreign aid: from survival and solidarity to political and military influence

This article critically examines the shifting dynamics of foreign aid politics within the Gulf states. Historically rooted in cultural factors and solidarity with Arab and Muslim nations, foreign aid from prominent donors such as the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait has undergone a profound transformation. Their aid has evolved from solidarity aid into an effective instrument of foreign policy, used strategically to project power and expand regional influence. This shift has not only redefined the role of Gulf countries in international and regional politics but has also catalysed the transformation of states in the broader Middle East. This article, therefore, seeks to answer the following two questions: (1) How do we explain the evolution of the politicisation of Gulf foreign aid? and (2) To what extent has the provision of Gulf foreign aid been a crucial determinant of changing regional dynamics in the Middle East, particularly since the Arab uprisings in 2011? It argues that Gulf donors have become crucial power brokers, shaping the politics and trajectories of key states such as Egypt post 2011. Their substantial financial assistance has proven instrumental in steering political and socio-economic transformations, highlighting the pivotal role of Gulf aid in shaping regional affairs.

Impediments to Effective Leadership in Public Service: A Case of Administrative and Political Challenges in County Governments in Kenya

This study addresses the substantial challenges facing leadership effectiveness in Kenya's county governments, focusing on bureaucratic inertia, political interference, resource limitations, and issues with meritocratic appointments that undermine governance and public trust. The research aimed to comprehensively analyze these barriers and propose actionable strategies for improvement. What are the primary administrative impediments to effective leadership in public service within county governments in Kenya? How do political dynamics influence leadership effectiveness in the public service sector at the county level? And what strategies can be implemented to overcome these impediments and enhance leadership effectiveness in county governments? The research questions were: Grounded in theories of transformational and transactional leadership the study explores the contrast between these leadership styles in overcoming the identified challenges. The study employs a mixed-methods approach. Qualitative data from interviews and case studies, alongside quantitative insights gathered through surveys of county officials, public servants, and community leaders, provide a holistic perspective. Purposive sampling ensured diverse participant viewpoints were captured because it allows for targeted sampling. Key findings using Likert scale of 1-5 underscore significant impediments to effective leadership: bureaucratic inertia (rated 4.0), political interference (3.9), resource constraints (3.8), insufficient training (3.7), and political appointments lacking meritocracy (4.2), corruption (4.1), fraudulent academic credentials (3.5), patronage (3.8), and tribalism (3.7). These findings reveal systemic challenges that hinder leadership effectiveness and governance outcomes. In conclusion, entrenched bureaucratic practices, external political pressures, and systemic flaws in leadership appointments hinder effective governance in Kenyan county governments. Addressing these issues necessitates comprehensive reforms, including transparent appointment processes, strengthened anti-corruption measures, strategic resource allocation, and enhanced professional development for public service leaders. From the findings the study recommends implementing transparent and merit-based appointment systems, bolstering anti-corruption efforts, prioritizing targeted resource allocation, and investing in continuous leadership development programs. These measures are crucial for fostering transparency, accountability, and sustainable development in Kenya's county governments

From Parliament to Party: The Gender‐Sensitive Parliamentary Group

Gender-sensitive parliaments are an emergent international norm. Research primarily focused on parliaments as gendered workplaces functioning with formal and informal rules and routines that either constrain or promote gender equality. We shift the focus to parliamentary groups and parties in public office as key actors in achieving a gender-sensitive parliament. We argue that they play a crucial role in many parliamentary systems and can actively contribute to gender-sensitive transformations. Building on the gender-sensitive parliament literature, we first explore the potential of parliamentary groups to improve parliamentary functioning across four aspects: representation, policy-making, engagement with societal interests, and groups as gender-sensitive workplaces. Secondly, we delve into the broader parliamentary and party contexts, recognizing how factors such as the diversity of parliamentary systems, organizational structures, parties in central office, and political dynamics shape parliamentary groups’ room for manoeuvre. We conclude by calling for further empirical, but especially conceptual, research to develop intersectionality-sensitive parliaments which we suggest are crucial for dismantling existing power hierarchies based on social markers.

Shuddhi and The Nav-Hindu in Goa: Dynamics of Identity Politics

In a much-publicised event in 1928, a section of the Goan Catholics of tribal origin reconverted to Hinduism. In this highly charged political context, the act of shuddhi framed the event as a straightforward homecoming, masking conflicting underlying interests. Analysing the palpable tensions around this event allows better understanding of how shuddhi was made possible and perceived at the local level, appreciating specifically the vulnerability of the Christian Gauda tribal population. Drawing on archival and ethnographic research, this article rethinks shuddhi in Goa through the changing dynamics of politics, in which new definitions of Hindu identity were being worked out by the Hindu elite. Examining the relationships between the Portuguese colonial state, the local Hindu elite, the reconverts and multiple trans-local connections, the article identifies the formation of a new identity of the reconverts within the broader context of caste and community relations.

Seizing a venue linking opportunity: China’s strategy to advance its sea cucumber interests in global environmental governance

This study explores how China strategically advances its position and interacts with institutional contexts to shape environmental negotiations. By employing process-tracing methods and conducting expert interviews on the case of sea cucumber negotiations, we find that China intends to garner international support in a policy venue (CITES) while actively engaging in another policy venue that better aligns with China's interests (FAO). Building upon existing studies on institutional change and negotiation strategy, we highlight two aspects of a venue-linking framework, including the institutional settings enabling countries to deploy such a strategy in environmental negotiations and the actors’ capacity to seize the opportunity. In doing so, we show how China has strategically engaged in multiple policy venues to advance its preferences through a particular, more amenable venue. Our findings offer new empirical insights into how China navigates the complex political dynamics in global environmental governance when multiple policy venues with overlapping jurisdictions are involved.

Nigeria: Hungry Nation in a Land of Plenty

Hunger is a pressing global concern. The prevalence of undernourishment, a crucial measure of hunger, is a global challenge. Many factors are responsible including poverty, political instability, economic disparities, climate change, and conflicts. The global nature of hunger underscores the urgency and collective responsibility to address this issue, demanding immediate action from all of us. Often heralded as a land of vast agricultural potential and rich natural and human resources, Nigeria faces a paradoxical struggle with pervasive hunger and food insecurity. This article explores Nigeria’s multifaceted hunger crisis despite its capacity to be a leading food producer in Africa. We examine the socio-economic and political dynamics that contribute to this disparity, including issues such as land distribution inequities and the impact of oil dependency. Additionally, the article analyses the role of government policies and infrastructure deficits. The goal of this work is to 1) analyse the concept of national wealth and its implications for economic development, 2) investigate the factors contributing to hunger and food insecurity in Nigeria despite its abundant resources, 3) provide insights and recommendations for addressing the country’s wealth inequality and hunger challenges, and 4) contribute to the academic understanding of the complex relationship between wealth, poverty, and development in nations.

Book Review: The impacts of COVID-19 on political dynamics, social inequality, and the wellbeing of Americans by Wood, G.L.

Book Review: <i>The impacts of COVID-19 on political dynamics, social inequality, and the wellbeing of Americans</i> by Wood, G.L.

European Union’s Withdrawal from Energy Charter Treaty: A Result of Climate Policy?

This article analyzes the political and economic motivations behind the coordinated decision of the European Union and its member states to withdraw from the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) in March 2024. Special emphasis is placed on the role of the EU’s climate policy in this process. A comprehensive review of the thirty years since the treaty’s inception is presented, aiming to uncover its influence on the domestic political dynamics within EU member states. Through an examination of investment arbitration practices and official EU documents, it is concluded that, despite declarative statements, the climate agenda was merely an external and secondary factor, while the primary driver was a shift in the EU’s investment policy. The article illustrates that the treaty did not obstruct the achievement of the EU’s climate objectives; however, the investment protection mechanism in international arbitration proved incompatible with the principles of autonomy and primacy of EU law. Furthermore, the treaty indeed provided investors with avenues to seek compensation from EU member state governments for assets “blocked” as a result of climate policies. The abandonment of a proven international investments protection tool may negatively impact the foreign investment attractiveness of the EU’s green energy sector.

Criminal Legal Policy On Insults Against The President And Vice President Post Constitutional Court Ruling Number 7/Puu-Xxi/2023

&lt;em&gt;This research discusses criminal law policies related to insulting the President and Vice President in Indonesia after the Constitutional Court (MK) decision. Previously, Articles 134, 136 bis, and 137 of the Criminal Code regulated criminal acts of insulting the President and Vice President, but these articles were abolished through Constitutional Court Decision Number 7/PUU-XXI/2023 on the grounds that they conflicted with the freedom of expression guaranteed by the 1945 Constitution . This decision raises a dilemma between protecting the dignity of high-ranking state officials and freedom of expression. Along with the introduction of the new Criminal Code in January 2023 through Law Number 1 of 2023 following the decision, there are legislative efforts to introduce new insult articles that are more in line with human rights principles. This research highlights the legal and social implications of these policy changes, including their potential impact on press freedom and political dynamics. Analysis of the Constitutional Court's decision according to the new Criminal Code shows the need to balance between protecting the presidential institution and maintaining the space for freedom of expression in Indonesia.&lt;/em&gt;

THE POLITICS OF THE NATION AND THE LIMITS OF IMMIGRANT RESEARCH

ABSTRACT This paper explores how the “politics of the nation” shape migration research. Immigration research inherently intersects with the political dynamics of nation-states; however, beyond this fundamental framework, a myriad of political factors shape the agendas and methodologies of researchers seeking to enter these fields. This paper examines how these politics influence the questions asked and knowledge produced within the context of immigration research through vignettes drawn from fieldwork conducted during an era of heightened politicization and challenges for immigration institutions in the United States. It illustrates how the politics of the nation materialize in institutional contexts, when contentious politics constrain access to data, research spaces, or participants; curtail the openness of potential community partners; or erect barriers to certain types of academic inquiry. Ultimately, this paper calls for a critical examination of how political forces shape and constrain the practice of immigration research, as well as the epistemological costs. Keywords: immigrant institutions, fieldwork, refugee resettlement, immigrant research, politics, politicization

Lima Barreto and the dichotomies of the Republic of Brazil

This article focuses on the representations of the Republic of Brazil (1889-1920) as constructed by intellectuals in the field of Humanities and the writer Lima Barreto in his work Os Bruzundangas. The study aims to analyze the influence of theoretical constructions by Brazilian social scientists and literature in shaping elements that contribute to the formation of national culture and identity, particularly in relation to social and political dynamics and cultural expressions. The theoretical framework draws upon the works of Raymundo Faoro, Renato Ortiz, Roberto da Matta, Roberto Schwarz, and Florestan Fernandes. The insights of these authors regarding the defined historical context will be examined in conjunction with Lima Barreto's chronicles compiled in Os Bruzundangas. By exploring these intersections, the article seeks to analyze the contributions of these intellectuals and the literary author in solidifying elements of national culture through shared representations found in these texts, thereby creating enduring collective imaginaries within Brazilian society that contribute to the formation of its identity.

Democracy and ethnic inequality: a comparative case study

ABSTRACT Recent studies have found that democratization and reductions of socioeconomic ethnic inequality generally show a positive association. Yet, the causal mechanisms behind the co-variation are not well understood. Moreover, the identified relationship covers considerable heterogeneity, with some transitions to democracy being followed by significant distributive change and others not. To shed additional light on the relationship, this article examines the political and social dynamics related to five democratic transitions. Three led to reduced socioeconomic inequality across ethnic groups, two did not. The “positive” cases (Bolivia, South Africa, and Nepal after 2006) reveal that political empowerment of socioeconomically disadvantaged groups and consequent changes in policies constitute important drivers of reduced ethnic inequalities. In contrast, the “negative” cases (Guatemala and Nepal 1991–2002) demonstrate that democracy only leads to reduced ethnic inequality if democratization is followed by effective mobilization by the previously excluded group(s), and this step might be obstructed by traditional elites.

Community resilience and intersections between sociopolitical and racial relations in the aftermath of immigration raids in Mississippi

ABSTRACT Immigration law enforcement operations can negatively affect communities, creating or exacerbating problems among Latinx immigrants. Community resilience perspectives enable examination of how communities overcome challenges created by disruptions. Resilience studies have shown power relations can affect collective responses. However, few studies exist about how politics and race can affect community responses. This study examines how sociopolitical and racial relations influenced community resilience in the context of large immigration raids. Twenty-six Latinx organizers and allies involved in community responses in the aftermath of these raids were interviewed. The findings show how politics intertwined with racism-shaped Latinx community resilience. After the raids, Latinx groups and allies mobilized collective agency to address problems created by the raids, challenged by political and racial dynamics. The findings also show creating more visibility and consciousness about Latinx communities could be an important step for strengthening inclusiveness and community resilience.

The analysis of the medical tourism expansion policy in Taiwan: a policy analysis using Kingdon’s multiple streams

BackgroundSince 2006, Taiwan has actively pursued the development of its medical tourism industry. In 2013, the government sought to bolster this sector by integrating medical tourism into the Free Economic Pilot Zones. Despite narrowly missing the mark, the initiative failed to materialize into law. This qualitative study endeavors to discern the pertinent factors influencing the agenda-setting process for incorporating medical tourism into the Free Economic Pilot Zones in Taiwan.MethodsA comprehensive examination of policies concerning the legitimation of medical tourism within the Free Economic Pilot Zones was undertaken through semi-structured interviews and a thorough review of policy documents. Key informants were strategically selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Thematic analysis was applied to scrutinize the amassed data and organize it within the framework of Kingdon's multiple streams.ResultsIn the problem stream, increasing financial strains and cost containment pressures under the National Health Insurance program have long driven health care providers to seek further opportunities in medical tourism. The existing barriers to expanding medical tourism in Taiwan included diplomatic tensions (specifically cross-strait relations), public concerns about commercialization of medical care and reduced their access to care, and legal and language barriers. Within the policy stream, factors such as franchise fees to support national health insurance, limited number of demonstration medical tourism sites and services allowed, the allowance of foreign medical personnel, regulations governing domestic physicians, the importance of demonstration, regulation, and accreditation, as well as restrictions on investment from China, were emphasized. The politics stream highlights factors such as governmental support, opposition from opposing parties, public concerns and critics from academia and non-governmental organizations, and skepticism from medical faculties.ConclusionAcknowledging the recognized challenges in enacting the medical tourism provision of the Free Economic Pilot Zones Special Act and emphasizing the political will of leadership, a viable policy solution remained elusive. Although a window of opportunity existed for the passage of the bill, it waned as public concerns sidelined the issue from the national agenda. The Taiwan case underscores the necessity for meticulous consideration of issues, proposed solutions, and political dynamics to achieve successful policy enactment.

What is the potential of creative practice for building community resilience in flood-prone communities in the UK?

This paper critically explores the potential of creative practices to support community resilience in relation to flooding, coastal erosion and inundation in the UK. We argue that imaginative ways of thinking, communicating, and working are necessarily required to better engage publics and manage the entangled and far-reaching environmental problems that we face today. The social impacts of intractable challenges like flooding present a conundrum that requires novel approaches to their resolution. We start from the position that creative practices could offer us a fresh and powerful way to confront these impasses. However, the relations, dispositions, geographies and political dynamics involved in socially engaged creative processes remain to be more fully explored. In order to begin this process, the paper unpacks the concept of community resilience as a series of intersecting place-based elements rather than as a universal capacity. It then examines the social processes intrinsic to creative practice based on publicly-focused engagements. It outlines how these might address key elements of community resilience in terms of the social processes they perform. The paper argues that this unpacking is a prerequisite for any attempt to think more systematically about how creative practices might facilitate building community resilience in place. It concludes by turning to the notion of community itself and explores how thinking developed through the paper might have informed two located case studies.

Political Demography: The Political Consequences of Structural Population Change

This article surveys the growing field of political demography, which explores the political consequences of structural population change. It underscores the importance of integrating demography and political sociology research to better understand the complex and nuanced relationship between demography and political dynamics. The existing research demonstrates profound and multifaceted impacts of demographic shifts on the political landscape, with different demographic factors having distinct political consequences. Notably, population composition and distribution tend to hold greater political significance than sheer population size and growth. Furthermore, while more research is needed, the existing work suggests that the effect of structural demographic factors is neither inevitable nor without limit; rather, the political consequences of demographic change often exhibit nonlinear patterns and interact with prevailing socioeconomic and institutional contexts. As demographic shifts continue to unfold globally, political demography stands as a promising and enlightening area of research that merits further inquiry.

Qualitative comparative analysis of policies implemented by 26 European countries during the 2020 great lockdown.

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe, from March 1 to April 15, 2020, significant variations emerged among countries regarding the implementation of lockdown policies. During this period, viewed strictly from an epidemiological perspective, lockdown measures are considered the most effective means of containing a pandemic. However, the adoption of such measures varied, raising questions about whether the reluctance or failure of countries to implement lockdown policies reflected a disregard for epidemiological knowledge or stemmed from an inability to enforce these measures. This article employs Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) with 26 European countries as case studies to investigate under what combination of conditions a country would implement lockdown policies. The QCA results identify three distinct combinations of conditions that lead countries to implement lockdown measures. First, countries with relatively concentrated political power are more likely to implement lockdown policies. Among the 10 countries governed by a majority party or majority coalition within a two-party or moderate multi-party system, seven implemented lockdown policies. Second, in cases of relatively dispersed political power, countries facing state fragility risks are more likely to implement lockdown policies. Among the eight countries that meet both conditions, five implemented lockdown policies. Finally, factors such as political heritage, severity of the pandemic, demographic composition, healthcare access, quality standards, and the ruling party's ideology play a lesser role in the decision to enact lockdown measures. This article offers a novel perspective on the dynamics of party politics and state capacity in the context of decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic. It contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between political systems and public health crisis management, highlighting how various political and governance factors influence the adoption of public health interventions during crises.

Legal Challenges and Opportunities in World Trade Organization Agreements: A Comparative Analysis of Member States

The World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements have a broad and complex impact on its member countries, especially regarding trade policy and global economic justice. Legal challenges in implementing these agreements, including harmonization between national and international law, as well as domestic political and economic dynamics, add to the complexity of their implementation. In addition, the WTO agreements also offer significant opportunities for member countries, such as wider market access and increased foreign investment. This study aims to analyze the long-term impact of the WTO agreements on trade policy, economic justice, and sustainable development in its member countries. This study uses a qualitative approach, with data obtained from various relevant sources such as research results and previous studies, which are then processed and analyzed in depth. The results show that the WTO agreements significantly shape the direction of member countries' future trade policies, with a greater impact felt by developing countries. Global economic injustice has emerged as one of the consequences of the implementation of these agreements, where developed countries are better able to utilize WTO provisions. On the other hand, the environmental and social impacts of implementing the WTO agreements are concerns that require better integration into trade policy. Projections of future challenges suggest that the WTO must continue to adapt to global changes to remain relevant and effective. Overall, this study highlights the need for a balance between trade liberalization and the protection of social and environmental values ​​within the WTO framework.