Political Hierarchy Research Articles

Political Breakthrough in a Rural Community during the 2011 Sarawak State Election: An Ethnographic Perspective

This article draws on empirical data and ethnographic evidence as a springboard to explore issues affecting narratives and observations made during the 2011 Sarawak State Election. It throws light on ways in which communities and cultures at the periphery of the Malaysian nation state grapple with the potentials and consequences of elections in the process of economic, political and social transformation. Eschewing aspects of candidates’ selections, electoral campaign process and actual voting behaviour of individual voters, the main analysis is of the formulation of local understandings and meanings of the state elections in two rural settlements of Ba’ Kelalan and Bario located close to the border between Sarawak and Kalimantan. This article suggests that an account of their experiences is a necessity in order to understand what functions and whose interest elections serve, and most importantly what election actually does and means within particular circumstances of local history. As a political phenomenon, elections can look different from the perspective of those close to the centre of power in contrast to those with little power within a political hierarchy.

Liberal Democracy Promotion and the Observation of Democracy

ABSTRACT This article suggests that the observation of democracy is at the core of liberal democracy promotion. Broadly conceived, the observation of democracy is evident in the democracy reports published by international organisations and non-state actors and common meaning making about “target” states in democracy promotion. Based on an historical inquiry focused on developments in the Permanent Mandates Commission, Trusteeship Council and, to lesser degree, Freedom House, I argue that the observation of democracy stems from practices invented in colonial contexts and includes long-lasting epistemic and political hierarchies. Though organisations develop varying styles, observations of democracy show similar components and a common orientation towards Western understandings of representative democracy. My argument contributes to research on how contemporary practices are enabled by and reproduce (post-) colonial patterns and historical reflection on epistemic and political hierarchies in democracy promotion.

The Evolution of Minangkabau Elite: Modernization and Cultural Shifts in Nagari Kurai, 19th-20th Century

The problem addressed in this research focuses on the socio-cultural transformation of the Minangkabau elite during the colonial period, particularly in Nagari Kurai. Using the historical research method, the study traces the evolution of the local elites through archival analysis and ethnographic records. The key finding reveals that the establishment of Bukittinggi as a colonial center and the spread of modernity in the early 20th century prompted the rise of a new urban elite, distinct from traditional authorities. In conclusion, the study suggests that colonial modernity played a pivotal role in reshaping cultural and political hierarchies in Minangkabau society.

Intercolonial Cinnamon: Fashioning Connections from the Eighteenth to Mid‐Nineteenth Centuries

AbstractIt is well known that the quest for spices fuelled navigational endeavours during early modern history, acting as a gateway to conquest. Historians from the field have often focused on the relations between the colonies and the colonised, but what role did this play in the forging of intercolonial connections? By delving into the allure of one spice, the current article argues that, more than merely a source of profit, a ceremonial means or an item of consumption, the quest for cinnamon revealed the pursuit of botanical knowledge, which reflected the use of alternative commercial routes. Rivalry between the colonisers prompted significant intercolonial connections rather than merely between them and the colonised, while prompting transimperial relations when these belonged to different empires. These connections resulted in nuanced practical outcomes that conveyed the intellectual stances and political hierarchy inherent in imperial networks.

The Unseen and the Unsayable: Walpolean Gothic Theatre

One of the defining features of the Gothic mode is its attraction to obscurity, its central interest in what cannot quite be apprehended. Gothic writing circles around the unseen, the unsayable, and the unknowable, and often self-consciously draws attention to the withholding of information. This article focuses on the foundational example of the Walpolean Gothic: Horace Walpole’s unperformed tragedy The Mysterious Mother (1768) is structured around what cannot be said, while Robert Jephson’s The Count of Narbonne (1781) – a dramatic adaptation of The Castle of Otranto (1764) – repeatedly draws attention to elements that are imminent but never quite realised. In these two plays, silence and absence make their paradoxical presence felt. The tragedies draw attention to questions of what can be said and done on stage, while simultaneously exploring the power of the negative to reveal the cracks in narratives of patriarchal order. Together, they demonstrate how the Gothic can use the force of what is not there to trouble theatrical and political hierarchies.

Why do politicians perceive the same financial conditions differently?

AbstractBehavioral public administration research has provided empirical evidence of several perception biases when individuals process information. Building on these findings, we seek to advance the literature by analyzing politicians' financial perceptions of their own government. Drawing on the theory of motivated reasoning, we examine the context of Swedish municipalities and find financial perception gaps associated with politicians' party affiliation (establishment or anti‐establishment), parliamentary position (opposition or governing party), and formal hierarchical rank. Specifically, politicians representing anti‐establishment and opposition parties, as well as those occupying lower positions in the political hierarchy—and thus having less influence over and less responsibility for municipal affairs—tend to perceive the financial situation more negatively. These findings suggest the presence of a motivationally driven bias in politicians' perceptions of financial conditions; moreover, they illustrate that these perceptions are influenced by factors beyond the traditional financial, socioeconomic, and demographic ones examined in previous research.

Financing constraints of firms: Is there political favoritism in the economic resources given by the central government?

AbstractEconomic resources within the jurisdiction of local governments in China shape the external financing environment of enterprises. However, few studies have focused on China's unique political hierarchy, which results in differentiated access to economic resources for different levels of local governments and substantially affects local corporate financing constraints. This paper examines the impact of city political hierarchy on firm financing constraints among Chinese A‐share listed firms from 2004 to 2019. We use the 200,000 population criterion for delineating the political hierarchy of cities in 1927 as the cutoff for fuzzy regression discontinuity design to identify causal effects. The results show that the greater a city's political rank is, the lower its financing constraints are. The mechanism suggests that the central government provides more financial and political resources to high‐level cities, directly and indirectly influencing the financing constraints of firms. In addition, high‐level cities' government preferences, bank loans, debt financing costs, and business credit are vital channels at the firm level. However, this effect varies depending on the ownership and size of the firm.

Ibn Khaldūn and Kınalızāde’s Concept of Dāʾirat al-Siyāsah: A Rethinking of Modern Politics from A Civilisational Perspective

This paper demonstrates that Islamic civilisation is characterised by a unique circular model of political and administrative system as articulated by Ibn Khaldūn and his Ottoman successor, Kınalızāde, in the concept of the circle of politics (dāʾirat al-siyāsah). It offers a new perspective to the current quest for good governance from a Khaldunian perspective by presenting an alternative way of restructuring contemporary politics and society in a circular order for a more effective and egalitarian system open to citizen participation. The pyramidal governance structure, having no roots in Islamic political theory and practice, positions the subjects at the bottom of the political hierarchy and the ruler at its pinnacle, which leads to significant disparities. Conversely, the circular system espouses an egalitarian and participatory political order rooted in the sunnah of Prophet Muḥammad. This model, embraced by Muslims for centuries until the era of colonisation, engenders a more inclusive and engaging approach to governance. Furthermore, this study contends that the circular model of governance is applicable beyond political institutions to a larger range of social entities as a method of reforming and improving them.

Does digital technology advancement promote natural resource utilization efficiency?

While China has experienced an extended period of remarkable economic growth, certain industries have faced challenges such as high pollution, energy consumption, and emissions. To address these issues, China has set strategic goals for promoting harmonious coexistence between humans and nature in the new era. As a result, enhancing the efficiency of natural resource utilization has become crucial for achieving sustainable development. In line with this objective, this paper investigates the role of digital technology advancement as a pathway to improve the efficiency of e-government and natural resource utilization. This paper employs the Slacks-Based Measure (SBM) model to calculate the efficiency of natural resource utilization in 276 cities from 2010 to 2020. Utilizing Broadband China's pilot policy, the study employs differences-in-differences and propensity score matching to investigate the impact and mechanism of digital technology progress on natural resource utilization efficiency. The results indicate that the progress in digital technology significantly promotes the efficiency of natural resource utilization, a conclusion that holds even after a series of robustness tests. Mechanism analysis suggests that the progress in digital technology primarily influences resource efficiency by upgrading industrial structures and innovating green technologies. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the positive impact of digital technology progress on natural resource utilization efficiency is more pronounced in cities with lower political hierarchies, larger population sizes, non-resource-based economies, and those not classified as old industrial bases. This paper expands the research scope of natural resource utilization efficiency and provides specific policy recommendations.

The Heterarchy of the Roman Galli

Abstract Aim of this paper is to describe the strategies that a specific type of Roman priests, namely the galli who worshipped the goddess Mater Magna, used to enhance their own religious authority. By doing so, they were transcending a state-given political hierarchy and a long established social normativity, namely the masculine hegemony of the ancient Roman society. More generally, temporary priestly offices were highly political: every Roman statesman had to fulfil at least one such office for some time during his life. However, there were also priests and priestesses that held their offices for life. Lacking the possibility of generating prestige through warfare or political success, like Roman statesmen, the galli had to garner prestige in their lifelong priesthood, and consequently social power, through different aspects. Specific religious services, such as sacrifices, spells, etc., were one possibility. However, the galli’s power could also have been generated through social aspects, such as habitus, which is rooted in the living conditions, the cultural milieu, and the biography of an individual (Schreg, Zerres, et al. 2013, 101). This article discusses the case of the priesthood of the Mater Magna cult, a religion that emerged in Rome at the end of the 3rd century BCE and in which the priests applied a specific form of stigma management to foster their religious authority. I argue that the priesthood of the Mater Magna—although they were even defamed by the Roman intellectuals for their inconclusive sex—made use of their ‘otherness’ to generate a certain religious authority, as a form of stigma management, that elevated them in the social hierarchy and created heterarchical relations.

Shareholders' political hierarchy and regulatory enforcement: Evidence from corporate risk management

In our study, we investigate the impact of shareholders' political hierarchy on regulatory enforcement within the context of a Chinese local state-owned enterprise where multiple government shareholders, each with different political hierarchical levels, coexist. Our research reveals that the presence of higher-level noncontrolling government shareholders, specifically noncontrolling government shareholders with a higher hierarchical level than the controlling government shareholders, enhances the risk-reducing effect of derivative use. This indicates that higher-level noncontrolling government shareholders play a role in facilitating the enforcement of derivative-related regulations. Additionally, we find that these higher-level noncontrolling government shareholders enhance the efficiency of derivative use through two primary channels: their superior access to regulatory information and their monitoring of corporate regulatory compliance. We also explore the impact of higher-level noncontrolling government shareholders in regulatory enforcement by examining the 2009–2010 top-down derivative-related regulation. In summary, our analysis underscores the positive influence of higher-level noncontrolling government shareholders on risk management efficiency, primarily due to their information advantage regarding regulations, which subsequently strengthens the enforceability of regulatory measures.

The Impact of the Soviet Heritage on Women’s Political Leadership in Modern Russia

The study analyzes the specifics of women’s political leadership in the USSR and identifies the factors that predetermined the secondary role of women in Soviet, and later modern Russian politics. The purpose of this study is to identify the features of women’s activities as political leaders in the Soviet state and compare them with the features of women’s participation in political power in modern Russia. To achieve the goal, historical-chronological and comparative analysis are used as research methods. The unique experience of the women’s departments is considered in detail, as well as the personal factor of Soviet women leaders as the reason for political success. It is concluded that during the entire existence of the Soviet Union, the parity ratio of men and women at any level of power was not achieved even despite attempts to introduce various measures, such as a quota system, to achieve this goal. However, among the reasons for this situation, it was highlighted that attempts to achieve gender parity in government were primarily ideological in nature and aimed not at achieving real equality, but at demonstrating the ideology of the USSR on the world stage. The presence of women in the highest government positions in the USSR was an extremely rare phenomenon, since, in order to meet practical needs, the state, as a rule, preferred to involve women in politics at the lowest levels of the political hierarchy. A comparative analysis of women’s political leadership in the Soviet period with the present has shown that the same trend persists in modern Russia.

The Impact of Intergovernmental Transfers on Fiscal Behaviour of Local Government in Ethiopia

This paper examines the effect of intergovernmental fiscal transfers on the fiscal behaviour of local governments in Ethiopia for the period 2004-2018. The empirical findings suggest that central government grants bolster state-level employment and expenditure. However, grants from the central government to states do not crowd out state-level revenue collection. Hence, this paper argues that fiscal decentralisation in Ethiopia has mostly, at least in theory, taken the form of devolution of the power to tax and spend public money. However, on average state-level revenue can only finance up to 26 percent of their annual expenditure. As a result, fiscal federalism in Ethiopia appears to be a delegation of spending responsibilities. It must be considered in a decentralized tax system, but with a transfer scheme and political hierarchy. The results are robust to alternative econometric estimation techniques.

Unpacking firm political dependence: how administrative hierarchical distance affects corporate environmental information disclosure

This article explores the diverse response strategies concerning environmental information disclosure (EID) among firms affiliated to different political hierarchies. Drawing on resource dependence theory (RDT), we hypothesize a U-shaped relationship between a firm’s administration hierarchical distance (AHD) and its EID. The relationship is also contingent on the scope of dependence, as reflected in two resource-based components: (i) firms with or without political connections, and (ii) varying levels of corporate innovation capability. Using data from Chinese listed companies in polluting industries, we document that firms with medium AHD have the weakest EID, while firms with shorter or longer AHD exhibit higher EID to maintain institutional or gain competitive resource, respectively. This pattern is stronger for non-politically connected and low-innovation firms. Our research not only enriches RDT on corporate political strategies by unpacking firm political dependency, but also contributes to the emerging work on the pluralistic perspective on government.

Women Empowerment Gaining Right Trajectory: A Perspective from MSME, Odisha, India

In traditional male-dominated society women generally enjoy secondary status in familial and social hierarchy. The widespread condition of gender disparity may be attributed to a lack of gainful employment and fixed wages with a regular source of livelihood. The majority of women are left out of the ambit of the decision-making process due to their inferior social and economic conditions. The status of women can be raised and gender equality can be achieved through MSME which empowers women with upward movement in economic, social and political hierarchy. MSME facilitates women entrepreneurs to utilise their entrepreneurial skills and talent and to play leadership roles to improve the conditions of women folk. The present study focuses on the role of leading women entrepreneurs of Puri district Odisha towards the objective of empowering women. The data gathered through questionnaires, surveys, person to person interaction during field visits/workshops/seminars/presentations form the basis for developing this article. During interaction all points raised, views expressed by respondents, and suggestions gathered were recorded to organize this article. It has been observed MSME sectors have largely contributed to improving women's status through employment, skill upgradation, innovations, and encouraging participative and collaborative decisions. However, simplifying and streamlining activities related to registration, products, production, financing, training, and marketing would enhance further value addition by MSME. The insights earned during the study about ground realities, problem areas, and steps towards a solution will help the researchers, NGOs, SHGs, field agencies, donors, bankers, government institutions, corporate houses, and planners to fine-tune their approach towards women empowerment.

Assessing Xi Jinping's Vision of Modernization and its Implications for Global Trade Dynamics: A Case Study of the Belt and Road Initiative

Globalization has emerged as a driving force reshaping China's economic, social, and political landscape. This paper aims to dissect the multifaceted impacts of globalization on Chinese society and political culture, specifically focusing on how Xi Jinping's vision of modernization intersects with these transformative dynamics. The synthesis of global influences and local ideologies has triggered profound shifts across various dimensions, including ideological synthesis, socioeconomic restructuring, technological evolution, governance paradigms, diplomatic engagements, and cultural identity. Drawing from a blend of scholarly perspectives, the research delves into the intricate relationship between globalization and China's political culture. It highlights the convergence of global ideas and traditional philosophies, which have catalyzed an evolving political ideology in China. Economically, globalization has facilitated market liberalization, foreign investments, and socioeconomic transformations, necessitating a recalibration of societal structures and aspirations. Moreover, the digital age has democratized communication channels, challenging established political hierarchies and fostering an evolving public discourse. Furthermore, the paper examines China's participation in global networks, emphasizing the consequential adaptations in governance, diplomacy, and the evolving narrative of Chinese identity on the global stage. Additionally, the study explores the intersection of globalization, economic interdependence, and information technology, highlighting their role as catalysts for China's evolving socio-political landscape. Ultimately, this research underscores the significance of understanding the intricate interplay between globalization, Xi Jinping's modernization vision, and the ensuing transformations within Chinese political culture. It serves as a critical lens through which policymakers, scholars, and global stakeholders can comprehend China's evolving trajectory. It offers insights into future scenarios, including the prospect of a more democratic political system within China's global interactions.

Alcohol Diplomacy, Gender and Power in the Late Seventeenth-Century Gold Coast Slaving Complex

Abstract Across the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Atlantic African leaders confronted new challenges as the European demand for captive African labour transformed the political economy of the region and the experience of living within it. Among a range of new and remodelled strategies designed to protect their polities, West African leaders used alcohol diplomacy to facilitate political alliance, cross-cultural communication and economic exchange. This article draws on warehouse registers, European travelogues and joint-stock company correspondence to uncover Queen Tituba of Agona (c.1638–1707) in her efforts to manage the English Royal African Company. By tracing her adroit use of alcohol, it reveals how West Africans repurposed English commodities to fit their own patterns of consumption and exchange. From funnelling diplomatic gifts of brandy into Akan-speaking political hierarchies to resolving disputes over rum, the queen drew on alcohol to fortify her rule against other coastal powers and navigate the demands of her own officials, subjects and enslaved labourers. She deployed alcohol in these ways despite, and because of, the pressures placed on her as a woman political leader. Essential to trade and ritual, yet morally fraught, Queen Tituba’s use of alcohol upended the European hierarchies of race and gender that consigned West African women to the status of commodity rather than recognized them as strategic consumers. Following alcohol offers a way of unravelling the intersection between gender, consumption and authority in a period when the trafficking of enslaved African peoples fundamentally transformed Atlantic political economy.

The Art of Adversity Thinking: Political Turnover and Firm Innovation

By integrating the political strategy literature and research on innovation, this article develops a theoretical framework and empirically tests how and why political turnover affects firm innovation. Drawing on the attention-based view, we argue that firms also use innovation as an attention-catching strategy to seek opportunities in uncertain environments. Furthermore, we highlight how the uncertainty rooted in political turnover varies by identifying two contingent values: 1) politicians’ career concerns and 2) firms’ political hierarchy. Using a longitudinal data set of industrial enterprises in the context of China, we find that there is a significant positive relationship between the replacement of government leaders at prefectural city level and firm innovation. Moreover, this positive relationship is strengthened when new government leaders are promoted locally, but is less salient if the politicians are at an early stage of their career or firms are affiliated with higher hierarchies. Our research expands the literature on uncertainty by highlighting the role of political agents, contributes to the theory of the attention-based view by treating attention from key external stakeholders as a key resource, and advances the understanding of how firms strategically respond to political shocks in China.

Political hierarchy and corporate environmental governance: Evidence from the centralization of the environmental administration in China

Political hierarchy and corporate environmental governance: Evidence from the centralization of the environmental administration in China

Contested political alliances in fortress Europe: migrants and Europeans in Helon Habila’s Travellers

ABSTRACT Helon Habila’s Travellers was written as a response to the refugee crisis in 2015, and it narrates loosely connected stories of African asylum seekers precariously travelling in Southern and Western European countries seeking shelter. This article discusses the novel’s representation of Europeans and migrants acting together by drawing from Jacques Rancière’s theorization of dissensus as a tool to challenge existing political hierarchies by creating new solidarities against present orders. I maintain that the novel manages to problematize the mainstream media images of immigration issues, as well as other such narrative tropes that reinforce the understanding of immigrants as Europe’s others. I argue that the novel instead exposes facets of structural violence in fortress Europe as it violently suppresses immigrant voices. Along these lines, the novel is further discussed as a representative of critical art or dissensual art that not only exposes contemporary exclusionary politics, but also advances a new affective politics by actively demonstrating more democratic ways of including people without a political voice. It can thus help to reconfigure which political questions are included in public deliberations in the future and provoke new, more democratic ways of seeing immigration issues.