Political Life Research Articles

Special section introduction: epistemic politics in international and comparative political economy

ABSTRACT Economic orthodoxy has faced multiple challenges over recent years, ranging from the global financial crisis and economic populism to the Covid-19 pandemic and the spectre of stagflation. This has generated significant policy innovations, like quantitative easing and the furlough schemes, while heterodox economic ideas (briefly) gained notoriety. Yet these shifts have frequently been grafted onto pre-existing institutional and discursive templates, anchored by the assumption that they represent a temporary deviation from ‘normal’ equilibrium conditions. To make sense of these dynamics of crisis, change and continuity, this special section showcases an ‘epistemic politics’ approach that foregrounds the political life of economic knowledge. It is framed around three questions. What has been the role of economic knowledge and expertise in shaping policy and regulation over the past decade? To what extent have dominant economic ideas, theories and models been impacted by political conflicts and emergent issues? How have policy makers navigated economic crises and uncertainty through cognitive and discursive practices? This introductory paper sets out the ambition for the special section by defining our understanding of epistemic politics, before detailing the threefold contribution it makes to wider scholarship in IPE and CPE. It concludes with an overview of the five papers.

Digital supply chains for ecosystem resilience: a framework for the Italian case

AbstractContingency where exogenous and dramatic factors (i.e. Covid) impact not only on political and social life but also on economy is changing the way business is managed. Grounded on recent works studying the relationship between digitalisation and resilience, this work aims to systematize the links between the two dimensions at Supply Chains (SC) and at ecosystem level. A conceptual framework for manufacturing companies and policy makers is proposed to cope with disruptions thanks to digital technology implementation. The work is based on the results of an explorative analysis held with the support of practitioners from the manufacturing sector, IT providers and policy makers in Italy to systematise results and to demonstrate that public–private partnership can help to face disruptions. This paper contributes to the theory of ecosystems to establish a systemic framework to go beyond the border of each SC proposing a cross-collaboration model.

Longing for a Broken Politics to Be Healed A Book Symposium of Michael Wear’s The Spirit of Our Politics

Michael's Wear's 2024 book, The Spirit of Our Politics, inaugurates a unique and meaty symposium in the JSFSC that focuses on practical theologies of spiritual formation issues of public life. Wear's book delivers a discerning application of Dallas Willard's perspective to areas of political life. Symposium contributors include Michael Wear, Todd Hunter, Kyle David Bennet, Kaitlyn Schiess, and Chine McDonald. Guest Editor Joseph E. Gorra introduces the symposium, offering context on Wear, his book, and a call for further contributions in his Afterword. After Wear's book précis, Hunter, Bennett, and Schiess weave important themes of pneumatology, family spirituality, and ecclesiology as practitioner factors shaping the vitality of a Christian spiritual formation of public life. McDonald underscores the importance of incarnation, imagination, and invitation when leading institutions of public life. All contributors underscore how spiritual formation is central to civic renewal. Michael Wear's response integrates important themes among the papers, underscoring that Christian spiritual formation does not take place in isolation from actual contexts of public life.

Polite Social Practices in 18th-century Scotland

This article explores the role and influence of elite women in 18th-century Scotland, focusing on their engagement with polite social practices during the Scottish Enlightenment. The Scottish Enlightenment, characterized by its integration of various disciplines and emphasis on both theoretical and practical knowledge, was a period of significant cultural intellectual development. Central to this movement was the concept of politeness, which shaped the social interactions of the elite and played a crucial role in their personal and societal advancement. Elite women were integral to the social fabric of this era, participating in mixed-gender activities and shaping the cultural landscape through their involvement in social gatherings, education, and print culture. Despite being formally excluded from public office and direct political power, these women exercised significant influence through social networks, family ties, and patronage, subtly navigating the political and intellectual currents of their time. The study highlights how these women, while adhering to socially accepted norms, found ways to circumvent formal exclusions, thereby contributing to the broader cultural and political life of Scotland. Their participation in polite sociability not only facilitated their integration into elite society but also played a vital role in the broader program of social improvement that characterized the Scottish Enlightenment. This article underscores the complex interplay between gender, power, and politics, revealing how elite women helped shape “The Golden Age” of Scotland through their engagement in polite social practices.

The Participation of Ethnic Groups and Minorities in Political and Institutional Life in Kosovo

Abstract This paper explores the participation and engagement of ethnic groups and minorities in Kosovo’s political and institutional life during the post-war period (after 1999) and the post-independence phase (after 2008). The involvement of minorities in Kosovo’s institutional framework is grounded in the concept of a multiethnic state, with constitutional and legal provisions ensuring their rights. These provisions enable minorities to participate in all areas of state activity within the Republic of Kosovo. The paper addresses how circumstances and opportunities for participation have evolved, the challenges, threats, and risks faced, and what legislative measures have been enacted to ensure the political and institutional representation of ethnic groups and minorities.

The Adverse Effect of Dehumanizing Practices on Student Engagement and Learning in English Language Teaching Classroom

Knowingly or unknowingly, forgetting our multilingual and multicultural scenario, teachers’ behaviors may create social inequalities and injustices in the classroom; in the name of the dominant language of the school and power relation. Our classroom context is multilingual, multicultural and bilingual where students come from different economic and linguistic background. To some extent, our school system, including textbooks, instruction, curriculum, teaching practices seem to have influenced by the dominant ‘English/Nepali only’ approach. Furthermore, some teachers may not motivate minority students looking their low economic status, uncombed hair, roughly managed shirt-paint, unpolished shoes and low proficiency in English language. In this context, this paper aims to analyze the difficulties and struggle of demotivated (due to teachers’ bias behaviors and friends’ insult upon their appearance and language) Nepali language speaking children’s experiences as they feel insulted in school environment. To fulfill this objective, I adopted narrative research design in line with the qualitative research method. Discussing on the basis of classroom observation and unstructured interviews with the student, this paper analyzes that how the learners are marginalized and forbidden equal access to participate in the mainstream of social and political life that enhances their better learning opportunity and participation in classroom and society to what Bourdieu’s word symbolic violence with some examples of how such social inequalities and injustices are seen in school’s teaching-learning practices. Specially, given the problematic nature of schooling for such learners in some of the schools in Nepal, this paper highlights the need for socially responsive school policies and critical pedagogy, aiming at challenging and changing certain practices having identified a problem; originally propounded by Paulo Freire, a Brazilian educator; understanding the difficulties of living in poverty, local context entertaining the linguistic and cultural diversity of students. This study contributes to all the educational stakeholders to update and change themselves as human- friendly behaviours with the learners that can maintain social equalities and justice.

Development Strategy of Islamic Civil Society Organization (CSO) In Indonesia: A Case of Al Jamiyatul Al Wasliyah

One of the largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia, Jamiyatul Alwasliyah, has a large identity and role in the development of Indonesia, even before Indonesia's independence. In fact there are not many researchers who pay attention to the political role of this organizational development. In reality, Jamiyatul Alwasliyah was formed with the spirit of advancing the nation and they succeeded with their development identity. This article, with a historical approach, will explain the background and political role of their development in Indonesia. This article examines some of the main political themes addressed in the NGO literature, as well as related themes in other political studies. This article analyses its development based on Islamic spirit and development strategy. It begins by examining competing theories regarding the political impact of the NGO sector. The article argues, make significant contributions of Jamiyatul Al Wasliyah as Civil Society Organization (CSO) to political life and to political change in developing countries, revealing a fertile, and hitherto neglected, research agenda.

Factors Impacting Perceptions of Gender Inequality in the Spanish Society

This study uses Ordinary Least Squares Multiple Regression with data on perceptions regarding gender equality from the Spanish general population. Overall, the results indicate that perceptions of equal treatment under the law and equality in political life are significantly associated with perceptions of gender equality. However, perceptions of discrimination in education do not seem to affect perceptions of gender equality significantly. In addition, the results show a clear association between the belief that gender equality leads to a fairer society and the perception of gender equality itself. Results also suggest that while certain perceptions related to the law, society, and political life are instrumental in shaping views on gender inequality, there remains a foundational level of perceived inequality in Spanish society. As a concluding remark, when examining the impact of female representation in leadership positions, the results provide empirical support that the presence of women in leadership positions improves the perception of gender equity in the contexts in which it occurs; this fact reflects the importance of promoting the participation of women in management positions through public policies.

Island Political Parties: Differentiating factors in political life in the Canary Islands

This article provides an analysis of the role and evolution of island political parties in the Canary Islands. These political organisations emerge due to the inherent and unique characteristics typical of island life, which mainland territories do not possess. Through a descriptive methodology, electoral surveys are developed for each island alongside a summary table illustrating the combined influence and trajectory of these parties in island elections. Their significance in defending local identity, capacity to form coalitions and lead island governments are emphasised. Similarly, their focus on the island realm, flexibility in negotiations and pursuit of island power are identified. These parties emerge as significant political actors that could serve as examples for other islands facing similar challenges. Their ability to address island needs and promote island-centric development positions them as fundamental elements in the island politics of the Canary Islands, thus contributing to a more representative governance structure.

Organizational and methodical features of the application of the game method in the educational process of teenagers in institutions of general secondary education

The article highlights the organizational and methodological features of using the game method in the educational process of teenagers in institutions of general secondary education. This methodological approach allows solving the process of assimilation of educational material against the background of timely prevention or removal of mental fatigue. The use of the game method strengthens the effect of the integration of educational and cognitive activities. Today, in the socio-economic and political life of Ukraine, it is becoming necessary to radically revise the sphere of education and upbringing. It is possible to raise a person successfully only by appropriate methods, which hide the attractiveness of education and training itself. One such method is the game method. Games act as a means of physical education and as a method of organizing a children's team. Through play, the child enters the world of knowledge, begins to learn the alphabet of science against a positive emotional background, and acquires spiritual values. While playing, children feel the joy of realizing their physical and mental strengths, which is an indispensable condition for development. Domestic and foreign scientists, teachers, physiologists, and doctors determined the unique influence of physical culture on a child's health. However, it is obvious that most teenagers do not believe in the importance of physical education. Physical activity did not become the main component of their lifestyle.

Conservative turn and political identity: challenges to democracy in Indonesia after presidential election 2019

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research is to examine the conservative shift and identity politics: challenges to democracy in Indonesia after the 2019 presidential election. In this research, the author uses a political sociology approach as a perspective in conducting the analysis. The research method in this study uses a qualitative approach by emphasizing literature review data or literature studies related to the theme in the article. The available data is used as the basis for exploration by using sentences that are connected to form phrases and qualitative analysis. It is known that in political life, ethnic identity is used as a vote banker. Meanwhile, Islamic conservatism and populism are religious forces that disrupt electoral democracy. Issues of identity politics, conservatism, and Islamic populism will continue to grow if moderate Islamic forces such as Muhammadiyah and NU do not emerge in political and religious life.

Intersectional Identity and Representative Politics

Representation scholarship has drawn from intersectionality theory 0to examine how systemic structures of oppression and privilege have created social groups with distinct political needs. Derived from Black feminist theory that recognizes that identities are mutually constitutive and interconnected, intersectionality research is rooted in the lived experiences of marginalized groups who call attention to social (in)justice. Empirical scholarship building on the insights of Black feminist theorists such as Collins and Bilge (2016), Hill Collins (1990), Crenshaw (1989; 1991), and King (1988) has constituted nothing less than a paradigm shift in the study of gender and politics. Nevertheless, there remain an array of opportunities to expand upon the potential for intersectional frameworks and methods, as well as pressing new questions concerning the operationalization of intersectionality itself. This Critical Perspectives section offers a moment to take stock of these developments and debates, as well as to highlight new pathways for scholarship committed to centering the margins and considering the nexus of multiple power structures that frame our political lives.

Untangling anti-Indian narratives in the 2019 Bolivian crisis: violence, anxiety and discourse

ABSTRACT The 2005 arrival of Evo Morales to power came with high expectations about the increased participation of indigenous people in the country’s social and political life. However, the violence perpetrated against urban indigenous people allied to MAS from the moment Morales stepped down has shone a light on the volatile nature of unresolved racial tensions in Bolivia. This article centers on the rapid escalation of anti-Indian racism during the 2019 electoral crisis and ensuing political conflict and the weight of anti-Indian racial narratives at the heart of the violence. Through an analysis of archives and data collected during the conflict through mediated approaches , this paper examines the 2019 crisis, focusing on the surge in anti-Indian violence, and briefly discusses pre-crisis anti-racist efforts by the MAS administration. Then, it reflects on the idea of the ‘savage Indian’ and racial regimes that produced key ‘discursive formations’ that continue to polarize Bolivia. It then critically assesses the ideology of mestizaje’s racial role in the crisis, positioning it within a broader anti-Indian narrative that confines Indianness to the past while hindering acknowledgement, reconciliation, and healing from racial trauma.

Դավիթ Դվնեցու վկայաբանությունը և նրա պատմագիտական արժեքը

The long-term Persian-Arabic rule had a profound impact on Armenian hagiographical literature. The persecutions and ideological pressures of the conquerors compelled the Armenian clergy to devise suitable solutions. In these circumstances, separate martyrdoms were created concerning the conversion of representatives of the conquered peoples. Surhan was also one of the Armenian heroes who was named David after being baptised. It can be recorded that the author of the Martyrdom fulfilled the order of the bishop of Amatunyatsʻ and the Mamikonian princes. This is confirmed by the relic symbols found in the Martyrdom, including the cross and the spear. David's Martyrdom, with its distinctive allegorical structure and plot, nevertheless conveys authentic information about the period of Arab invasions and dominions. The Islamic challenge compelled the author to present David's Martyrdom in a more convincing manner, showcasing novel religious plots and spatial perceptions. The Martyrdom contains numerous references that provide invaluable insights into the economic and political life of Armenia in the second half of the 7th century. The data on the pre-Islamic legal system, in particular the rule of Hudud (Ḥudūd Allāh [God's boundaries]), are also noteworthy.

MEMBANGUN KESADARAN KEWARGANEGARAAN DAN KEBERLANJUTAN PADA MAHASISWA PENDIDIKAN ANTROPOLOGI KELAS B STAMBUK 2021 UNIVERSITAS NEGERI MEDAN

Civic education plays an important role in shaping a critical, responsible, and aware young generation of citizens. Through this education, students are expected to be able to understand national values, pluralism, tolerance, and actively participate in social and political life, both on and off campus. Challenges such as discrimination, extremism, and social indifference still pose a threat to the spirit of citizenship among students. Therefore, civic education aims to raise awareness of the importance of national defense, democracy, and diversity. In addition, this education also emphasizes the importance of sustainability, where the younger generation is encouraged to play a role in preserving the environment and participating in policies that support social welfare. This article uses a qualitative approach to examine civic awareness among students, as well as how civic education can strengthen the character of the younger generation as responsible citizens who care about social and political challenges in the digital era.

Imágenes sobre la educación para la ciudadanía en la formación inicial del profesorado

Although in the past decades a lot has been written about citizenship education, at least in Spain little is known about how pre-service teachers are formed to educate for citizenship. In recent years we have tried to cover this gap with a line of research that to date has focused on the teacher educators of the Primary Education Degree at the University of Cantabria. After gathering their verbal rationalizations about political life and citizenship education through semi-structured interviews, we realized that we needed to go beyond this level of analysis and use new research techniques to delve into the tacit perceptions of the teachers, since they cannot be considered as the mere product of deliberate mental exercises. Hence, we chose to examine certain language tropes less subject to conscious control like metaphors, taking advantage of the recent contributions of cognitive science and neuroscience about the automatic thinking (Kahneman, 2012) and its influence on our political decisions (Haidt, 2012; Lakoff, 2008). This look at the data allowed us to detect allegories such as “citizens as plants”, “citizenship as motor” and “democracy as a goal” that outline an idealized narrative about citizenship education.

Musealization of Wawel Castle 1945–61 – Royal heritage and political legitimacy in early socialist Poland

ABSTRACT This article’s aim is to analyse why Poland’s socialist authorities decided to transform Wawel Castle into a historic house museum and how they took advantage of its new role in order to bolster their political legitimacy during their rule’s initial period. My argument is that Wawel Castle’s transformation into a historic house museum was motivated by the building’s status as the ultimate national symbol and its specific geopolitical situation. Situated in Cracow, far from the capital city, it could have played only a marginal role as an official residence in Poland’s highly centralised political life. Therefore, the socialist state ventured to exploit this heritage’s symbolic potential differently. The establishment of the historic castle museum demonstrated the regime’s attachment to national heritage, serving also to adapt the castle to its socialist vision. The castle’s musealization could legitimize the regime in the eyes of non-socialists without sacrificing its ideological agenda.

The political life and times of Silvio Berlusconi 1

ABSTRACT Silvio Berlusconi’s political life and legacy have left a profound and lasting imprint on Italian politics. Not only as prime minister but also as the leader of his party, he shaped at least two decades of Italian politics. With an ‘eccentric’ leadership style, Berlusconi approached the roles of party and government leadership in an entirely novel manner. This special issue on the Political Life and Times of Berlusconi deepens our understanding of his significant role in Italian political history. Each article examines a different aspect of his multifaceted leadership, and addresses the challenges of studying a figure as complex and divisive as Berlusconi, who dominated Italian politics for three decades.

Leveraging feminist approaches to care

The work of thinking about, with, and through care is not the prerogative of any single discipline or positionality, as this Special Issue vividly illustrates. Rather, its wide-ranging and enduring force as empirical reality, conceptual approach and political disposition are best grappled with through a multidisciplinary lens, bringing into meaningful conversation and careful comparison different subjects, sites and scales of care. In the process, care emerges as a contested terrain, an object of debate and difference, as well as an ongoing central dimension to life as lived across the realms of the individual to the collective and the institutional. It is thus our hope that the offerings in this Special Issue invite further attention to care's role in shaping social and political life, in Australia and beyond, and for humans and non-humans. We intend for this Issue to stimulate the kinds of coalitional thinking and acting that care demands of scholars across fields and also across differently situated communities of ‘we’.

State and law of the Chaghadai Ulus and early Timurid state as they were seen by foreign contemporaries

Research objectives: An analysis of official documents and notes of foreign contemporaries to clarify some aspects of political and legal life of the Chaghadai Ulus and early Timurid state in the 13th– beginning of 15th centuries. Materials and methods of research: The basic materials are official documents (diplomatic correspondence), travelers’ reports and notes, diaries and memoirs of travelers from different countries of Europe and Asia who visited the Chaghadai Ulus with different missions in the analyzed period as well as some official documents (diplomatic correspondence) between foreign and Mongol rulers. The methods of research are formal and historical legal research of historical documents, comparative legal analysis as well as historical approach in general. Scientific novelty: The state structure and legal relations in the Chaghadai Ulus and early Timurid state still have not been objects of special research. The author proposes to use works of foreign contemporaries as a tool to clarify some questions of political and legal life in the Chaghadaid state, finding similarities with other Chinggisid states and specific features of the region, its traditions, etc. Results of the research: The information of the analyzed historical documents, naturally, doesn’t allow one to reconstruct all aspects of political structure of Chaghadai Ulus and early Timurid state and their legal system in general, but adds valuable details to the information of other sources on history of this state – that is, historical chronicles (mainly of Timurid age) and legal monuments (khans’ yarliks and other official documents of the ulus). At that, we cannot ignore the fact that the Chaghadai Ulus before Timur was not considered as a full and authoritative member of international relations which is why contemporaries paid more attention to other Chinggisid states: The Golden Horde, Ilkhanate, Yuan Empire. However, the analysis of contemporaries’ notes could stimulate scholars to study some specific aspects of the Chaghadai Ulus’ history which were not researched before.