Political Realities Research Articles

‘To me, that expressed a fear of funder’: affective economies, care and graphic medicine

ABSTRACT Care practices are imbued with affect. Predominantly, affect is understood as something intrinsic—such as psychological dispositions, and subjective feelings, among others—that are personally experienced by the individuals involved in a caring circle. While this interpretation is true, affect also functions as an influential driving factor that shapes the social, political, and cultural realities of care experiences. The present article examines affective economies of fear, hate, and gendered care labour within the long-term care system. Using theoretical insights from Sara Ahmed, Amelia DeFalco, and Andrea Kantrowitz, among others, the article explains how these affective economies shape the experiential realities of the stakeholders. Through a close reading of Susan MacLeod’s Dying for Attention, the article highlights systemic flaws that foster fear, societal disdain for ageing, and exploitative labour. It calls for a revaluation of existing long-term care practices by examining the gendered dimensions of caregiving and challenging the perception of care as women’s moral duty. Further, the article also investigates how care is commodified within the institutional setting, thus underscoring the (neoliberal) complexities involved in the provision of care.

Ending AIDS: HIV, ART, and PrEP in the Context of New Global Political Realities.

Ending AIDS: HIV, ART, and PrEP in the Context of New Global Political Realities.

Роль Агентства по международному развитию в публичной дипломатии США в Западной Африке

The aim of the research is to determine the role of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in implementing U.S. public diplomacy programs in West Africa. The article presents the evolution of USAID’s activities in West Africa using the examples of Ghana, Nigeria, and Mali. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the fact that traditionally, American public diplomacy is studied through the prism of the activities of various institutions in East Africa; however, there are practically no studies in scientific circulation that analyze similar aspects of U.S. operations in West Africa. The study identified the specifics of applying U.S. public diplomacy mechanisms in West Africa, and also determined the role of decentralization programs in promoting democratic values and strengthening U.S. political influence in the countries of the region. The analysis showed how U.S. foreign policy adapts to the political realities of West Africa, striving to effectively engage with local authorities and civil society to achieve long-term strategic goals. The study found that USAID was most active from the early 2000s until its closure. The projects implemented by this structure were aimed at promoting American values in West African society. It was also found that the decentralization of government bodies in West African countries was used by the United States to strengthen influence in these territories. The concept of decentralization was promoted as a necessary element of “democratization”.

The Edge of the Moral Circle

This essay explores the relationship between two recent books on the scope of moral consideration: “The Edge of Sentience” (Birch 2024a) and “The Moral Circle” (Sebo 2025). Both books address the ethical and scientific challenge of determining how to interact with beings of uncertain sentience and moral status. They also argue for similar conclusions: they develop precautionary frameworks for guiding these decisions, and they argue that many invertebrates, future AI systems, and other beings merit moral consideration or, at least, further investigation. However, the books differ in focus and scope: “The Moral Circle” focuses more on ethical theory and long-term progress, while “The Edge of Sentience” focuses more on public policy and short-term progress. This essay highlights the complementary nature of these works and identifies key areas for further research, including how to navigate moral uncertainty and how to reconcile ethical principles with practical and political realities.

Politics of sensemaking, temporalities and multiplicities in major projects

PurposeThis paper explores the dynamics of megaprojects through a power relations lens, focusing on sensemaking, temporalities and multiplicities in major projects. It provides an understanding of the political forces influencing the management, decision-making and outcomes of megaprojects.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explores how different stakeholders interpret and enact political, financial and social realities in megaprojects, utilizing some examples of case studies and theoretical analysis to reveal the complexities of these projects. The paper is conceptual, synthesizing divergent ideas and literature by integrating ideas from different domains to generate new theoretical insights.FindingsThe analysis reveals the inherently political nature of megaprojects, emphasizing how the politics of sensemaking, temporalities and multiplicities in major projects influence outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is conceptual and as such, all the usual strictures apply; it is the quality of its conceptualization that is significant.Practical implicationsThis paper suggests that a politically aware approach to project management is essential for addressing the complexities that arise from megaprojects. Project managers that understand how the politics of sensemaking, temporalities and multiplicities in major projects frame projects’ decisions and consequences can achieve better long-term outcomes.Social implicationsMegaprojects have direct impact on communities, environments and public resources and leave multiple legacies.Originality/valueThe paper offers a novel perspective on megaprojects, moving beyond traditional technical and managerial approaches. It emphasizes the importance of the politics of sensemaking, temporalities and multiplicities in major projects.

It’s all fun and games until…: unintentional (?) direct fire amid the playful humor of Miguel Mihura’s Codorniz

Abstract Spanish humorists associated with the avant-garde of the early 20th century developed an abstract, playful brand of humor dubbed “Humorism” and “New Spanish Humor.” The movement’s heyday came when Miguel Mihura created the weekly humor magazine La Codorniz [The Quail] and kept tight editorial control over its content. Scholars and humorists hold up Mihura’s magazine as a watershed in the evolution of Spanish humor. Much of the commentary on Mihura’s Codorniz (1941–1944) focuses on its assiduous disengagement from the social and political realities of postwar Spain and its satirization of popular media and the linguistic and social conventions of previous generations, which many humorists saw as an indirect and largely unintentional attack against the conservative Franco regime (1939–1975). This paper argues that the unintentional attacks included surprisingly direct criticism of Spanish society and government, examining three single-panel cartoons on courtship and marriage as examples of topical humor that was published and/or created by Mihura despite the fact that it went against his personal and editorial aesthetic as the champion of New Spanish Humor.

Materialized disagreements: interpreting urban dual language signage and murals in Northern Ireland

This paper examines the role of dual-language street signage and gable murals in shaping identity and contested space in Belfast, Northern Ireland. These urban symbols are more than passive markers; they actively materialize sectarian narratives or reinforce territorial divisions and disagreements. Through a qualitative case study approach incorporating visual analysis, observation, and photographic data, this study demonstrates how bilingual signage and murals embed cultural and political tensions into the public landscape. While much previous research has focused on their symbolic significance, this paper explores how design-based urban policy interventions could help mitigate division while maintaining historical sensitivities. Two practical interventions are proposed. First, shifting from the conventional horizontally stacked format of dual-language street signs to a vertically aligned side-by-side design reduces implicit hierarchies between English and Irish, ensuring equal linguistic representation. Second, strategically placing QR codes on public footpaths near contentious gable murals provides non-intrusive access to peacebuilding resources, allowing for digital counter-narratives without direct mural removal. These suggested interventions would offer pragmatic and non-confrontational approaches to softening exclusionary urban symbols while respecting community sensitivities and political realities.

Rooted in identity, aimed at security: Polish politics towards Ukraine and its ontological security foundation

Abstract This article aims to explicate the mechanisms underlying Poland’s support for Ukraine amid the Russian invasion by unravelling the puzzle of the swiftness, strength, and scope of Poland’s efforts, thereby challenging the latter’s potential explanations on the grounds of political realism. The authors achieve that by tapping into Ontological Security Theory (OST) and investigating how the ontological security needs of Poland, first, underpinned and directed the strategy and conduct of its security and foreign policy towards Ukraine during the first year of the war, which constituted a critical period for Poland’s national and identity security; and, second, how those needs fuel Poland’s diplomatic resolve and efforts to persuade the West to support Ukraine. This process is unpacked through an outline of the historical-cultural roots of Ukraine’s significance for Polish national identity, a review of Polish national security and foreign policy strategy documents, and an analysis of Polish political discourse regarding Poland’s national identity and Ukraine’s relevance to it. While drawing their conclusions, the authors focus on their applicability beyond the case of Poland.

VOTING BY BRAZIL, ISRAEL, AND THAILAND IN UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESOLUTIONS ON THE WAR IN UKRAINE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

The study examines the fluctuating voting behavior of states in the United Nations General Assembly resolutions on the war in Ukraine. Following the Eleventh Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly on February 28, 2022, the study investigates the factors influencing states' voting patterns and the discursive strategies employed to articulate national interests. Grounded in realism, the analysis focuses on Latin America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, with particular attention to Brazil, Thailand, and Israel. Employing Van Dijk's Critical Discourse Analysis, the study deciphers the rhetoric of representatives from these countries to reveal the role of the United Nations General Assembly and how countries utilize this platform. The findings reveal that the discourse of Brazil, Israel, and Thailand was predominantly driven by their national interests, focusing on promoting peaceful dialogue and critiquing the liberal international order. This study contributes to the broader academic literature on political realism showcasing the limitation of international institutions in addressing the global issues. We believe this study will be interesting for academics, policymakers, and practitioners seeking insights into the intricacies of international relations in times of crisis.

COMPARATIVE-PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS OF STATE SECURITY FUNCTIONS: FROM EARLY CITY-STATES TO MODERN NATION-STATES

The article presents a detailed analysis of the evolution of state security functions, starting from the early city-states and ending with modern national systems. The main purpose of this work is to deeply understand the causes and consequences of changes in the understanding and implementation of security over the centuries.The relevance of the research is due to the constantly changing geopolitical, socio-cultural and technological realities that determine new challenges and needs in the field of security. While many classical concepts retain their relevance, the modern world imposes new requirements, which makes this study especially important. Against the background of many studies on this topic, the main novelty of this article is a deep interdisciplinary approach covering historical, philosophical, socio-cultural and political aspects in one complex.Based on a descriptive analysis, the authors identify the main stages of this evolution, emphasizing the unique characteristics of each time period. The authors also explore the philosophical concepts that underlie the understanding and implementation of security at different stages of history. The influence of the socio-cultural and political context on the change of security functions was determined, demonstrating how changing social and political realities influenced approaches to security.In conclusion, the authors formulate key conclusions, identifying the main trends and directions of the development of state security in the future, and also emphasizes the need for constant adaptation and updating of approaches in this critical area. This article undoubtedly represents a valuable contribution to the academic community and will be the starting point for many future studies in the field of state security.

Rahman Shaari’s Insights in Improving the Political Reality of Malaysia: A Realism Analysis

Literary works have long played a significant role in reflecting and critiquing the political realities of societies worldwide. This intricate relationship between literature and politics reveals critical insights into power structures, societal dynamics, and political ideologies that shape nations. Therefore, this study explores how literature can contribute to improving the political realities of the nations. This is a qualitative study. Content analysis is based on Lukács’ theory of realism in his four renowned works (1963, 1978, 1989, 1990), focusing on the works of Malaysia’s National Laureate, Rahman Shaari, Pernikahan di Lubuk Hantu (2008), Semoga Molek (2012), and Cengkaman Hasrat (2015). The findings reveal that Rahman Shaari, as a realist writer, places significant emphasis on critiquing and addressing the negative aspects of political activities that harm society while offering constructive recommendations for creating a stable, democratic, and humanistic political reality. His insights on leaders’ inefficiency, the belittlement of women, negative political trends involving incitements, and the importance of selecting leaders wisely underscore his commitment to improving Malaysia's political reality. These novels exemplify the dual approach of critique and recommendation characteristic of realist literature, as emphasized by Lukács (1963, 1978, 1989, 1990). Rahman Shaari’s contributions provide valuable critiques and foster meaningful guidance for improving Malaysia’s political landscape. This study concludes that his literary works significantly benefit societal life and positively shape Malaysia’s political reality. Keywords: Literary works, political, Lukács theory of realism, Rahman Shaari, societal life.

Сравнительный анализ украинского и тайваньского кейсов

The article is devoted to the analysis of the Ukrainian and Taiwanese cases as phenomena of contemporary international political reality amidst ongoing geopolitical transformations. The author examines the retrospective development of the Taiwanese and Ukrainian issues, the evolution of identities and political thought, as well as the role and impact of the foreign policy context. In the concluding part of the study, the author identifies specific aspects that allow for drawing parallels between these two cases. At the same time, the differences that define the uniqueness and specificity of the Taiwanese and Ukrainian issues in relation to each other are emphasized.

Shades of humanity: state sovereignty and humanitarian principles in the Syrian civil war

In the Syrian civil war, the Syrian government has imposed numerous restrictions and employed violence to assert its sovereignty in humanitarian action, creating significant challenges for humanitarian aid organizations. These organizations, in turn, have had to navigate a complex landscape, contending with political realities that often subordinate humanitarian principles to the primacy of state sovereignty. This research examines this interaction between the state and aid organizations in the provision of humanitarian assistance, focusing on how aid organizations interpret and experience state sovereignty in their work. Based on a survey conducted with aid professionals, I first identify the ways state sovereignty is articulated in humanitarian action and then explore aid workers’ perceptions of state sovereignty in relation to humanitarian norms and principles. I demonstrate that the global governance aimed at preserving human lives and mitigating suffering, far from being singular and cohesive, is marked by diversity and shaped by the influence of state sovereignty. While the overarching objective remains consistent—to alleviate human suffering—the very bedrock of international humanitarian norms and principles amidst the conflict constantly undergo negotiation and divergence across humanitarian aid organizations.

History of the Alans and feudalism in Alania-Ossetia in the scientific heritage of B.V. Skitsky

The article analyzes the scientific heritage of Boris Vasilyevich Skitsky, one of the founders of the Soviet historical school of Caucasian and Ossetian studies, who made a great contribution to the development of the problems of the history of the North Caucasian peoples. The appeal to the works of Skitsky on the history of ancient and medieval Alania-Ossetia is dictated by modern tasks of active mobilization of knowledge and experience of past generations of researchers. Skitsky’s research on the history of the Alans in their inextricable connection with the ethnogenesis of the Ossetians and the development of statehood, feudalism in Alania and Ossetia have not yet become the subject of special study. The purpose of this article is to establish their relevance. Using problem-chronological and retrospective methods, the author’s concept of the history of medieval Ossetia and the evolution of the scientist’s views in assessing the stages of the history of the Alan-Ossetian society are analyzed. It is concluded that, despite obvious compromises with political reality, Skitsky strengthened the position of historians-Caucasians in the general scientific field of humanitarians of a multinational country. His works on the socio-political and economic history of the peoples of the North Caucasus have not lost their scientific significance to this day, and his works on the history of medieval Alania-Ossetia deserve the professional attention of researchers. The controversial content of many aspects of the history of the Alans, the formation and development of the Alan statehood, feudal relations in Ossetia, their modern scientific formulation leads to a discussion of the current tasks of ensuring the political and cultural integrity of Ossetia-Alania. The analysis of Skitsky’s scientific works evokes, in particular, reflections on the historical functions of the social elite not only in ancient and medieval, but also in modern Ossetia.

"Non expedit" in the politics of the Roman Catholic Church from Pius IX to Benedict XV

The article traces four stages of the transformation of the principle of "non expedit" from the moment of its official introduction by Pius IX in 1868 to its tacit "abolition" by Benedict XV in 1919. The principle of "non expedit" reflects the papal policy of the transitional period, which at first was characterized by a complete rejection of the political changes taking place on the Apennine Peninsula related to the unification of Italy under the rule of the Savoy Dynasty (March 17, 1861) and the loss of secular power by the pope after the conquest of Rome by Piedmontese troops (September 20, 1870). Initially, The Holy See hopes for an opportunity to reverse the development of events, seeking to block the participation of Italian Catholics in political processes. As state power strengthens, the Church begins to fight for the whole society, seeking to intercept the social agenda of the state and the growing mass movements of the left. At each of these stages, the principle of "non expedit" is an important tool for influencing society, which is considered either as a categorical prohibition, as a temporary pedagogical measure, or as a formal moment that is not mandatory. A new generation of Italian Catholics (Romolo Murri, Luigi Sturzo, Ernesto Buonaiuti, and others) is trying to find a new path for the development of church policy, seeking to reconcile historical realities with stalled church-state relations. In Italy, a favorable environment is developing for the dissemination of the ideas of Christian modernism, which makes the situation more difficult, as modernists bring the hermeneutics of crisis phenomena in church-state relations to a new, higher epistemological level. In these circumstances, the Church of Pius X mercilessly attacks the modernists, who have become the collective image of all the progressive forces of the Catholic world. Resorting to "non expedit", the Holy See excommunicates Romolo Murri and imposes the obligation of the "anti-modern oath". However, the proclamation of universal male suffrage in 1912 forced the Church to compromise and conclude the so-called "Gentiloni Pact" between liberals and Catholics. This means a transition to the stage of real politics, when the The Holy See, realizing the irreversibility of the changes that have taken place, begins to build new strategic scenarios, trying to actively explore the political space of the country.

The activities of Polish military intelligence under the cover of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission, and its impact on the failure of arms control in Korea, 1953–1956

ABSTRACT Basing itself on Polish and US archival documentation, this article presents Polish espionage under the cover of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission (NNSC) established by the Armistice Agreement signed in Panmunjom on 27 July 1953. The paper indicates that Polish espionage on South Korean soil had a meaningful impact on the political and military situation on the Korean Peninsula between the summer of 1953 and the late spring of 1956. Moreover, it argues that, in the specific political realities, the Polish espionage issue was used by both South Korea and the United States to curb NNSC functions.

Media, Dialogue and Political participation of Rural Women in Punjab Elections: A Study Based on Jalandhar District

The mass media has a powerful influence on political reality, as it shapes public opinion and lays the foundations of political beliefs. The media often identified as the fourth branch of government in democratic countries, plays a crucial role during elections and in times of change. Sustainable democracy depends on the equitable participation of women in politics and governance. Women’s participation in decision-making helps to incorporate and assure gender equal opportunities and gender sensitive policies. Media plays a significant role in highlighting women’s political participation, barriers, and the outcomes at the grassroot level. Social media has brought remarkable change in political participation and awareness among rural women. The study intends to investigate news media consumption by rural women of Jalandhar and its impact on their political participation during elections in Punjab. The study used a mixed method approach. The qualitative and quantitative data of political information and participation was gathered through primary and secondary sources focusing villages of Jalandhar district. The findings evaluate that interpersonal communication in mobilising women’s participation is low but can bring a massive change if applied effectively at grass root level. Debates and discussions through sustained and deliberate efforts by organisations and institutions promoting training and awareness in politics can strengthen women’s role in democracy.

Negotiating the State: Citizenship and Political Theology in the Thought of Yusuf al-Qaradawi and Rachid al-Ghannouchi

ABSTRACT This article explores the political theologies of Yusuf al-Qaradawi (d. 2022) and Rachid al-Ghannouchi (b. 1941), prominent middle-ground reformist (waṣaṭī) thinkers, focusing on their evolving ideas of citizenship, sovereignty, and political legitimacy in contemporary Muslim nation-states. Shaped by exile, political realities, and intellectual engagement, both scholars propose distinct yet interrelated Islamic ethical frameworks. Al-Ghannouchi emphasizes democratic pluralism and shura-based governance, critiquing secularism as a historically contingent construct. Al-Qaradawi's stance remains rooted in classical jurisprudence, maintaining sharia's centrality while accommodating pluralism and critiquing secular states as ideologically sacralized entities. Through textual analysis and empirical fieldwork, this study demonstrates that middle-ground reformist Islamism is a dynamic intellectual project. The comparative inquiry into their thought offers critical insights into contested notions of citizenship and political authority in Muslim-majority societies, especially under authoritarian rule in the MENA region.

Precarious Childhoods in Malayalam Films: Negotiating Precarity and Posthumanism in Ottaal and Veyilmarangal

This article considers two Malayalam films, each of which uses ‘the child’ to reflect on ‘precarious childhood’. Ottaal (2014, Dir. Jayaraj) and Veyilmarangal (2019, Dir. Bijukumar Damodaran) present the ontological relationality of their child characters within their context and the political and social realities of the people in Kerala. The ecological disasters, economic catastrophes, and multilayered forms of social abjection push the children out of human primacy, predominantly through their birth and existence as ‘nameless’ Dalits. The child characters, who contrast with the adults, negotiate a space for themselves amidst the question of belongingness through their relation with animals and the environment around them during the phase(s) of displacement. Borrowing Haraway’s concept of ‘companion species’, we expound on their assemblage with the environment through which they are able to survive the complex realities of daily life. Furthermore, the children are singularly and effectively extensions of animal personhood in their inability to determine the terms of their existence. In response to the larger question of precarity and childhood in the context of Kerala, this paper explores how these Malayalam films, by realistically portraying the idea that human primacy is oblivious to its precariousness, address the ecological predicament and the interconnectedness of all living things, emphasizing values of cohabitation and mutual care, which are central themes in posthumanist thought.

Do the Unexpected! Why Deweyan Educators Should Be Pluralists about Political Tactics and Strategies†

AbstractHow should Deweyan educators teach their students about engaging in efforts to bring about social change in a political context marked by polarization, power differentials, and oppression? In this article, Joshua Forstenzer argues that Deweyan educators must encourage their students to engage in pluralistic and creative experiments rather than teach a pre‐set model for social change. To this end, he engages with two critiques: one formulated by Lee Benson, Ira Harkavy, and John Puckett, according to which Dewey's pedagogic vision failed to be sufficiently practically minded; the other formulated by Aaron Schutz — drawing on Saul Alinsky's theory of community organizing — according to which Deweyan educators fail to be meaningfully politically minded, because their democratic faith blinds them to the role of conflict in real politics. In response, this article argues that the Deweyan outlook is closer to Alinsky's than Schutz assumes and that it demands that we Deweyan educators introduce our students to a rich diversity of voices and traditions that address the concrete conditions of social change to provide our students with a fullness of civic experiences, as well as a depth of political and social ideas to challenge the status quo.