Political Shifts Research Articles

COLONIAL RULE AND URBANIZATION: A STUDY OF KARACHI’S EVOLUTION FROM SINDH’S PORT TOWN TO PROVINCIAL CAPITAL

This study examines the urban development of Karachi under British imperial governance from 1843 to 1947, tracing the city’s transformation from a modest town into a thriving metropolis. The development of Karachi is explored in three distinct phases. The first phase (1843-1847) focused on establishing military and police authority in the city. The second phase (1847-1936) saw significant architectural and infrastructural growth as part of the Bombay Presidency’s broader colonial strategy. In the final phase (1936-1947), Karachi emerged as an independent imperial metropolis within the newly established Sindh province. Using historical, and qualitative methods, this study explores the political, institutional, and demographic shifts that shaped Karachi’s urban landscape. The paper also highlights Karachi’s strategic importance during World War II, when it became a vital economic hub for the British Raj. This research reveals how Karachi’s development was influenced by both local needs and imperial priorities, shedding light on the lasting legacies of colonial governance on the city’s social and architectural fabric. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on colonial urbanism by underscoring Karachi’s unique trajectory, particularly its role as a military and trade hub.

Resisting the tide: the role of organizational routines in mitigating policy dismantling

ABSTRACT After years of austerity, rising populism, and declining trust in government, research on policy dismantling has grown. Recent discussions highlight the importance of resilience against dismantling. This article explores organizational routines as safeguards, arguing that they act as “dikes” that prevent dismantling. Focusing on Mexico’s open government policy post-2018, the study examines how routines have helped preserve key components despite political shifts. Using data from the Open Government Metric, a biannual assessment of open government practices, the research identifies varying levels of resilience based on the routinization of activities and procedures in agencies over the past two decades. Findings suggest that embedded routines ensure continuity by institutionalizing procedures that limit or delay policy breakdown. This study contributes to the understanding of policy resilience, showing that organizational routines can act as stabilizing forces against political pressures, particularly those associated with democratic erosion. The findings have broader implications for safeguarding governance frameworks in uncertain or volatile environments.

The Trap of Wish Fulfillment

How entrenched has Viktor Orbán’s rule become in Hungary after a decade and a half? How might domestic and international political shifts, especially Donald Trump’s second administration, impact the country’s trajectory? To answer those questions, this essay outlines the foreign policy strategy the Orbán regime has pursued and assesses its chances of success; discusses the recent emergence of a charismatic opposition leader and what that unexpected development may reveal about the domestic political situation; and considers the possibility and pitfalls of a liberal democratic restoration, including what building democracy back better would entail.

Multispecies pastoralism around Delgerkhaan Uul — local practices under large scale sociocultural and political shifts between 1800 BC and 200 AD

Multispecies pastoralism around Delgerkhaan Uul — local practices under large scale sociocultural and political shifts between 1800 BC and 200 AD

Afghanistan's Crucial Shift: From Semi - Liberal Democracy to Islamic Emirate and Its Implications

This article examines Afghanistan's profound political shift from a Western-backed semi liberal democracy to the reestablishment of the Islamic Emirate under the Taliban. It explores the historical context of regime changes, highlighting ideological conflicts between religious conservatism and secular liberalism since the 20th century. The study analyzes the implications of this transition for Afghanistan's socio-political landscape and its international relations, focusing on the Taliban's implementation of policies that challenge both national and international norms. Through fieldwork, including interviews with Taliban members, scholars, and ordinary citizens, the author provides insights into the domestic policies of the Islamic Emirate and the responses from various Afghan demographics. The article concludes with reflections on the future governance of Afghanistan and the challenges posed by a young, urbanized population that has been shaped by two decades of liberal democracy.

Beliefs and attitudes of young towards cannabis legislation and associated factors: a cross-sectional study in Morocco

ABSTRACT In Morocco, the legislation of cannabis marks a significant political shift that warrants thorough analysis. This study aims to identify the attitudes of young Moroccans towards the new cannabis regulations and their perceptions of its future consequences. A questionnaire was administered to a sample of 4040 participants, including high school and university students in southern Morocco. The results revealed that females were significantly more likely to be opposed to medical cannabis use (MCU) compared to males and believed more strongly that the law would discourage users from abstaining. Additionally, females were significantly more likely to be against the recreational use of cannabis (RCU). In contrast, tobacco smokers, cannabis users, and participants with depression were more favourable towards MCU legislation. Further studies on young people’s perceptions of cannabis and its effects remain crucial for public health and prevention policy-makers.

Deconstruction of political core of the region: Arctic discourses in tatters

This study examines the evolving political core of the Arctic, focusing on the impact of recent political shifts, particularly Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Traditionally, the Arctic has been viewed as a region of cooperation, with the eight states and institutions such as the Arctic Council promoting stability and environmental protection. However, the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 disrupted this status quo, leading to a suspension of most collaborative efforts with Russia and creating a more fragmented regional order. Using a poststructuralist approach, the research explores how the states' strategies construct and deconstruct the region through discourse. The AntConc software is employed to analyse policy documents, uncovering the persistence of strategic narratives that emphasize cooperation. The study also reveals the diversity of regional perspectives, demonstrating that each Arctic region-builder defines the Arctic differently, reflecting its own priorities and interests. This analysis highlights the fluidity of the region's political core, shaped by competing narratives and shifting power relations. It also underscores the increasing challenges posed by climate change, which both unites and divides the agents. The findings suggest that the Arctic is not a single cohesive region but a space where multiple interpretations interact, shaping its evolving political identity.

Arabic heritage language education in Sweden: Opportunities and challenges

In international comparisons, the Swedish heritage-language education (HLE) system is often described as being at the forefront of HLE in Europe. Following recent right-wing shifts in national politics, HLE has now come under threat. This article investigates the current state of HLE in Sweden, focussing on Arabic, through a survey of the literature, statistics on HLE provision and attendance and two empirical studies. Arabic is by far the most taught heritage-language in Swedish schools; research on Arabic HLE is surprisingly scarce though. Study 1, based on questionnaires and interviews, investigates the attitudes and experiences of parents of 100 Arabic-speaking preschool and primary-school children, cross-sectionally and longitudinally (age 4−10 years). Interview-based Study 2 sheds light on the practices and experiences of 17 HLE teachers. Both parents and teachers express appreciation of state-funded HLE, but critique similar aspects of its implementation (e.g. scheduling, class duration). Arabic HLE attendance is high. Teachers report that children make progress despite time constraints and heterogeneous groups. They emphasise how they align their lessons with other school subjects and act as cultural mediators. Unlike some parents, teachers view exposure to different varieties of Arabic in the HLE classroom as beneficial for developing children’s linguistic repertoires and promoting pluralism.

A Geospatial Approach to Modelling Social, Religious and Political Shifts in History

A Geospatial Approach to Modelling Social, Religious and Political Shifts in History

Warren Hastings at the Himalayan Crossroads: Political and Economic Shifts

Warren Hastings at the Himalayan Crossroads: Political and Economic Shifts

The Failures and Possibilities of Philosophy in the Material World

In this article, we engage the tension between the failures and possibilities of theories to which we hold attachments. The failure of theory for us is also the failure of qualitative research because as scholars who engage in philosophically informed and critical inquiries, research and theory are inextricably bound. Drawing on our individual and collective experiences, we explore moments when the promise of philosophy crumbled as seismic shifts in culture, politics, and public health rendered useless theories we had long relied upon. We attempt to bring the affective feeling of failure into a productive space and explore how the failure of theory in our lives and our research is not static but rather shifts with the material conditions of the world.

“Turning right”? An experimental study on the political value shift in large language models

Constructing artificial intelligence that aligns with human values is a crucial challenge, with political values playing a distinctive role among various human value systems. In this study, we adapted the Political Compass Test and combined it with rigorous bootstrapping techniques to create a standardized method for testing political values in AI. This approach was applied to multiple versions of ChatGPT, utilizing a dataset of over 3000 tests to ensure robustness. Our findings reveal that while newer versions of ChatGPT consistently maintain values within the libertarian-left quadrant, there is a statistically significant rightward shift in political values over time, a phenomenon we term a ‘value shift’ in large language models. This shift is particularly noteworthy given the widespread use of LLMs and their potential influence on societal values. Importantly, our study controlled for factors such as user interaction and language, and the observed shifts were not directly linked to changes in training datasets. While this research provides valuable insights into the dynamic nature of value alignment in AI, it also underscores limitations, including the challenge of isolating all external variables that may contribute to these shifts. These findings suggest a need for continuous monitoring of AI systems to ensure ethical value alignment, particularly as they increasingly integrate into human decision-making and knowledge systems.

The Comparative Study on Bank Performance of BOCD and PNC

Global economic growth is decelerating by mid-2024, challenged by geopolitical uncertainty, inflation, and central bank interest rate hikes. Emerging markets strive for growth amid global labor skill mismatches and digital transformation, raising employment issues. International trade adjusts to political shifts, and climate policies drive economic change. The global economy faces critical challenges and opportunities, demanding vigilance and adaptability from policymakers and market participants. This study analyzes accounting data from the Bank of Chengdu (BOCD) and PNC Financial Services (PNC) from 2013 to 2022, comparing financial status and performance. PNC shows larger size, higher revenues, profits, EPS, and superior loan performance, while BOCD exhibits higher earnings growth, stronger profitability, and promising future performance. The paper aims to compare the business structure and profitability of U.S. and Chinese financial institutions within the same global economic context but different economic systems, excluding international visibility and trust effects.

Finland’s New Children’s Hospital and resurgent charity in a Nordic post-welfare state

Finland’s New Children’s Hospital (NCH) opened in 2018 after a high-profile charity campaign. Through an analysis of the campaign, we illustrate how debates about children’s hospitals and charities are simultaneously...

Ripples of Revolution: Analyzing Political and Socioeconomic Shifts in MENA during the Arab Uprisings

Ripples of Revolution: Analyzing Political and Socioeconomic Shifts in MENA during the Arab Uprisings

Agencies of transition: why German coal workers are not accepting an energy transition despite social provisions

Abstract This study explores the complexities of Germany’s energy transition, focusing on coal workers and their unions. Drawing from labor geography, the article examines how workers navigate the challenges of the coal phase-out. Despite strong union representation, co-determination rights, and negotiated economic provisions, coal workers express significant concerns about industry restructuring. These concerns are categorized into two main areas: personal futures and the broader societal impacts of the transition. Workers fear deindustrialization, social decline, and an exacerbation of austerity effects, leading to a prevalent rejection of Germany’s green transition. Additionally, a rightward political shift has been observed, which is linked to fears of social decline. This study highlights the importance of considering these factors in policy discussions, advocating for a just transition that addresses both the immediate material anxieties and the broader societal impacts experienced by workers.

Musical Literacy in the Historical Development of the Chinese Pipa in Beijing

The pipa, a traditional plucked string instrument with over two millennia of history, embodies China’s cultural heritage and artistic values. This study investigates musical literacy in the historical development of the Chinese pipa in Beijing. As a political and cultural hub in Beijing, the pipa has undergone transformative changes in its pedagogy, performance practices, and cultural significance. Employing a qualitative research design, the study investigates how musical literacy has adapted to societal, political, and technological shifts. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with four expert informants, participant observations of performances and educational practices, and archival analysis of historical documents and music scores. Findings reveal that the pipa’s literacy has expanded from oral traditions to formalized education, cross-cultural collaborations, and technological innovations. Key phases, including the post-1949 reconstruction era, the Reform and Opening-Up period, and the contemporary globalized era, highlight the interplay between tradition and modernity. The research underscores the pipa’s role as a cultural symbol, adapting to changing contexts while preserving its heritage. Suggestions for future research include comparative studies with other instruments, youth engagement strategies, and the use of emerging technologies in pipa education. This study contributes to ethnomusicology and music education by demonstrating the enduring relevance of musical literacy in cultural preservation and innovation.

Leveraging Geopolitics for the Vertical Diffusion of Social Movements: Hong Kong and the Brokerage of Labour Politics in Mainland China

ABSTRACT By investigating Hong Kong labour organisations’ brokerage practices, this study highlights a mode of vertical diffusion conditioned by geopolitics. Hong Kong is a global city located at the dual peripheries of the West and mainland China. Activists leverage Hong Kong’s location shaped by geopolitics to shift the scale of labour movements in mainland China. Downwards, they use the geographical, historical, cultural, and linguistic proximities of Hong Kong and mainland China to build solidarity in translocal networks, and adapt global action tactics to local contexts. Upwards, activists also connect China’s labour movement with global solidarity networks by engaging in trans-border witnessing and advocacy, and diffusing the action tactic of collective bargaining developed in mainland China to labour politics in other Global South countries. However, the vertical diffusion of social movements is conditioned by geopolitical dynamics, which result in an asymmetrical scale shift of labour politics.

A qualitative study of the Afghan government fall’s impact on Afghanistan’s higher education

ABSTRACT This study examines the profound impact of the political shift on the Afghanistan higher education, particularly focusing on the experiences and perspectives of academics staff. Through in-depth interviews with 12 university academics, the research highlights critical challenges for improvement, such as the potential for standardising higher education, addressing inclusive education, fostering hope and resilience, alleviating financial and psychological concerns, promoting equitable treatment between new and pre-shift staff, and creating opportunities to encourage academics to stay and contribute positively within the country. The findings underscore the necessity for the new leadership to revise its strategy by appointing qualified staff who can address the aforementioned challenges to prevent the isolation of Afghanistan’s higher education institutions. To foster resilience and stability in higher education, it is crucial for AHE and other regions affected by violence to implement these strategies.

Media in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract This article investigates the evolution and challenges of the media landscape in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), tracing its development from the Yugoslav era to the post-Dayton period. Initially characterized by state control and propaganda under the Yugoslav regime, the media’s role evolved amid political shifts and conflicts, particularly during the Bosnian War. The post-war period, marked by ethnic divisions and fragmented media spheres, saw significant international efforts to promote independent journalism and democratize the media sector. However, these initiatives often encountered obstacles such as political clientelism, inadequate legal frameworks, and financial instability. The research highlights how clientelistic relationships and political manipulation have compromised editorial independence, fostering a media environment rife with biased reporting and propaganda. Control over public service media and regulatory bodies by political elites has further impeded the development of a free and independent media sector. The article concludes that addressing these persistent challenges is essential for creating a media landscape that supports democratic development and societal cohesion in BiH.