Political Structures Research Articles

Pursuing a Grand Theory: Douglass C. North and the early making of a New Institutional Social Science (1950-1981)

PurposeThe paper provides a detailed historical account of Douglass C. North's early intellectual contributions and analytical developments in pursuing a Grand Theory for why some countries are rich and others poor.Design/methodology/approachThe author approaches the discussion using a theoretical and historical reconstruction based on published and unpublished materials.FindingsThe systematic, continuous and profound attempt to answer the Smithian social coordination problem shaped North's journey from being a young serious Marxist to becoming one of the founders of New Institutional Economics. In the process, he was converted in the early 1950s into a rigid neoclassical economist, being one of the leaders in promoting New Economic History. The success of the cliometric revolution exposed the frailties of the movement itself, namely, the limitations of neoclassical economic theory to explain economic growth and social change. Incorporating transaction costs, the institutional framework in which property rights and contracts are measured, defined and enforced assumes a prominent role in explaining economic performance.Originality/valueIn the early 1970s, North adopted a naive theory of institutions and property rights still grounded in neoclassical assumptions. Institutional and organizational analysis is modeled as a social maximizing efficient equilibrium outcome. However, the increasing tension between the neoclassical theoretical apparatus and its failure to account for contrasting political and institutional structures, diverging economic paths and social change propelled the modification of its assumptions and progressive conceptual innovation. In the later 1970s and early 1980s, North abandoned the efficiency view and gradually became more critical of the objective rationality postulate. In this intellectual movement, North's avant-garde research program contributed significantly to the creation of New Institutional Economics.

The nature and structure of European belief systems: exploring the varieties of belief systems across 23 European countries

Abstract We investigate the structure of political belief systems across Europe to investigate what belief systems in European societies, and those who hold them, have in common. In doing so, we answer three questions: First, are political belief system structures similar across Europe? Second, which demographic groups are likely to have similar belief systems within countries? Third, how are belief systems related to voting behaviour? Results from Correlational Class Analyses on data from 23 European countries indicate that a wide variety of belief systems exist in Europe (2–5 per country), but that these can be summarized into two diverse groups, although belief systems in one group were more similar than in the other. Unexpectedly, the groups did not differ in the strength of association between beliefs. While cultural and economic belief dimensions were not consistently found, and tended to be weak, they were positively associated in the first group and negatively associated in the second. Belief systems of the first group were more likely to be from Western European countries and its members more likely to be higher educated compared to the second group. Membership in the second group was associated with more populist far-right voting and vote abstention.

‘The sublime objects of liminality’: the Byzantine insular-coastal koine and its administration in the passage from Late Antiquity to the early Middle Ages (ca. 600–ca. 850)

This paper focuses on the historical development and dynamics of political and administrative structures in regions of a fragmented empire that cannot be simply described as marginal ‘mouseholes’. Rather, it should be acknowledged that these spaces were part and parcel of a wider area (the Byzantine insular and coastal koine), which encompassed coastal areas as well as insular communities promoting socio-economic contact and cultural interchange. More importantly, they also boasted a peculiar set of material indicators suggesting a certain common cultural unity and identity. The koine coincided with liminal territories and the seas on which the Byzantine Empire retained political and naval rulership. Such liminal territories showed varied – yet coherent– administrative infrastructures and political practices on the part of local elites.

Experiences of Women in Sierra Leone Relating to Accessing Breast Cancer Treatment

The lack of consistent access to breast cancer care and treatment remains a significant problem for women diagnosed with breast cancer in Sierra Leone. The instability of the political structure has created an environment with a high level of illiteracy and financial hardship among the female population, resulting in a significant deficiency in information relating to symptoms and the detection of breast cancer. To study the lived experience of women living in Sierra Leone who were diagnosed with breast cancer, I [the first author] used a descriptive phenomenological approach. I conducted semi-structured interviews based on Andersen and Newman’s healthcare utilization model, identifying predisposing, enabling, and need factors (Andersen & Newman, 1973). I recruited 10 participants by placing flyers in two organizations supporting breast cancer patients and used snowball sampling. Findings from the study showed that participants were aware of breast cancer and the risks associated with delayed cancer treatment. Social structures were identified as the main contributors to accessing breast cancer screening and selecting a health facility for treatment. Perceptions of affordability, quality of services, and recommendations by previous clients simultaneously influenced the selection of a health facility. The findings may assist health systems with addressing access to breast cancer care and treatment for women in Sierra Leone. Government officials may utilize the findings from this study to develop healthcare policies regarding access to breast cancer treatment.

Boko Haram insurgency and sustainable development in north-east, Nigeria, 2014-2022

The problem of insecurity and terrorism became heightened in 2014 after a series of attacks by Boko Haram on individuals, properties; government installations, etc. especially in North-East Nigeria. The study examines Boko Haram Insurgency and sustainable development in North East Nigeria, using the thematic approach of Insurgency and sustainable development. Qualitative analysis was strictly used based on purposive sampling gathered from four states of the northeastern part of Nigeria; Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, and Gombe. The Sustainable Development Theory was used to analyze the Insurgency's impact on economic, social, and human development, and the climate/environmental challenges. The researcher used both primary and secondary sources to collect information. The research findings indicate that the North East region and its people suffered grievous economic and political damages from the activities of the insurgents, with the catastrophic collapse of economic, social, and political structures, and processes, and a likelihood of the State itself collapsing and breaking into fragments if the insurgency had continued unabated for a more extended period. The study recommended that the provision of immediate and comprehensive mental health diagnosis, treatment, and counselling will play an essential and critical role in helping people exposed to insurgency recover quickly from the emotional pains and trauma that come with such exposure.

International Recognition of Common Values of Humanity: China's International Communication

The common values of humanity are the shared values of human society and the value basis of building a community with a shared future for humanity. Enhancing international recognition of the common values of all humanity will help build consensus on the values of worldwide people and provide an ideological tool for reforming the global governance system in the new era. Through the concept logic analysis of international recognition of the common values of humanity, existing difficulties and era opportunities of international recognition of the shared values of humanity can be analyzed in reality, the ideological and the political elements structure, and building the path of the ascension of the shared values of humanity’s international recognition in the diversified subject, a platform of globalization, new media and the specific content.

The Structures of Political, Economic, and Socio-cultural Rhetorical Narratives on Social Media

This research was conducted on the ground of the reason for the increasingly widespread use of narratives on various social media platforms. Narrative is an event whereby someone represents an event aiming to influence the understanding, emotions and values of others. This study qualitatively aims to capture the most common elements of narrative structure focusing on political, economic, and socio-cultural rhetorical narratives data originated from social media platforms. The theoretical model of narrative structure consisting of Abstract, Orientation, Complicating Actions, Resolution, Evaluation and Coda, as proposed by Labov and Waletzky was used to analyze the narrative data collected during the first four months of 2022. On the ground of social situated meanings, the findings show that the most common model of narrative structure is fully used whenever greater details of events, facts, or information are needed to be emphasized. For such reasons, all the elements of narrative structure are held to be obligatory. The findings show that some elements of narrative structure are left out and held to be optional as such elements are not considered necessary to convey the main content. In addition, the findings also show that some particular element allows it to be further developed with more embedded events, facts, opinion, or information.

Consider the Base for Representation at the Top: Political Parties and Women’s Parliamentary Representation in Ghana’s Fourth Republic

Abstract: In a democracy, political parties play significant roles in candidate recruitment and selection. While several activities of political parties focusing on boosting women’s representation in Ghana’s Fourth Republic have been examined in the literature, this study expands that discussion. It notes that political parties have pursued various strategies to increase women’s political representation; however, after three decades of Ghana’s Fourth Republic, parliamentary seats occupied by women fall short of the minimum 30 percent level suggested by the UN Economic and Social Council resolution 1990/15. This suggests that perhaps Ghana is not doing enough. Using a qualitative research approach, this study argues that political parties must pursue women’s recruitment with greater proactiveness from the basic unit of their political structure, the polling station or branch executives’ level. This could encourage more female participation and influence the outcome of primary elections.

The Dynamics Of Sociopolitical Polarization: In-Depth Analysis Of Causes, Consequences, And Mitigation Strategies

Sociopolitical polarization is a global phenomenon that affects the stability and cohesion of society, exacerbated by economic inequality, the role of the media, social identity, and the dynamics of international politics. Its impact on democracy, security, public policy, and economic growth creates an urgent need for deeper understanding and effective mitigation strategies. This research aims to analyze the causes, and consequences, and identify mitigation strategies for Sociopolitical polarization. The research was carried out using a descriptive qualitative approach, relying on data from relevant previous studies to process and analyze the phenomenon comprehensively. The results of the research show that Sociopolitical polarization is caused by various interrelated factors and has a broad impact on the social and political structure of society. Effective mitigation strategies include education and media literacy, dialogue and reconciliation, changes in political policies and practices, and regulation of technology and media. However, significant challenges such as resistance to change, the complexity of social identities, and global dynamics require a holistic and sustainable approach. Building consensus in a polarized society and creating a more integrated society is key to overcoming polarization. This research offers valuable insights for stakeholders in designing more effective strategies for reducing Sociopolitical polarization.

Practitioners' ability to retool the economy: The role of agency in local economic resilience to plant closures in Ontario

AbstractEconomic resilience focuses on how localities react and respond to shocks. A recent conceptual advancement, known as the agency perspective and rooted in evolutionary thinking, highlights that economic actors (e.g., practitioners, firms, and institutions) play an essential role in localities' resilience. However, empirical investigations into the role of economic actors have been scarce. To address this shortcoming, in this study we conducted in‐depth interviews with 22 practitioners (economic development officials) from various cities in Ontario, Canada. Through an evolutionary lens, we examine practitioners' perceptions of and responses to endogenous shocks—notably, major industrial plant closures over the past 20 years. We find that practitioners influence localities' resilience through each dimension of the resilience process. Most notably, they support their localities' adaption through various short‐ and long‐term adaptive strategies. Also, we find that economic actors have different capacities and resources at their disposal to respond to shocks depending on the size of their city and its geographical location. Regarding the latter, we reiterate a commonly noted north‐south divide in the province. In addition, we find that economic actors are constrained by multi‐scalar policies, and thus operate in the confines of existing power and political structures.

From fan citizenship to ‘fanspiracies’: Politics and participatory cultures in times of crisis?

Fan practices and behaviours have increasingly moved beyond fan communities into the political, economic and cultural structures of every day life. The proliferation of social media platforms has allowed both the progressive and reactionary aspects of fandom to converge in the public sphere, drawing on similar techniques, pleasures, and practices in order to interpret the world in a culture where the boundaries between popular and political communication are blurrier than they have ever been. This special issue of Convergence explores the synergies, tensions and conflicts at play in this new cultural terrain. It explores how ‘fan studies can be used to make sense of the seeming growth of conspiracy theory communities and right-wing movements, examines political participation as a form of fandom, and the ways in which social media can be used to organize against discriminatory cultures.

‘What was moderate about the enlightenment?’ Moderation in eighteenth-century Europe

ABSTRACT : What does it mean to refer to the enlightenment as ‘moderate’? One answer to this question, and the one which abounds in historiography of enlightenment in the past two decades, is that of Jonathan Israel. For Israel, the ‘moderate enlightenment’ is the half-baked counterpart to the ‘Radical Enlightenment’. Where the Radical Enlightenment, in Israel’s version of events, was the crucible within which progressive modernity was forged, the ‘moderate enlightenment’ was the regressive vehicle for accommodating elements of this agenda within the social, political and intellectual structures of the ancien regime. This essay, and the special issue it introduces, seeks alternative ways to understand the prospect of a moderate enlightenment by inviting reflection on currents of moderation in eighteenth-century Europe. Turning the tables on moderate enlightenment, and framing it as an episode in a history of moderation, it proposes a range of lenses onto the intellectual culture of eighteenth-century Europe.

The making of the Philippines as a Neoliberal Nation-State: Dissecting the global-local nexus and their implications for social change

Abstract The neoliberal globalization project of expanding and maintaining capitalism globally requires the shaping of neoliberal nation-states that will entrench its ideology, political structures, and practices. In that sense, the neoliberal nation-state provides an appropriate conceptual site for investigating the local-global nexus in the dynamics of global capitalism. Using the Philippines as an example, this paper investigates the various factors or dimensions in the making of the Philippines as a neoliberal nation-state from the colonial era to the supranational structures that exert external control on the Philippine political economy: the global power of transnational corporations, the IMF, American and Chinese imperialism, including the American military aid that supports militarization and counter-insurgency against movements that challenge the neoliberal agenda of the past and current regimes. In addition, this paper offers implications for policy changes and strategies for global resistance that anti-globalization movements can consider.

Conceptualizing student movements in Bangladesh post-2013: a qualitative and comparative case study of the Quota Reform Movement and the Road Safety Movement

ABSTRACT Despite the presence of mass grievances and moral indignation against the political elite and the monied class, the social movements in Bangladesh in the last decade, albeit very few, have failed to transform the increasingly authoritarian and claustrophobic political milieu. In fact, the nation has not seen that many movements, notwithstanding serious mass grievances on social, political, and economic issues. This situation poses a paradox. I study two significant social movements’ cases, the 2018 Quota Reform Movement and the 2018 Road Safety Protests, and briefly compare the genealogy of the movements, as well as their success and failure. The study draws primarily on secondary data derived from existing research on the issue and a systematic review of major newspapers in Bangladesh over the relevant period of time for its analysis and supplements it with participant observations and informal interviews. I conceptualize these movements by using a theoretical framework derived from Political Process Theory (PPT). I argue that, although both movements were partially successful, the Quota Reform movement was relatively more successful than the Road Safety Movement. In this paper, I try to address the reasons behind the relative success of one movement over another. By comparing the two movements in tandem, I argue that significant differences in ‘mobilizing structure’ make the difference in the degree of success, given that the ‘framing’ and the ‘political opportunity structures’ were more or less similar for both movements.

Revisiting Punjab’s Transformative Journey, 1947-1966: An Appraisal

"Punjab, often referred to as the 'Land of five rivers,' has been a significant player in shaping India's historical narrative, leaving an enduring mark on its trajectory. This imprint stems from the courageous and patriotic endeavours of the people of Punjab, who have etched out a distinctive place for themselves. A comprehensive study of its people becomes imperative to comprehend the nuanced dynamics of Punjab's history. This involves delving into their historical, cultural, and religious roots and understanding their political legacy. The year 1947 marked India's liberation from British rule, coinciding with a partition based on the two-nation theory. Punjab bore a heavy toll during this partition, experiencing substantial human and territorial losses. The partition's catastrophic aftermath overshadowed the jubilation of independence for Punjab. Post-partition, Punjab portrayed a sombre and bleak landscape, with the migration of refugees significantly altering the communal composition of the region. This migration upheaved the administrative, economic, and political structures, introducing many complex challenges. The division of Punjab along communal lines generated a palpable sense of indignation and frustration among the Sikh community. The expectations of establishing a Sikh State in independent India, fervently supported by Sikh, Congress, and Hindu leaders, remained unfulfilled. Perceiving an unequal distribution of territory between Hindus and Muslims, the Sikhs advocated for a Punjabi Suba. In their pursuit of this objective, the Akali Dal employed diverse strategies. This culminated in the reorganisation of Punjab on March 21, 1966, leading to its further trifurcation."

Cyber-Politics: Social Media's Influence on Political Mobilization

Commencing with the recognition of social media's profound impact on political mobilisation, this research seeks to conduct an in-depth investigation into the intricate relationship between social media and political engagement, acknowledging the significant influence of digital platforms on civic participation. Employing a methodologically rigorous mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative content analysis and secondary data for quantitative analysis, the study systematically examines the nuanced dynamics of political discourse, information dissemination, and network structures within major social media domains. Guided by Social Movement Theory, the theoretical framework illuminates the instrumental role played by online communities and influencers in shaping contemporary political movements. Preliminary findings emphasize the pivotal contribution of social media to information dissemination, community-building endeavours, and activist initiatives. However, the research also identifies challenges related to misinformation and polarization, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted relationship between social media and political engagement. Aligned with a referenced study, this research enhances understanding of the influence exerted by digital spaces on civic engagement, providing a holistic examination of policy discourse, information distribution, and network structures across major social media channels. Establishing a foundation for future research, the study offers pragmatic insights to policymakers, facilitating the discerning utilization of social media platforms for constructive mobilization while mitigating deleterious consequences in the contemporary digital milieu.

George Orwell and Totalitarianism: A Master of Political and Social Commentary

This analysis delves into George Orwell's legacy as a British writer and journalist, focusing on his incisive scrutiny and critique of political and social structures, with a specific emphasis on totalitarianism. Through a comprehensive examination of Orwell's seminal works, "Animal Farm" and "1984," the study aims to reveal the enduring relevance of his critiques by contextualizing them within the socio-political landscape of his era and drawing connections to contemporary issues of government power, surveillance, and individual liberties. Employing a multifaceted methodology encompassing literary analysis, biographical exploration, historical contextualization, comparative analysis, and the incorporation of scholarly perspectives, the research provides a nuanced understanding of Orwell's contributions, emphasizing his impact on literature, political thought, and the ongoing discourse surrounding the perils of unchecked authority. In conclusion, Orwell's enduring legacy emerges as a critical observer and commentator, whose works remain powerful reflections on totalitarianism, surveillance, and the fragility of individual freedoms, resonating globally as relevant and cautionary narratives.

Pathways to Authoritarian Adaptation: How State–Society Interactions Push the Window of Policy Change in China

Under what conditions might authoritarian states adapt public policies to social preferences? How could social actors push the window for policy change? How might state–society interactions induce policy change as the practice of authoritarian adaptation? This article utilizes a new database of case evidence and the qualitative comparative analysis method to explore the relationship between state–society interaction and policy change as the practical manifestation of authoritarian adaptation in China. The study presents three approaches to policy change: state–society interactive strategies, policy entrepreneurs and the political opportunity structure. The empirical results reveal three patterns of state–society interaction leading to policy change, while submission is not a viable option for society under state suppression. Media presence may impede policy change, and the diverse functions of social organizations should be related to interactive strategies. In addition, social actors may identify political opportunities through multiround interaction, while the role of joint administration in effecting policy change remains unclear. This study offers a novel understanding of authoritarian adaptation.

Intra-mediary expertise: Trans-science and expert understanding of the public.

What is the role of experts and their expertise in the context of trans-science, in which issues that are raised in scientific terms cannot be answered by science alone? This article examines the discourses and practices around safety of low-dose exposure to radiation in the ongoing aftermath of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in Japan in 2011. Following the nuclear fallout, scientific experts and STS scholars in Japan debated what forms of science communication were adequate to address the situation. Ethnographic research and textual analysis of their debates show a shift in emphasis on the role of experts from cultivating 'public understanding of science' for the sake of science and policy to an 'expert understanding of the public' for the sake of the public and its diverse everyday concerns. Two forms of expertise are emerging: 'co-expertise' and 'intra-mediary expertise'. Both are parts of a transition from a paternalistic form of expertise to one that acknowledges the need to engage the public to address issues of scientific uncertainty. However, co-expertise ultimately upholds the existing political structures that shape risk governance, while intra-mediary expertise engages those often excluded from current structures of accountability. Discussion of the potentials and limitations of emerging forms of expertise in Japan show that epistemic justice is not enough. Civic justice that acknowledges diverse publics and their needs must be upheld in the uncertain sphere between science, politics, and everyday life.

Migrants’ Political Participation and Representation in Poland: What Do Political Parties Have to Offer?

Since 2018, Poland has been a net migration country, yet public debates on migrants and migration remain scarce and have been defined by a reactionary nature. This article, adopting a political opportunity structure perspective, focuses on political parties as the main actors shaping opportunities and constraints for migrant political participation and representation in Polish society. Based on a qualitative content analysis of party manifestos and parliamentary debates, and using the deductive thematic analysis framework, this study analysed three types of arguments parties have adopted regarding the admission of migrants. The findings revealed that Polish political parties, failing to see non-voting migrants as promising electoral targets, have weaponised the migrant issue and used it as an element of the partisan battle to attack opponents, especially during the election campaign period, instead of stimulating migrants’ political participation and offering them channels for representation.