Political Interests Research Articles

Chain of Oppression: An Aquapelagic Reading of Industrial Fishing in Port of Lies

Tang Fu-jui’s Port of Lies is a Taiwanese crime fiction that critiques the complex network of political and corporate interests undergirding Taiwan’s fishing industry and the industry’s historical exploitation of Indigenous and migrant fishers. Using Philip Hayward’s concept of the aquapelago, this essay reads industrial fishing represented in the novel not simply as a mode of production, but as a more-than-human aquapelago that sustains itself by creating and maintaining specific social and human-nature relations. The essay first reviews Tang’s representation of the major forms of violence in industrial fishing under the conceptual framework of hydrocolonialism to provide a historical context. With an aquapelagic reading, it then highlights the moments in the novel in which industrial fishing sustains itself by reproducing specific subjectivity, social relation, and human-nature relation. The essay concludes with a reflection on ways to decolonise human’s fishing activities.

British Empire, Chinese Nationalism, and Protestant Mission Schools: Navigating Loyalties in the Tientsin Anglo-Chinese College (1925-1930)

Focusing on the dynamics of appointing a “suitable” Chinese principal, this article examines the multiple interests and loyalties that were implicated and manifested in a British mission school of prestige situated in the treaty port of Tianjin during a series of anti-imperialist and anti-Christian campaigns in the 1920s. The case study of the Tientsin Anglo-Chinese College (TACC) illustrates the intricate and ambiguous nature of the interplay between the British settlers, Christian missions, the Chinese government, and the local community, set against the backdrop of heightened nationalism in Republican China. The article argues that the issue of loyalties in a mission school setting – as exemplified by the TACC – can be far more complex and should not be simplistically reduced to a binary opposition between loyalty to the British and loyalty to the Chinese, even at a time of intensifying Sino-British tensions. Local social networks and pragmatic interests in politics, religion, international relations, trade, and educational administration were inextricably intertwined, exerting a profound impact on the dynamics of Sino- British relations in Tianjin.

Influence of Social Media in Shaping the Adolescents’ Political Awareness, Participation, and Activism

The emergence of social media has immensely influenced how the younger generations participate and interact in the discussion of the different societal and governmental issues. Thus, it is imperative to formulate information-media literacy and digital citizenship guidelines that may help promote healthy and safe political engagements and participation in the virtual space. In this study, the impacts of social media to the adolescents’ political awareness, participation, and activism were assessed and analyzed. Using the descriptive-correlational-comparative design, 523 senior high school students, aged 17-19 years old, were asked to answer the 50-item researcher-made questionnaire, Social Media Use, Political Participation, Awareness, and Activism (SMPPAA) Survey. The data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, Pearson’s coefficient of correlation, t-test, and ANOVA. The results revealed that the adolescents often use social media as a tool for presenting their political interests and to a great extent had relied on online information to get updates on political issues. The adolescents’ political participation, awareness, and activism did not significantly differ with respect to their age, sex, religious affiliation. There was differing level of political awareness among the adolescents as regards their socio-economic status. Moreover, the results affirmed the ideas propounded in the Cognitive Engagement Theory and Interest-Driven Theory regarding the influence of social media usage and reliance to online information with the development of the adolescents’ political awareness, participation, and activism.

The Dual Role of Women Farm Laborers on Family Welfare in Tigabinanga Village, Tigabinanga Sub-District, Karo District

Individuals or groups may satisfy their living requirements in a variety of ways. We refer to these techniques as survival tactics. One demographic with a weak economy is the farm laborers in Tigabinanga Village, Tigabinanga District, Karo Regency. Despite their shortcomings or restrictions, women agricultural workers strive to satisfy their fundamental necessities by working to make a livelihood in order to improve the economy. Despite being employed as agricultural laborers, these ladies are nevertheless capable of doing their jobs. In order to support the welfare of families, this research attempts to learn more about the dual function that female agricultural workers play. Literature reviews, observations, interviews, and documentation are the methods utilized to gather data. To draw conclusions, field data are then subjected to qualitative analysis. The study's findings also demonstrate how farm workers fulfill their dual roles by continuing to perform reproductive duties, such as maintaining Human Resources (HR) and performing household chores like cooking, fetching water, searching for firewood, shopping, ensuring family health and nutrition, and raising and educating children. Work that creates items and services for sale and consumption is referred to as productive roles (farmers, fishers, consultants, services, entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship). Political involvement and service projects are related to social roles. Women often do the majority of volunteer community service projects.

Implementation of Maritime Transportation Service Policy in Riau Province (Study on the Ro-Ro Ship Dumai – Tanjung Kapal Pulau Rupat)

Sea transportation is a mobile bridge that acts as a link between areas separated by water. Rupat Island is an area surrounded by waters and designated as a National Tourism Strategic Area that can only be accessed using sea transportation. Sea transportation used to connect Rupat Island with Dumai City is the Ro-Ro (Roll On-Roll Off) ship. This research is motivated by various problems in the implementation of the Ro-Ro ship crossing service policy, including inappropriate vehicle spacing on the ship, exceeding load capacity, and deviation from the predetermined operational schedule. The purpose of this study is to determine and analyze the implementation of sea transportation service policies and to identify obstacles in the implementation of sea transportation service policies in Dumai - Tanjung Kapal, Rupat Island. This research employs Warwick's theory (1979), which comprises three components: Political Leadership Commitment, Organizational Capability, Implementation Commitment, and Interest Group Support. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative research, utilizing data collection techniques such as observation, interviews, and documentation. The implementation of the Dumai - Tanjung Kapal, Rupat Island Ro-Ro boat sea transportation service policy is overseen by the Riau Provincial Transportation Agency and managed by UPT Transportation Management Region I, UPT Pelabuhan Rupat District, and BPTD. However, third-party ship operators have not efficiently executed these policies, encountering various obstacles including stakeholders' lack of understanding of their roles and functions, insufficient budget for infrastructure development, and limited community response to service improvements. To optimize the implementation of Ro-Ro ship service policies in accordance with Minister of Transportation Regulation Number 115 of 2016 and Minister of Transportation Regulation Number 62 of 2019, these obstacles must be addressed to ensure service standards are met.

The Impact of Psychological Violence on Social Cohesion and Political Stability

Psychological violence, particularly against women, has detrimental effects on mental health. Political leaders must prioritize initiatives to address this issue and empower survivors of gender equality and social justice. By integrating the principles of justice and equality into political agendas, societies can foster gender equity and protect the rights and dignity of individuals. This study examines the impact of psychological violence on social cohesion and its ramifications on political stability. Using a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, this study explored gender dynamics, the impact of psychological violence, and political involvement. Conflict theory is used to understand how psychological violence exacerbates social and political tension. This study found that political intimidation threatens democratic norms and social cohesion. Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for crafting targeted interventions and policies to mitigate the belongings of psychological strength, foster social consistency, and safeguard administrative stability in an interconnected world.

მედეას მითის თანამედროვე ლიტერატურული ინტერპრეტაციები მარგინალიზაციიდან დომინაციამდე (კრისტა ვოლფის რომანი: „მედეა – ხმები“ და ნინო ხარატიშვილის პიესა „ჩემი და შენი გული [მედეა]“)

The article presents modern interpretations of the Medea myth based on Nino Kharatishvili's play "My Heart [Medea]" and Christa Wolf's novel "Medea-Voices". In particular, using a compa­rative analysis, it is discussed how different passages or motifs of the Medea myth change within the fra­mework of two different texts and, accordingly, how Medea's identity is constructed/formed. In the position of the male characters of both novels (Creon, Jason, Acama), we can examine the masculine perspective, accor­ding to which, the woman was primarily understood as a being obedient to the will of the man, with a strictly defined role and behavioral models. In both texts, Medea disrupts the dominant discourse. Medea's identity as a vengeful and destructive woman, in contrast to Christa Wolff's novel, is preserved in Nino Khara­tish­vili's play. Her confron­tation with Creon and Jason's punishment are perceived by the patriarchal system not as an attempt to protect dignity and restore justice, but as an irrational and spontaneous act of revenge by a desperate woman, which is why the system tries to demonize and marginalize her. From a feminist pers­pective, Me­dea's struggle is perceived as a successful attempt to move the female character from the periphery to the center and to dominate men in a stric­tly defined socio-cultural role and free herself from masculine constraints. In Christa Wolff's novel, Medea experiences complete frustra­tion after exposing the system. Medea becomes a victim of sexism, brutal political interests and repression of the system.

Artificial Intelligence and Its Transformative Impact on Modern Politics

Abstract. Since the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) with the Turing test and the Dartmouth Conference, AI has continued to evolve. This evolution has encompassed the introduction of cybernetics, big data, and machine training. However, as the development of artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated, several issues have begun to emerge. This paper examines the increasing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the political sphere over time, specifically examines how AI is being used in the political process, including applications such as sentiment analysis, targeted advertising, and more. It also considers the challenges that have emerged alongside the development of AI, including those related to privacy, voter manipulation, and the transparency of the political process. The paper presents case studies of the 2016 US presidential election and the 2019 Indian general election, which demonstrate how artificial intelligence is exerting a significant influence on democratic political processes, and concludes that as AI becomes increasingly beneficial to human society, concerns are emerging regarding regulations, ethics, political involvement, and other issues. The research addressed the issue of maintaining democratic integrity in politics while advancing artificial intelligence, which offers numerous benefits for modern politics. The paper calls for implementing regulatory policies that would prevent the unethical involvement of artificial intelligence in politics. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the advantages of artificial intelligence are utilized effectively and fully in the modern political landscape.

Patterns and Factors of Political Disconnection on Social Media: A Cross-Platform Comparison

There is a growing body of literature on the use and selection of social media platforms for political activism. However, less attention has been given to identifying citizens who are politically disconnected—those registered on social media platforms but not engaging in political activities. Additionally, whether patterns of non-use of social media for politics vary across different platforms remains understudied. Based on an online survey of 1,978 respondents conducted after the 2022 French presidential election campaign, this article aims to address these questions by examining the patterns and factors contributing to political disconnection from social media, particularly across six platforms: Facebook, private social networks, Instagram, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok. Our findings indicate that three main factors explain political disconnection: digital skills, interest in politics (except for platforms less frequently used for politics), and social media efficacy. These results provide significant and original contributions to the broader debate on how and why individuals disconnect socially and technologically on social media platforms. While many studies focus on the variables that account for political participation in the age of social media, ours examines the conditions that explain non-use in the context of political disconnection. We also contribute to the existing literature by analysing the phenomenon of non-use holistically, addressing platform type, demographics, digital literacy, and political traits (e.g., interest and competence).

The Tradition of The Emirate Over The Country

As the Islamic religion has been perfected by Allah SWT, Islam does not only regulate matters of worship and morals and the afterlife but also regulates worldly affairs including how to live socially and as a state. The Republic of Indonesia adopts a presidential system, namely the President as head of state and also as head of government, contained in the 1945 Constitution article 4 paragraph (1). The purpose of this study is to find out and compare how the leader election system in Indonesia is in accordance with Islam which is represented here by the thoughts of Imam Mawardi. This study uses a qualitative approach with a library method. The results show that the election and appointment of the Head are regulated in laws and regulations, both regarding administrative requirements and technical requirements. In a situation of political dynamics, it affects the substance of every change in laws and regulations that occur, so that the assumption that states that law is a political product is undeniable. This situation occurs in the legislation that regulates the election of Regional Heads which also experiences changes according to the political interests of the ruler. While the election in Islam in al-Mawardi's perception is by two methods, namely, the election of the head of state by the Ahlu al-hal wa al-aqdi institution or the people's representative council. Then the direct appointment of the head of state first. Then the comparison between the system of electing the head of state between the law and the figure of al-Mawardi is if we look at the times of Indonesia during the old order and the new order, there is relevance to al-Mawardi's view, namely the election of the head of state through representatives and direct appointment by the head of state first.

Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Preferensi Pemilih Usia Muda dalam Pemilihan Presiden 2024 di Kota Medan menggunakan Regresi Logistik Biner

This study aims to identify factors that influence young voters' preferences in the 2024 presidential election in Medan City. There are 12 independent variables used in this study, namely socio-culture, age, education, track record, policy, political issues, political interest, campaign, social media, trust, candidate quality, and debate results. The dependent variable is voter preference, with a value of 0 for not voting and 1 for voting. This study used binary logistic regression method with purposive sampling technique to collect data from 271 respondents of young voters in Medan City. The results show that the independent variables jointly affect the dependent variable, as indicated by the G-test value of 85.909 which is greater than the value of χ_((0,05;12))^2(21.026). Through the Wald test, it is known that there are 6 independent variables that have a significant effect on the dependent variable, namely socio-culture (9.011), age (11.339), track record (4.638), political issues (4.403), campaign (4.165) and debate results (13.901), where these values are greater than the value of χ_((0,05;1))^2(3.841). While the remaining 6 variables, namely education (1.203), policy (0.072), political interest (1.435), social media (0.128), trust (1.557), and candidate quality (1.891) have no significant effect on the dependent variable, because the Wald test values of the six variables are smaller than the value of χ_((0,05;1))^2(3.841).

Territorial Heterogeneity as a Factor of Cross-Regional Variations in the Activity of National Lawmaking

Abstract In some countries, all subnational units have the “right of legislative initiative” as one of the shared rule arrangements. However, despite equal opportunities within the country, regions demonstrate enormous differences in their legislative activity. Based on the calculation of the number of regional legislative initiatives for the period 2001–2020 in Russia and some other European countries (Italy, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland), we examine the impact of the specificity of individual regions, which is a consequence of the territorial heterogeneity of the country, on their activity in national lawmaking. Employing OLS regression analysis, we find that the distinctiveness of a region in terms of its geography, economy, and history generates special political interests and positively influences their activity in national lawmaking both in Russia and in other European countries.

Implementation of Policy for Supervision and Control of Sales of Alcoholic Beverages in Jayapura City, Papua Province

The circulation of alcoholic drinks in Jayapura City is increasingly widespread and can even be said to be out of control. Alcoholic drinks are openly sold in shophouses adjacent to housing or residential areas of community members. The implementation of the Regional Regulation on Alcoholic Drinks in Jayapura City has not been successful in lowering the amount of alcoholic beverages in circulation. The purpose of this study is to determine what factors impede the implementation of the policy for supervision and control of sales of alcoholic beverages in Jayapura City, Papua Province, as well as issues pertaining to its implementation throughout the city. Descriptive and qualitative research methods were employed in this study. Techniques for documentation, interviews, and observation were used to gather data. The findings of the study demonstrate that this strategy may be effective provided it is backed by thorough and unambiguous policy text as well as an environment that is favorable to its implementation, such as agency cooperation, community involvement, and enough funding. However, a number of obstacles prevent theJayapura City's application of this policy, including economic and political interests that support the sustainability of the alcohol industry, a community culture that considers alcohol to be part of social tradition, as well as limited human resources and budget for effective supervision. Apart from that, the lack of understanding and consistency of implementing officials in enforcing policies is also a big challenge

China-style tourism in Indonesia: prospects for people-to-people bonds

ABSTRACT This article explores the geo-economic implications of China’s mass tourism strategy in Indonesia, particularly in Bali and Manado, since 2017. The interplay between China’s economic and political interests and Indonesia’s tourism development is evident. However, the unique China-style tourism approach, guided by non-resident local actors as cultural brokers, raises concerns about cultural mismatch. Our central argument emphasizes the crucial role of ‘people-to-people bonds’ in building meaningful connections between Chinese tourists and local actors in frequented areas. Fieldwork in Bali and Manado reveals that neglecting genuine affinity in people-to-people connectivity can create a diplomatic gap, potentially leading to negative responses from the Indonesian populace over time. The article highlights the need for a nuanced and culturally sensitive approach to mass tourism to ensure the sustainability of the China–Indonesia tourism partnership. While economic and political advantages are evident, overlooking the importance of authentic connections risks straining diplomatic relations and jeopardizing the long-term success of tourism initiatives. Prioritizing people-to-people exchange is a crucial factor in bridging cultural gaps and fostering a positive relationship between Chinese tourists and the Indonesian population.

Independent Political Networks: Comparing the Discussion Network Size and Composition of Partisans, Leaners, and Independents

AbstractMost prior U.S. political discussion research has failed to pay close attention to the networks of political independents, and to the differences between true partisans, leaners, and true independents. This is in direct contrast to the (appropriately) growing research attention paid to the decades-long rise in the proportion of independents and the decline of true partisans. This study presents representative U.S. survey data that compares political discussion frequency, network size, and the partisan composition of the discussion networks of partisans, leaners, and independents. After applying controls for ideological strength and political interest, we find that the three groups do not differ in discussion frequency or network size. However, there are meaningful differences across the groups in three different network composition measures, including partisan bias. We interpret our findings in the context of both applied measurement considerations and normative democratic expectations of partisan diversity within discussion networks.

Importance and Challenges in TPNW Ratification: Regional Analysis of Oceania, the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa

The research focuses on the ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which has become an important global issue in international security. The research aims to analyze the factors that influence countries' decisions to ratify the TPNW, as well as to explore the challenges and concerns that individual countries face regarding this issue. The benefits of the research include a deeper understanding of the political, economic, and security dynamics relating to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. Results show that complex political and economic interests influence the decision to ratify the TPNW. In Oceania, countries such as Australia and Fiji demonstrated concerns for strategic alliances and regional security. In contrast, smaller countries such as Kiribati and the Marshall Islands prioritized domestic issues and political considerations. In the Americas, the United States rejects TPNWs as contrary to its national security policy, while NATO commitments often bind countries in Europe. In Asia, resistance from nuclear-armed states such as China and India reflects broader geopolitical strategies, while in Africa, many states do not prioritize the issue due to domestic instability. Identified in-depth understanding of how individual states respond to TPNWs in specific contexts. Comparative analysis across regions provides a new perspective in understanding the interaction between foreign policy and non-proliferation issues. The importance of international dialog and a more holistic approach in addressing non-proliferation challenges. Countries' decisions on ratification of the TPNW are highly dependent on their localities and challenges, which include both domestic and foreign policy issues. The TPNW is not only a non-proliferation issue but also reflects the complexity of international relations and national security policies in different parts of the world.

Regulating Land in Rural Africa: An Institutional, Vulnerability Perspective

Abstract Recent scholarship has focused on socio-economic trends concerning rural degradation, urbanisation and the sustainable use of natural resources. This article draws on these studies to focus on rural Africa, its projected poverty levels, and the institutional role in relation to these estimates. It uses vulnerability theory, progressive property theory and resilient property theory to reframe rural property as an asset of resilience for both communities and the state, arguing that property is being institutionalized across rural Africa to serve political interests, backed by global demands, at the cost of local communities, and their resiliency needs.

Value and virtue in the extended reality (XR) industry

ABSTRACT It is increasingly common to see policymakers, industry, and regulators calling for governance of the ‘metaverse' – often envisioned as a technological stack supported by extended reality (XR) technology. This article focuses on the governance of XR by one major industrial stakeholder, Meta. We report on a thematic content analysis of partnership initiatives undertaken by Meta's Reality Labs division falling under the company's XR Programs and Research Fund (XPRF) – a US$50M scheme beginning in September 2021 (and ending September 2023), funding academic, industrial, and policy partnerships to ensure XR is 'developed responsibly'. We show that partnerships under the XRPRF are scoped predominantly around the prevention of social harm in XR (such as gender-based harassment and protecting children in VR) and promoting equity in XR software production, emphasizing diversity in geography and identity. These initiatives are framed as both socially and economically beneficial. We also examine the underlying political and economic interests guiding these partnership efforts – asking who really stands to benefit, and why. While we take a critical perspective to Meta's XRPRF, we believe things to be more complicated than beneficiaries of industry funding simply ‘selling out' or Meta exerting top-down power (by ‘buying’ research or policy influence aligned with their business interests). Rather, we argue that the XRPRF allows Meta to shape the contours of conversation and critique about where the harms in this emerging suite of technology are concentrated.

Media Literacy's Role in Democratic Engagement and Societal Transformation among University Students

ABSTRACT By providing citizens with the knowledge they need to meaningfully participate in the democratic process, the media plays a vital role in the growth and consolidation of the democratic project. Also essential is citizens’ aptitude to critically examine, assess, produce and understand media and its social role in a democracy. The current study explores the role of media literacy in democratic engagement and social change among South African university students. The paper attempts to contextualise how students’ levels of media literacy led them to political participation, critical thinking and overall contribution to social change in a post-apartheid era. The paper draws on the cognitive mobilisation theory to argue that better media literacy helps students think critically about media, and improve their political knowledge, involvement and contribution to social change. Data for this study were collected by conducting in-depth interviews with n = 30 university students who were selected through a convenience sampling strategy. Results revealed that media literacy significantly influences university students’ engagement in democratic processes and societal transformation in post-apartheid South Africa. Media literacy also enhances their political knowledge, participation and critical analysis of media messages. These findings have implications for policy and practice in media literacy education.

ПСИХОЛОГІЧНІ ОСОБЛИВОСТІ СТАНОВЛЕННЯ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОЇ ІДЕНТИЧНОСТІ ОСОБИСТОСТІ

The current stage of the formation and development of the Ukrainian state is characterized by the special relevance of the issue of the formation of the national identity of its citizens. This is so, because a high level of an individual's ethnic identity is a significant aspect of the successful formation and development of the state and the harmony of its citizens. At the same time, the public consciousness of Ukrainians is currently filled with political interests and the latest ideological slogans. The latter, in turn, causes the destruction of the national system of values. Globalization and migration processes lead to increased interaction between different cultures and nations, which makes the study of national identity more relevant. Personality is a complex system influenced by both internal personal factors and the external environment, including cultural, social, and historical factors. The study of psychological features of national identity helps to understand how the self-awareness of an individual is formed in the context of its cultural roots and interaction with other cultures. This is important for many areas of life. The study of the psychological features of national identity involves the study of the following aspects: cultural stereotypes, values, self-esteem, a sense of belonging to a certain nation or ethnic group, etc. Understanding these psychological features will contribute to the development of a more tolerant society, as well as the identification of ways to support positive self-determination and identity in different cultural contexts. National identity is the recognition of the people themselves; knowledge and respect for history; national culture, territory, and the people's awareness of their own special features, as well as the understanding of the representatives of the national group of their own interests, goals, and needs. "National identity" is a category whose main elements are national self-determination, national self-awareness and traditional culture. A significant condition for the formation of the national (ethnic) identity of an individual is systematic interaction with the reference group for the purpose of forming common goals, vision and support of the national identity. Such interactions will help to confirm a high level of national identity of an individual and activate the mechanism of ethnic identification. And also to intensify socio-psychological factors and develop the components of the national identity of the individual.