Power Theory Research Articles

Expertise and Inequality Amid Environmental Crisis: A View from the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta

ABSTRACT Scientific expertise is crucial for responding effectively to environmental crises. Nevertheless, under conditions of political inequality, expert policy making can inhibit policy solutions by altering incentives of powerful interest groups. This is the situation facing the predominantly Alaska Native communities of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, which have long relied on salmon for subsistence and are now experiencing a collapse of the salmon population. Scientific evidence indicates that climate change is a primary cause, and experts therefore have opposed demands by Native subsistence fishers for ameliorative measures—especially restricting pollock fishing—as likely to be ineffective. However, this approach eliminates incentives for the influential pollock industry to support policies to address the salmon crisis, including climate-change mitigation. This article presents a simple formal model that demonstrates these incentive effects. This argument contributes to theories of business power and shows how expert policy making can inadvertently force marginalized communities to bear the burden of climate change.

Research on the Theory of Power in Foucaults Mid-term Thoughts

Abstract: The concept of power is deeply rooted in everyday life, making it difficult to escape the dominant status assigned by the world. The issue of power is central to Foucaults field of study, where he innovatively proposed a productive view of power and explored its internal relationship with knowledge and subjectivity from a micro-power perspective. On one hand, Foucault posits that the subject is a product of power and primarily analyzes three ways in which power produces subjects, introducing the theory of the death of the subject in modernity. On the other hand, Foucault elucidates the relationship between power and knowledge, asserting that power produces knowledge, but it must also rely on the creation of discourse for its implementation and circulation. This paper then focuses on Foucaults theory of disciplinary power, analyzing how the technologies of discipline in the operation of modern micro-power tame the bodies of modern subjects, thereby forming a disciplinary society. The model of power over the body shifts from the harsh penal practices of the classical period to modern disciplinary training. Foucaults theory of power marks an important turning point in the history of Western philosophy, and his theory of biopolitics provides an innovative understanding of the concept of power from macro to micro levels.

Perceptions and experiences of gaining and maintaining power in romantic relationships: exploring Lay theories of power

Perceptions and experiences of gaining and maintaining power in romantic relationships: exploring Lay theories of power

Enhancing power quality in distributed generation systems using three-phase shunt active power filter

The current paper presents a new reference current generation algorithm for shunt active power filter (SAPF) combined with distributed generation systems using the instantaneous power theory (IPT) which is organized in two main blocks. The first is the synchronization technique; we propose a new quasi open loop technique that combines a Decoupled double self-tuning filter (DDSTF) and a single-phase frequency locked loop (FLL). The DDSTF is a new technique that extracts and separates the positive and negative sequence voltage under highly unbalanced and distorted conditions with no need to the symmetrical component and/or signals delay. The FLL achieve the grid frequency adaptation. Unlike the existing frequency estimators, this technique is motivated by its simplicity and the immunity to the voltage signal amplitude and phase variation or disturbance, which is a great advantage. The second is an ADALINE in power space to separate the fundamental harmonic from the distortion harmonics of the measured currents. The effectiveness of the proposed OLS technique in their application to the SAPF is validated by simulation.

Prescribed pedagogy: An autoethnographic analysis of coursebook constraints, teacher identity, and power dynamics in Iran through Foucault’s lens

This study uses Critical Autoethnographic Narrative (CAN) to explore the influence of standardized coursebooks on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching in Iran. Drawing on over ten years of experience as an English teacher and supervisor, the research highlights how these coursebooks act as tools of control, constraining teacher autonomy and creativity. While existing literature focuses on technical aspects of coursebooks, this study fills a gap by examining their impact on pedagogical flexibility and teacher identity. Through a reflexive analysis guided by Foucault’s theories of power and discipline, key themes such as "pedagogical constraints," "reduced autonomy," and "professional satisfaction" are identified. The findings reveal significant limitations imposed by standardized materials, suggesting a need for more flexible and culturally responsive teaching approaches. This study contributes to understanding the socio-political dimensions of EFL education in Iran and offers insights for enhancing teacher autonomy and curriculum development.

How negative institutional power moderates contestation: Explaining dissatisfied powers’ strategies towards international institutions

AbstractInternational institutions are increasingly under attack from their member states, who embark on varying and sometimes escalating modes of contestation. At the same time, states’ negative institutional power, i.e. their opportunities to avoid undesired outcomes in international institutions, has been declining for some time. This paper claims that dissatisfied states’ negative institutional power endowments are key to understanding their varying contestation modes: the more limited (extensive) the negative institutional power of dissatisfied states in an institution, the more radical (moderate) modes of institutional contestation they will choose. We argue that, all else equal, states’ (1) inside options to prevent undesired outcomes within the institution and (2) their outside options to evade undesired outcomes by leaving the institution jointly condition whether they choose a strategy of voice, subversion, exit, or rollback to contest the dissatisfying institution. We assess the plausibility of our Negative Institutional Power Theory (NIPT) by means of four detailed case studies of the Trump Administration’s contestation of the World Bank, the World Trade Organization, the Paris Agreement, and the Iran Nuclear Deal. We demonstrate the generalizability of our arguments by assessing our claims across eight additional instances of other dissatisfied powers’ contesting different international institutions. The twelve case studies demonstrate that negative power matters for states’ choice of institutional contestation modes. Our findings suggest that whether, in the future, international institutions will be increasingly challenged from within and outside, can be influenced by reforms that grant (or deny) states negative institutional power.

Examining the Role of Cultural Diplomacy in Enhancing Global Presence and National Identity: A Case of the Ethnographic Museums of Rwanda (Huye and Nyanza) and Itorero ry'Igihugu

This study aims to evaluate the impact of the Ethnographic Museums and Itorero ry’Igihugu on Rwanda’s international standing, guided by Soft Power Theory and Cultural Exchange Theory. Specifically, it examines how these institutions act as conduits for cultural diplomacy and project Rwanda’s unique narrative both locally and globally. Additionally, the study explores their role in reinforcing Rwanda’s cultural identity and assesses their impact on international relations, shaping Rwanda’s image abroad and supporting its diplomatic endeavors. The research employed a qualitative case study approach, focusing on qualitative data. The overall target population consisted of museum personnel, government officials, local community members, and visitors. Data were collected from a sample of 60 participants, including museum personnel and visitors (12), government officials in charge of cultural affairs (8), and local community members (40). Snowball and convenience sampling techniques were utilized to ensure representation from key groups involved in Rwanda’s cultural and diplomatic sectors. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, participant observations at museum exhibits and Itorero ry’Igihugu ceremonies, and document analysis of museum records and official publications. Data were analyzed using a combination of thematic analysis for qualitative data and descriptive statistics for quantitative data to identify patterns and trends in the findings. Key findings indicate that the Ethnographic Museums and Itorero ry’Igihugu significantly contribute to cultural diplomacy by fostering a positive national identity and enhancing Rwanda’s visibility on the global stage. These institutions serve as platforms for intercultural exchange, reinforcing Rwanda’s image as a country rich in culture and history, while also playing a role in nation-building through the preservation of cultural values. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of cultural institutions in projecting national identity and promoting diplomacy. The findings suggest that Rwanda’s international presence can be further enhanced through greater investment in cultural diplomacy programs, particularly in promoting the Itorero ry’Igihugu’s values globally. Recommendations include developing strategic partnerships with international cultural organizations and expanding the global reach of Rwanda's museums through digital platforms to attract a wider international audience.

Harnessing Leadership Styles to Enhance the Effectiveness of Secondary School Dynamics in the Vhembe District

The study aimed to explore the relationship between leadership styles and their effectiveness in enhancing the culture of secondary schools in the Vhembe District, South Africa. The study aimed to identify how different leadership approaches impact educator performance, learner achievement, and overall school dynamics. It also sought to provide recommendations for fostering leadership practices that positively influence these domains. A qualitative research approach was used, using purposive sampling to select 20 participants with substantial experience and knowledge of leadership dynamics within secondary schools in the Vhembe East District. The study collected in-depth insights into the various leadership styles practised and their effects on the school environment through interviews and observations. Key findings revealed a variety of leadership styles, from democratic to authoritarian, and their differing impacts on educators and learners. While collaborative and culturally responsive leadership practices enhanced school culture and performance, inconsistent or overly authoritative leadership led to challenges such as low educator morale and poor learner outcomes. The power and influence theory and Leadership trait theory provided a framework for understanding the dynamics of power and the traits that contribute to effective leadership. The study indicated that enhancing collaborative leadership, promoting culturally responsive practices, and maintaining consistency in leadership approaches are crucial to improving leadership quality in secondary schools. These findings contribute to the scholarship by offering practical insights that can guide the development of leadership training programs and inform policy-making in educational leadership, ultimately aiming to cultivate positive and supportive school dynamics. Keywords: Leadership, Leadership Style, School Ecosystem, Leadership Effectiveness, Leadership Trait.

Evaluating the Socioecological Classroom in Full-Service Schools: A Whole-School Approach to the Inclusive Education Context in South Africa

This paper evaluates the socioecological classroom in the context of a whole-school approach to inclusive education, which has evolved beyond the traditional classroom setting. Inclusive education calls for a paradigm shift to accommodate learners previously marginalised, with the classroom transforming into an ecosystem. The socioecological paradigm steers away from the notion that psychological and physiological elements are the main causes of disability. The importance of addressing multiple layers of influence is emphasised to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment. First, Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, which emphatically explains how a learner’s development is influenced by the systems in the environment that surrounds them, and then Foucault’s Theory of Power and Knowledge, in which power and knowledge are interconnected and inseparable, with power being exercised through the creation and control of knowledge, guided this study. A qualitative approach was adopted, and semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and non-participant observation were used to collect data. Phenomenological analysis was used to analyse the data from these data-collecting instruments. It was found that learners with disabilities need support at home, with imbalances being found in the power–knowledge relations between teachers and parents, and teachers occupying a superior position regarding academic knowledge. Some teachers still believe in the Medical-Deficit Model. A strengths-based approach should rather be adopted. Strategies for enhancing community–school collaboration that balances teacher–parent power dynamics should be explored.

Carnival, charisma, and kayfabe: The delegation of intellectual labor through ludic layering in Donald Trump's rhetorical style

AbstractThe many aberrations of Donald Trump's political career are important to analyze not only with regard to the state of the union but also for how they challenge existing theories of rhetoric, power, and performance. Among the studies conducted during and after Trump's presidential term to explain his persistent appeal to millions of Americans, scholars have constructively focused on his particular style of authoritarian populism, his revival of a premodern form of charisma, and his entanglements with professional wrestling. Taken together, these theoretical foci inform my approach to an underexamined subset of Trumpian utterances: those that simultaneously evoke entirely incompatible meanings, from the frivolous to the aggressive. Examining a series of such perplexing verbal and visual rhetorical moments through the lenses of the carnivalesque, the berserk charismatic, and the fractal fictions of kayfabe, I develop a theory of the delegation of intellectual labor through ludic layering that accounts for some of the power of Trump's rhetorical performances and is potentially applicable to understanding polyvocality in other populists' rhetoric. I further show how this concept suggests improvements on existing recommendations for listening to and reporting on an authoritarian figure like Trump.

Sino-Belgian research collaborations and Chinese military power

ABSTRACT China’s rise as a scientific superpower and its increasingly assertive geopolitical stance have raised concerns among Western governments over the security implications of research collaborations with China. Indeed, studies have revealed how China uses technology transfers to advance its military capabilities. In this article, we examine the links of Sino-Belgian research collaborations to the Chinese military and the evolution of these collaborations using a mixed methods approach comprising a bibliometric analysis and two case studies. Our study finds that 10% of Sino-Belgian collaborations were on critical technologies and conducted with scientists affiliated to Chinese institutes with military links. The collaborations with a military link have increased rapidly over the last two decades and have grown faster than the overall Sino-Belgian research collaborations. The results of the study reveal that research collaboration in the knowledge domain has crucial ties to the security domain and should therefore be considered in international security analysis. However, invoking Susan Strange’s structural power theory, we argue that Sino-Belgian research collaborations should not only be seen as contributing to China’s military power but also as a function of China’s growing overall power, including in the knowledge structure, where it entails the power to convey or deny knowledge.

Kuasa Eksklusi dalam Pembangunan Geothermal di Desa Ulubelu, Kecamatan Golewa, Kabupaten Ngada

The research with the title Power Of Exclusion in Geothermal Development in Ulubelu Vilage,Golewa District, Ngada Regerency is motivated by the development of the Mataloko Georhermal Power Plant (PLTPB) with a formulation of How the power of exclusion is Particed Regarding Regulation,coercion, markets and legitimacy in the dimensions of power John Gaventa with the aim of exsplaning the practice of exclusionary power,in order to differentiate this proposal, the researcher used Tania Muray Lii research theory of exclusionary power by elaborating on John Gaventa three dimensional theory of power. The research method used in writing this proposal is descriptive qualitative. The research method used in this research is in the form of excluded local communities in the case limiting community access to land and natural. Resources project regulations energy as a central government initiative and regional government support and coercive power as an exclusionary strategy as well as the market as e vehicle for exclusionand supported by legitimasi which is used as a mode of geothermal development. Resources project regulations energy as a central government initiative and regional government support and coercive power as an axclusionary strategy as well as the market as a vehicle for exclusion and supported by legitiasi which is used as a mode of the geothermal development. The complexcity of the power dynamics the occur and the interactions between various kinds of intersests in the power dynamics the occur in the context of geothermal development. The analysis uses lii (2011) social exclusion theory framework and John Gaventa (2006) 3 dimensional theory of power to provide an In depth understanding of exclusion that exixts in society. Not a few people have lost access to land and land and to agricultural land as well as the implementation of authotharian regulations without considering the local context. This research shows that even though geothermal energy is clean, the development procces can create or worsen social injustice if it is not managed well. The implicatins of these findings are the need for WKP policy reform that takes into account the right of indigenous peoples, fair compensation mechanisms and transparent decision making processes that involve the entire community as well as aducational programs to increase public understanding of community rights.

Mean Excitation Energies of all ionization stages of all atoms with [formula omitted]

The presented work provides values of Mean Excitation Energy (MEE) for all atoms and their ions with atomic numbers 1≤Z≤86. To fill in the gaps in the available data, we propose an approximate atomic model for ions of high-Z elements, that uses a semi-empirical formula based on the Local Plasma Approximation (LPA). Despite the fact that the LPA, in its original form, poorly predicts MEE for high ionization states, a relatively simple modification utilizing a fit function can amend this shortcoming. We assess the importance of relativistic effects for the MEE for highly ionized atoms and compare the proposed formula to other approximations available for high-Z elements. We estimate the uncertainty of the presented data to be less than 40% in absolute value for the worst cases and less than 20% for most ions. This corresponds to an uncertainty of the order of few percent for the logarithm of MEE, which is the value of interest in the case of Bethe’s theory of stopping power.

Newton and the genesis of Leibniz’s theory of space

Abstract The paper in [1] provides a history of Gottfried Leibniz’s ideas about space. Contrary to standard readings, Leibniz did not develop a relational theory of space until 1688 when he read Isaac Newton’s Principia and realised that he had to respond to the theory of absolute space with a new, powerful and rich alternative theory. The paper details Leibniz’s theories of space prior to the relational theory and their philosophical sources. It discusses Leibniz’s theory in relation to his theories of time, motion and geometry. Finally, it shows the role of Newton in the genesis of Leibniz’s relational theory.

Non-Invasive Approach to Harmonic Responsibility Assignment Based on Conservative Power Theory

Non-Invasive Approach to Harmonic Responsibility Assignment Based on Conservative Power Theory

Relasi Kuasa dalam Tata Kelola Objek Wisata Pantai Sebanjarar Studi Relasi dalam Pengembangan Objek Wisata Pantai Sebanjar

The management of Sebanjar beach tourism objects is one form of improving the welfare of the community through the provision of supporting facilities and infrastructure. However, this management requires strategic power relations as the main means of managing tourism objects. This study examines the management of tourism objects that are hampered by the lack of power relations between the government and land owners at the location of the tourist attraction. This study seeks to determine and analyze the power relations in the governance of Sebanjar beach tourism objects in Alor Regency. This study aims to reveal the power relations held by the government towards the surrounding community and as land owners. The theory used is the theory of power put forward by Michael Foucault to support researchers in determining and analyzing the power relations of the management of Sebanjar beach tourism objects. Researchers use a qualitative approach with a case study research type. Data collection techniques include observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of this study prove that the management of tourist attractions does not always prosper the community. This is because there is a lack of power from the government as the manager of the Sebanjar beach tourist attraction. In the management process, there is an obstacle because the land owner claims that the land they have built is tribal land, not individual land where the land was donated by a family who has limited human resources and as the land owner asks for management to be carried out in a balanced manner. The conclusion of this study is the lack of power relations by the government towards the landowner community and the local community.

Elephant in the Room: How to Assess the Vote-weighting System in the Council of the EU

The article emphasises the complementarity of research based on voting power theory with the analysis of the structure of blocking. Combining both methods enables a more comprehensive assessment of the vote weighting system in the Council of the EU, in particular the impact of changes in the voting system on the position of individual Member States and the power balance in this institution. I make two contributions to the existing literature. Firstly, the study develops a non-random voting model, dedicated to QMV in the Council, which abandons the assumption that each coalition of players is equally likely and takes into account the role of the European Commission as an agenda-setter. This not only allows us to exclude many coalitions that are only theoretically possible, but also to analyse the blocking structure from the perspective of different states or coalitions in the Council. Secondly, it shows that the application of blocking structure analysis provides novel insights into the Council’s voting system. Unlike the a priori voting power approach, such analysis does not focus on distribution of winning power in the Council, but on the Member States’ ability to build minimal blocking coalitions. Hence, it complements the application of mathematical indices of voting power in the assessment of the voting system in this institution.

Dose increment in ultrashort particle irradiations via coherent stopping power

We present a relativistic self-consistent theory of the coherent stopping power (CSP) of ultradense charged particle beams propagating in a dense matter. CSP corresponds to a collective inelastic collision which adds to the ordinary stopping power of individual particles. Unlike the latter, which depends only on the particles' energy, CSP depends upon many more parameters such as the total charge of the ensemble and its charge density and shape. This paves the way for a broad variety of novel methods to tailor particle absorption and penetration in a dense matter. CSP losses can be explained both by collective excitations of single or multiple molecules and by the emission of coherent Cherenkov radiation. Here we demonstrate that the former mechanism is more relevant than the latter. We find that the coherent energy absorption of subpicosecond particle bunches in water occurs exciting a broad Debye process in the GHz range and an intermolecular stretching vibration mode in the THz region. We generalize the Bethe-Bloch stopping power formula to coherent effects including self-forces, dielectric screening, and absorption by the dense matter. For the sake of a self-consistent dynamical theory including phase space evolution, we have also generalized the Fermi-Eyges theory of particle diffusion to the presence of forces. Nonlinear dynamics is demonstrated, inducing nonlinear dose release, beam self-focusing, and self-enhancement of coherent losses. Given the advent of ultraintense particle sources and their use for biomedical and other relevant applications, our results may be of paramount importance for contemporary and future developments of science and technology. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Relationship power attenuated the effects of gratitude on perceived partner responsiveness and satisfaction in romantic relationships

There is a gap in whether relationship power affects the association between gratitude and relationship satisfaction in romantic relationships. Based on the relationship maintenance model and the social distance theory of power, the present study adopted a digital questionnaire design on an online platform to test the mediating role of perceived partner responsiveness between gratitude and satisfaction as well as the moderating role of relationship power. A total of 825 subjects (Mage = 27.2, SD = 10.6; female 46.9%) who had been in romantic relationships for more than six months participated in this study. Overall, the results of the moderator–mediator model indicated that, compared to individuals with low levels of relationship power, the relationship between gratitude and perceived partner responsiveness as well as that between perceived partner responsiveness and relationship satisfaction was weaker among those with high levels of power. These findings are revealing for interventions designed to promote satisfaction between couples with power imbalances.

After the Sermon and Beyond the Pulpit: Transformative, Power-Sensitive Homiletics of Polyphony and Hope

This article considers the connection between preaching and power in search of a more inclusive understanding of preaching and more expansive modes of sermonic expression. As feminist and postcolonial theologians repeatedly emphasize, the pulpit, in both a concrete and symbolic sense, remains oriented toward white male preachers. German-language education also continues to be dominated by this perspective. Drawing on interdisciplinary theories of power and postcolonial theology, the concluding section of this paper introduces five dimensions of homiletical practice aimed at making preaching more sensitive to power dynamics: sharing interpretive power, starting from religious experience and lived theology; taking the body seriously (embodiment); daring polyphony; and imagining and acting together on the kingdom of God.