Democratic Practices Research Articles

Vive la république européenne? Reading The European Balcony Project as artistic counter-public

ABSTRACT The article first contextualizes the European Balcony Project (EBP), a manifesto written by authors Ulrike Guérot, Robert Menasse, and theatre director Milo Rau who subsequently put it up for discussion in various public fora. On 10 November 2018, artists and citizens performed the manifesto and proclaimed the European Republic from (theatre) balconies and public places in 25 European countries. They encouraged a dialogue that sought to promote a more diverse public sphere. In my reading, the EBP emerges as a contemporary version of Oskar Negt’s and Alexander Kluge’s public counter sphere, as a real and imaginary community in which political participation is enacted through the medium of talk in an arena of discursive interaction and democratic practice. By reading the texts in the context of a political avantgarde project, I show how the interventions aim to set a counterpoint to the resurgence of nationalism and promote a vision of a democratic continent based in shared values. My article thus illustrates how public art performances such as the EBP contribute to the thickening of imaginative relations throughout Europe and might aid in the construction of a larger European cultural identity.

Africa and the prospects of rotational democracy

AbstractSharing of social, economic, and political opportunities is crucial for the stability of many African states. Democracy has been identified as an inclusive framework that allows individuals to freely contest for these opportunities. However, in Africa, democracy appears not to work as compared to Western democratic societies. Some African political philosophers blame the problem on liberal democratic type practiced in the continent, which is modeled after the hegemonic socio‐political discourse in Europe and North America. Thus, it is argued that workable democratic model for Africa must be embedded in the continent's cultural and historical nuances. Consequently, initial effort by the Ghanaian philosopher Kwasi Wiredu appealed to the nonpartisan Consensus Democracy of traditional Akan society. But it is doubtful that the consensual model, which was successful in the mono‐ethnic traditional Akan society, will produce the same effect in a multi‐ethnic society as the modern African states. At present, ethnicity inter alia remains a major obstruction to democratization of the continent. Africa needs a democratic model that takes its rigid multi‐ethnic character into account instead of uncritically imposing global democratic knowledge to African situations or totally disregarding local knowledge of democracy. Therefore, I investigate how ethnicity inter alia can be accommodated in democratic practice. An experimental model called “Rotational Democracy” is introduced based on the traditional African social practice of One Cup, which embodies the phenomena of power rotation and rationing of the traditional society. The article demonstrates how indigenous knowledge can be the starting point for democratic practice in Africa.

The Case for an Expressive Logic of Action

Abstract How can scholars theorize about phenomena like the eroding support, within the West, for the liberal democratic practices that once defined the post-1945 international order? Cumulative evidence shows that resentment toward out-groups shapes public attitudes toward issues like immigration and globalization, bolstering support for isolationist foreign policies in Western democracies. Yet, these findings contrast with the logics of action—based on means-end calculations, shared norms, practices, or habit—that IR scholars use to develop theory. Because existing logics provide a limited vocabulary to theorize about group processes with crucial symbolic and affective features, an important dimension of foreign policy behavior remains undertheorized. In this article, I draw on multi-disciplinary research to develop an expressive logic of action, whereby political behavior expresses an actor's social identification. Based on this logic, group attachment provides a compelling motivation for political behavior, whose activation depends on an interaction between issue framing and psychological dispositions. By focusing on the distinctive features of expressive behavior and specifying the mechanisms behind this behavior, an expressive logic encourages theory development and refinement across domains.

Political Bondage (Ijon) and Democracy: How do Natural Resources Build High Electoral Political Financing Orders?

The practice of political bondage (ijon) in electoral political events is a threat to democracy, which to this day is still relatively limitedly studied. This creates minimal gaps in how to view the phenomenon of high electoral political financing from the perspective of natural resource politics. So far, natural resources have always been viewed as inanimate objects. However, in the study of natural resource politics, this object is not neutral. The presence of the political bondage system which is a small part of the form of transactional politics in the informal democratic space has actually become the identity and characteristic of electoral politics in Indonesia. In the context of political bondage, the exchange of roles between patron becoming client and, vice versa, client becoming patron will continue to recur. This research uses a qualitative approach with library research methodology. Researchers collect data through secondary data, namely various relevant literature, starting from media, books, journals, news reports, formal institutional data, and other data which is sorted according to research needs. The results show that the practice of political bondage still fulfils and always colors electoral politics in Indonesia. This informal democratic practice leads to high levels of financing of electoral politics. Interestingly, the involvement of corporations in funding general elections outside of political party funds also has an impact on reciprocation for the management of natural resources. The development of transactional political practices in informal spaces will create challenges for the quality of democracy: the birth of corrupt behavior, the weakening of the government structure, dynastic-oligarchic politics, and the increase in electoral political financing. The conclusion is that the practice of political bondage will always grow in the space of informal democracy. The relationship between the public sector, elites and the private sector will always exchange roles as patron and client according to the conditions and electoral political map in the field.

Cooperative Economics in Racially Marginalized Communities: Reframing Economics Education Through Racial Capitalism and Democratic Practices

This article reimagines economics education through culturally sustaining pedagogy and Ethnic Studies, emphasizing economic practices rooted in racially marginalized urban communities as alternatives to the dominant economic system. The article presents an economics curriculum that asks, how can cooperative economics help to sustain urban communities that have been marginalized by the dominant capitalist white supremacist economic system? Through teacher practitioner inquiry at a small urban public school, this study is grounded in a twelfth-grade economics course on cooperative economics in marginalized communities.

Gender systems in the Putin autocracy.

Over the last 23 years, Russian President Vladimir Putin's autocracy has revealed a set of interlocking gender systems that have come to the fore particularly vividly since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. How, this article asks, have the masculinist cultural and political practices of the Putin regime undermined democratic practices and engagement broadly speaking? How have they organized Russian state and society in ways that have led to today's war in Ukraine with its massive destruction, violence, and brutality? And have there been earlier signals that should have warned observers that this regime might undertake such a war of aggression? Drawing on public, mass media data, this article analyzes the gendered structures of power in Russia that have contributed to the degeneration of democracy in three main areas: (1) male-on-male domination in discourse and practice that supports Putin's personal rule and emasculates his enemies; (2) the elevation of male power clans, including the President's personal praetorian guard and the Russian private military companies; and (3) the overall taming and emasculation of the Russian Parliament combined with the elevation of tough women deputies, whom I call the Baba Commissars. These female MPs support the President's domination by creating an appearance of a threatening outside world that needs to be kept at bay. At the same time, they support a neo-traditional gender order with women managing the house under the direction of the patriarchal male leader.

Becoming‐Interdependent: Democratic Praxis In‐Against‐and‐Beyond Capitalism in Agrifood Collectives

AbstractThis paper contributes to debates on autonomous geographies by foregrounding and analysing democratic praxis in two grassroots agrifood collectives to interrogate the ways in which it constitutes a vehicle for postcapitalist transformation. We focus on the negotiation and (re)distribution of power (Case Study 1) and the politicisation of ambiguous human–more‐than‐human entanglements (Case Study 2) and find that the dynamics and frictions these collectives experience can be understood as diverse processes of becoming‐interdependent. Becoming‐interdependent refers to a collective recognition of existing and emerging relationships and dependencies (amongst human people as well as between humans and more‐than‐human actors) and efforts to continuously navigate these. Based on these insights, we discuss tensions between capitalist–postcapitalist realities and making–unmaking in grassroots collectives. We conclude by conceptualising becoming‐interdependent as a deliberate response to the separations and abstractions inscribed in capitalism and by connecting it to debates on strategies for postcapitalist transformation.

Nepal in 2022 and 2023

The major events that were pivotal in Nepal in both 2022 and 2023 can be put into five categories: politics and society; geopolitics and foreign policy; the economy; climate change, disaster, and health; and human rights, justice, and peace. The country’s economy performed poorly, and results were mixed in the other four categories. In particular, these two years were instrumental for institutionalizing democratic practices due to timely local, provincial, and federal elections. However, as in preceding years, this review indicates a need for significant efforts to improve the country’s economy, address climate change and disastrous events, ensure justice for conflict-era victims, and promote peace.

Democracy for Sale: Examining the Phenomenon of the Cost of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for Major Parties in Nigeria’s 2023 General Election

Elections in Nigeria are increasingly turning democratic practice into a bazaar for the highest bidder. Preparations for the 2023 General Election, especially the purchase of statements of interest and nomination forms, as well as party primaries, threaten to squeeze non-super-rich candidates out of participation. This study examines how Nigerian democracy is being manipulated into a business of the highest bidder by examining the costs of the entire process of nomination and party primaries in the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party. The study draws on face-to-face in-depth interviews selected on the basis of criteria such as accessibility, relevance, and quality of information. The informants were classified into different categories. The data obtained from the interviews were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Clientelism is adopted as a framework to explain this phenomenon. The study found that APC and PDP deliberately drive up the cost of nomination to displace poor and non-rich competitors. The impact is evident in the reckless use of money during the parties’ primaries where the process was conducted in dollars. Transparency is being circumvented and to restore integrity to nomination and party primaries in Nigeria, reforms that go beyond politics to include civil society, the electorate, international partners, and other stakeholders are needed.

Understanding the motivations behind political engagement in Zambia: A comprehensive review

Political engagement refers to the active participation of individuals or groups in the political process, such as voting, campaigning, attending rallies or protests, contacting elected officials, or joining political organizations. It encompasses any action taken by citizens to influence public policy, government decisions, or the political landscape in general. Political engagement is crucial for a functioning democracy, as it allows citizens to voice their opinions, hold elected officials accountable, and contribute to shaping the direction of their society. Hence, this journal article explored the multifaceted motivations that drive individuals to join politics in Zambia. Drawing upon a wide range of scholarly literature, empirical studies, and expert analyses, this paper examined the various factors influencing political engagement in the country. From historical legacies to socio-economic conditions, cultural dynamics, and institutional frameworks, the motivations for entering politics in Zambia are diverse and complex. By synthesizing existing research and providing critical insights, this article contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics shaping political participation in the Zambian context. This study aimed to delve into the motivations driving political engagement in Zambia, seeking to provide insights that can inform policy interventions and enhance democratic practices.

Empowering Digital Democracy

This article examines the role of digital technology in enabling and enhancing democratic practices and forms of governance. It contributes to emerging debates on democratic innovations by proposing a novel theoretical account of decentralized participatory democracy. To develop our account, we draw on the experience of two EU-funded projects, D-CENT and DECODE, which produced innovative citizen participation platforms and digital public infrastructure. Bringing democratic theory into conversation with critical data studies and the new municipalism movement, we theorize how these projects advanced three political aims: organizing political communities to build collective power, empowering citizens through direct participation in decision making, and transforming political institutions. The article then analyzes the strengths and limitations of these projects to draw lessons for policy makers and practitioners for future digital democratic experiments.

Preparing teachers for critical global and democratic practice: shifting inquiries into the teaching of democracy and global citizenship in teacher education

AbstractThere is an ongoing and increasingly pressing need to prepare teachers and students for a still globalising world. Such work requires that we contemplate how we are preparing learners to think globally and embody critical practices of citizenship. Much work has been done in this space yet there is little work that focuses on teacher educators and their respective views of global citizenship education, the primary paradigm through which the global context and civic action converge. Recognising the important role that teachers play in this educational process and the evolving nature of the notions of citizenship and democracy, this project focuses on Initial Teacher Education (ITE) to understand how teacher educators envisage their roles in preparing pre-service teachers (PSTs) to teach about democracy in schools. To learn how teacher educators understand global citizenship education as part of their research and teaching, we undertook a small case study wherein we interviewed teacher educators to solicit their views of global citizenship education. Through a presentation of the voices of teacher educators, we argue that there is a pressing need for those working in global citizenship education to consider how to better support teacher educators to navigate what we argue are two consistent themes: (a) a complex and unclear conceptual terrain that teacher educators find themselves navigating and; (b) an ever increasing set of regulatory and institutional hurdles that make enacting critical global citizenship challenging.

Ghanaian Journalists and The Spread of Rumors During the Covid19 Pandemic: Views from Five Regions

This qualitative study examines the role of Ghanaian journalists in disseminating rumors, misinformation, and disinformation during the Covid19 pandemic. Additionally, the study investigates how this information was transmitted and spread among journalists, as well as the motivating factors behind their actions. The participants in the study were purposely selected from five administrative regions of Ghana that had a lower uptake of COVID-19 vaccines, as classified by the Ghana Health Services. The findings of the study indicate that journalists played a significant role in spreading disinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana. The interviewees in this study attributed this to various reasons, such as parochial and partisan interests, lack of information, deliberate attempts to force verification, and pressure associated with the job. The study concludes that the involvement of journalists in the spread of rumors about the COVID-19 pandemic and related issues can be attributed to the liberalized nature of the media space in Ghana with its excessive commercialization and rush for breaking news. This competition for news has led many journalists to neglect due diligence and professional ethics in sourcing and disseminating information to the public. This study highlights the need for policymakers to establish effective measures for regulating the ethics and standards of journalism in line with the relevant constitutional provisions and democratic practice

Shift from Traditional to Contemporary Political Patterns: Knowing the Youth Perspectives on Political Participation

Youth participation in politics can be an effective way to relieve traditional patterns of political practices in a country like Pakistan. The significant participation of youth has changed the traditional political patterns and has given a new direction in the country. This study examined the youth’s political participation in the democratic practices between two provinces such as Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa within the time frame of the 2013 and 2018 General National elections of Pakistan. The study used the leading theory of the Public Sphere, which indicates that the public sphere is an integral part of democracy. It is a social space in which citizens can engage in political activities pertinent to their public interests. Additionally, the theoretical perspective states that democratic citizens are expected to participate in political affairs under some interests. The research method of this study is qualitative in nature, and the data have been gathered through interviews to support the exploration. This method allows the researcher to gain an in-depth understanding of the issue. The research has introduced a new concept of political participation, which is “Youth Inn.” It indicates that the youth are involved in improving the political discourse to participate in activities and it has changed the traditional ways of politics. It is important to mention here that, in the traditional ways of politics, youth is supposed to follow the directions from elders to decide whom to vote for and support in politics; a selection choice is based on candidate language, culture, ethnicity, sect and caste as the main factors. By resisting the traditional pattern of politics, this change has enhanced the youth’s dynamic role in contributing to the political, social, and various aspects of daily life in the society. They have a unique character, which is relevant to support and contribute to the country’s political structure. Furthermore, the inclusion of youth can serve as an insight for political parties to consider them as the central theme in the party policy of Pakistan.

Unlocking Women's Electoral Participation: Exploring the Impact of Education on Voter Participation in the General Elections of 2018 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan)

This research paper investigates the multifaceted relationship between education and women's participation in electoral processes as voters. Through a comprehensive synthesis of existing literature, empirical studies, and theoretical frameworks, the study aims to unravel the intricate mechanisms by which education shapes women's engagement in elections. Furthermore, the research explores the mediating role of contextual factors including socio-economic development, gender norms, and political institutions in moderating the impact of education on women's voter turnout. By shedding light on these dynamics, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between education, socio-political contexts, and women's electoral behavior. This research holds implications for policy interventions aimed at promoting gender equality and fostering inclusive democratic practices worldwide.

The Performance of Local Governments in Kaligandaki Rural Municipality of Syangja District, Nepal: An Assessment

Since the establishment of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, the Constitution of Nepal 2015 has given the local governments a great deal of power and authority. Consequently, a lot of changes have been noticed in most of the local levels. The present study is about the performance level of local government of Kaligandaki Rural Municipality of Syangja District in Gandaki Province, Nepal. The main issues and objectives that encouraged this study are to identify the types of achievement the local government has made during its tenure from 2017 to 2022, and to explain how it has accomplished the performance. The government has carried out different development activities related to public goodness in the study area. The activities related to passing and enacting laws, and improving education, drinking water, health care, insurance, farming, roads, irrigation, job opportunities and people’s increased participation in decision-making level have been successfully implemented. The study demonstrates that the local leaders of this municipality have accomplished their tasks among the grassroots by encompassing inclusive development models. The findings of the study conclude that besides exercising democratic practice and democratic institutionalization, the local government has displays high level of performance regarding local development in this rural municipality, and this performance indicates the significance of empowering local levels in Nepal.

The Power of Preaching and Deliberative Dialogue to Catalyze Congregational Social Action: A Case Study from “The Purple Zone”

This article explores different ways that preachers and congregations have used the sermon-dialogue-sermon process to address social issues in their churches and engage their local community. I begin with a brief review of the homiletic theory behind the emergence of dialogical preaching, including the ways I have integrated this theory into my own method of the sermon-dialogue-sermon (SDS) process. I then explain the work I have performed training preachers and congregations in the SDS method. This article then focuses on the Rev. Dr. Stephanie Moon, a pastor in Kentucky who undertook the SDS process with her congregation, North Middletown Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), in Middletown, Kentucky. Their work allows for a longitudinal case study of the ways in which the SDS process can assist a congregation in engaging and strengthening democratic practices through deliberation and community outreach. The article concludes with a reflection on the implications of this process for a congregation’s engagement with social issues as well as recommendations for further research and analysis.

Do populist parties promote direct democracy? An empirical assessment in 29 countries in the last two decades

ABSTRACT Populism is often associated with direct democracy. However, empirical support for this connection remains limited. Analysing a unique dataset on national referendums across 29 countries, this study challenges the presumption that populists are more inclined to advocate for referendums. Surprisingly, populists exhibit this tendency primarily when in opposition. Despite the increasing inclusion of populist parties in coalition governments, their impact on facilitating national-level direct democracy is more complex than anticipated. Utilising V-DEM data over 30 years, we find that populists prima facie enhance the use of direct democracy. However, this effect is contingent on contextual factors, such as party system institutionalisation and the democracy's age, indicating a nuanced relationship between populism and direct democratic practices.

Praktik Demograsi Pada Pemilihan Kepala Desa Di Aimas Sorong Provinsi Papua Barat

The aim of this research is to determine democratic practices in village head elections in Aimas Sorong, West Papua Province. The results of this research show that there are several causes of high community participation in Aimas Sorong, West Papua in the 2022 village elections. There are several main factors for high community participation, namely. There are two theories to find out the factors that cause high community participation, namely political mobilization and then voter behavior. includes a sociological approach, a psychological approach, and a rational choice approach.

Democratic Practice and Reverence

This article sheds light on the synergy between Catholic social thought and community organizing. By deploying reverence, a notion from classical-Greek political philosophy, this article examines the dynamic relationship between democratic practice and public action, on the one hand, and the cultivation of the interior life, or spirituality, on the other. For moderns, the dominant culture views these realms as distinct and disconnected. In contrast, the article argues that they are mutually reinforcing, each better with the other, in greater service together for both the common good and a healthy, democratic political culture. This hypothesis is advanced through an analysis of three skills necessary for effective democratic practice: relational conversation through story; designing, implementing, and evaluating political action; and negotiation, compromise and agreement. Scholarship from political theory and philosophy, theology, and Catholic social thought, as well as direct practical professional experience, is integral to this article.