Realist Approach Research Articles

Energy Law Principles or Rather a Functional Approach?

This article addresses the proposition that the introduction of basic principles to energy law can strengthen energy law as a discipline. We discuss this premise from a legal-cultural angle that has often been neglected in this discussion, that of Scandinavian legal realism. We examine what implications a Scandinavian realist approach to energy law would have compared to a principles-based approach. Our aim is not to give a clear conclusion but rather to cast a glance at law from a different point of view. We begin by outlining the discussion surrounding energy law as a discipline, delimiting the potential principles of energy law. We will then move on to outline the Scandinavian realist approach to legal principles, and we will demonstrate how it applies in practice. Finally, we will evaluate the contribution that Scandinavian legal realism can(not) make to the discussion of principles in energy law.

Local Government and Natural Resource Management in Madhya Pradesh, India: A Critical Institutional Analysis

This paper investigates the factors that influence the involvement of local government in natural resource management in a decentralized institutional context. Institutions, regulating resource use patterns and practices are indicated to be decisive for the success or failure of resource management initiatives, and decentralization is considered a promising institutional arrangement in this regard. In this context, it is significant that India adopted decentralization through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, devolving resource management functions to the local government. However, there is limited work on how local government engages with devolved functions and what factors influence its resource management interventions. Consequently, we investigate the factors that influence the involvement of local government in natural resource management across three village councils in India. Taking a critical realist approach, we find that although multiple factors exert their influence, institutional force and actors’ rational incentives serve as key causal factors explaining local government’s involvement with resource management.

Foreign Aid, Identities and Interests: Qatar and the UAE in Sudan

ABSTRACT The entanglement of domestic and geopolitical dynamics with the evolution of the aid strategies of the Gulf States is particularly evident in the Horn of Africa (HOA), where the regional competition for exercising influence has affected the modalities of humanitarian and development interventions. A comparison of the foreign aid given by Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Sudan in the context of its political and humanitarian crisis during three different periods (2014-17; 2017-19; and post-2019) allows a better understanding of these dynamics. By adopting a neoclassical realist and constructivist approach, it highlights similarities and differences in the domestic factors at play, including the ideological and security dimension, in both donor and recipient countries, as well as their overlapping with the regional and international spheres, which determine aid strategies in terms of the geographical, channel and sectoral allocation of aid resources.

Morocco’s dual realist and neoliberalism foreign policy: An examination of Morocco’s decision to strengthen ties with Israel, 2009–2023

ABSTRACT The most common explanation for Morocco’s foreign policy in the 21st century is the realist one, which argues that after the Arab Spring, Morocco focused on gaining power by making efforts to exert broader influence on African states, establish and nurture regional military alliances against terror groups, and reinforce security collaborations in the Western Sahara conflict against Algeria. However, this article argues that since 2009, Morocco has strongly embraced a neoliberal foreign policy strategy based on knowledge-based economy (KBE) cooperation alongside the subaltern and peripheral realist approach, contributing to the strengthening of ties with Israel. The study employs a mixed methodology, encompassing qualitative and quantitative analyses, to explore the extent of the KBE policy’s influence on Moroccan-Israeli relations from 2009 to 2023.

The Constructed Enemy - The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict as an Example

Abstract: With the continuous development of international relations theory, it has been increasingly recognized that neither traditional rationalism nor reflexivism is sufficient to fully explain many phenomena in the present world. With the criticism of realism and the development of postmodernism, constructivism has been embraced by many researchers as a new research paradigm. The realist approach to research explains international society by explaining the meaning as well as the origin of things in the objective world. Carl Schmitt's ideas are ostensibly more focused on material forces and should be more closely aligned with realism. But in reality, he used ideas to define the emergence of political affairs. Thus, at its core, Carl Schmitt is inherently similar to constructivism. However, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has been intensifying in recent years. Therefore, using the above theory to explain the reasons for the emergence and escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has important theoretical and practical significance. This not only means combining the theories of traditional thinkers with new research paradigms, but also helps people to understand the nature of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and find better ways to promote peace and development in the Middle East.

Writing about the Middle East in a Postmodern Era. A Critique

In this paper the complexities of ongoing conflicts in the MENA region are scrutinized through a critical lens. Acknowledging the influence of multiple actors and factors in shaping political history, the paper challenges the prevailing use of postmodern and post-colonial paradigms in framing and assigning responsibility for these conflicts. While recognizing their contributions, the paper argues against their limitations in providing a nuanced understanding of the underlying dynamics and roots of MENA conflicts. The paper argues that postmodern and post-colonial lenses oversimplify conflicts by presenting them in binary terms and focusing solely on the role of Western colonialism. Instead, it advocates for a broader perspective that considers the complexities of the region's history, including the legacies of the Ottoman Empire and local social structures and actors. It suggests a contextual realist approach analysing conflicts at both internal and external levels, examining state formation processes and regional dynamics. While acknowledging the challenges, it asserts that with the right analytical and methodological tools, a deeper understanding of the region's conflicts and the underlying dynamics of its political landscape is possible.

Trajectories of Coping With Persistent Smell and Taste Dysfunction After a Covid-19 Infection-A Qualitative Interview Study.

To explore trajectories of understanding and managing persistent chemosensory dysfunction after COVID-19 in patients undergoing clinical treatment. A descriptive qualitative interview study with a realist approach. Data were collected in Sweden, from August 2022 to March 2023 through semi-structured interviews with 30 patients undergoing treatment for long-lasting smell and taste dysfunction resulting from COVID-19. Thematic analysis was applied in a process that involved continuous discussions and refinement of codes into themes and subthemes. Three main themes were identified: (1) Understanding the sensory alterations, which includes subthemes of Searching for validation and Seeking remedies; (2) Practical coping strategies, encompassing Adapted eating and Managing olfactory training and (3) Navigating the emotional landscape, featuring Self-persuasion and suppression and The ambivalence of acceptance. These themes highlight the cyclic and fluid nature of coping with the dysfunction, reflecting a dynamic process of adaptation. Despite treatment options like olfactory training, participants frequently experienced frustration due to limited perceived improvement and the psychological toll of managing their condition. The study highlights the complex and personal nature of coping with long-term smell and taste dysfunction post-COVID-19. Coping strategies varied widely and evolved over time, reflecting a dynamic process of adaptation. The emotional and psychological impact was profound, underscoring the need for comprehensive treatment approaches that include both physiological and psychological support. There is a need for more effective interventions and support mechanisms to improve the quality of life for those affected by these persistent symptoms. This study contributes to the understanding of COVID-19's long-term effects on smell and taste, highlighting the need for ongoing support from health care, further research into effective interventions, and a comprehensive approach to care for individuals affected by these conditions. This study addresses trajectories and challenges of coping with persistent chemosensory dysfunction. Findings emphasise the complexity of managing persistent chemosensory dysfunction and the critical role of personalised care. The study contributes to knowledge for nurses in understanding patients with chemosensory dysfunction. This research adheres to the EQUATOR guidelines: Standards for reporting qualitative research (SRQR). No patient or public contribution.

How and why do community stakeholders participate in the national stroke audit in England? Findings from a mixed-method online survey

BackgroundNational audit programmes are a recognised means of assessing quality of healthcare by collecting and reporting data in relation to evidence-based standards. The Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme is a prospective audit of processes and outcomes for all stroke patients in England, Wales and Northern Ireland which has historically focused on hospital-based care. Evidence suggests it has been successful in driving quality improvement. What has yet to be explored is the influence of such a national audit programme on community-based healthcare. The aims of this study were to understand how community stakeholders perceive and participate in the audit. MethodsThe study used a realist approach, being theory driven and informed by collaborators including stroke clinicians and experts in realist and audit methodology. Contextual determinants and mechanisms were identified from the literature as having the potential to influence quality improvement. These were operationalised into 18 survey items, using a combination of 5-point scales and yes / no responses. Free text options offered the opportunity to expand upon responses.The online survey was distributed using social media, clinical networks and professional bodies. Representation was sought from community stroke stakeholders across England and from roles throughout the audit process including administrative, clinical, management and commissioning. ResultsThe survey achieved a national sample from a broad range of stakeholders (n=206). Participants reported being engaged in the audit, committing significant resources to participation. National audit feedback was described as being used to support a range of improvement activities, including funding for additional staff and service reorganisation. A number of factors influenced the ability of teams to participate in audit and utilise feedback for quality improvement. These included the online platform, the accuracy of data submitted and leadership support.ConclusionsFindings highlight the work needed in terms of the data captured, organisational audit support and engagement with feedback if the potential of the audit as a tool for quality improvement in community rehabilitation (as highlighted in acute stroke care) is to be realised.

Blood Rites Theory: Is it an Alternative to Hegemonic War Theories?

Developing a history of socialization to warfare, Ehrenreich reminds us of the possible roots that made humans turn from prey to predators. using the prehistorical sociopolitical developments initially from bands, tribes to chiefdoms and states, Ehrenreich tries to link the causes of war to these social mutations linked to symbolism and “blood rites” portraying it as a males’ activity. Although it seems that the approach is appealing as a constructivist or a social teleology with a feminist affinity, it fails however to grasp the causes of hegemonic wars. this paper addresses this dimension while defending the idea that the (neo)realist approach is still of relevance when approaching causation of modern warfare.

Investigating the Syrian Crisis and Divergent Middle Eastern Policies with Recommendations and Solutions Regarding the Turkish-American Relations

This research article explores how the tensions between Turkey and the USA, two allied nations with a shared history of liberal values dating back to the Ottoman Empire, challenge the conceptual framework through their differing approaches to the Syrian conflict. The primary objective of this study is to analyze how Turkey and the USA address and respond to the Syrian crisis, taking into account their divergent national security concerns and interests influenced by the ongoing global developments. Additionally, the study dwells upon the Turkish societal perceptions posed by the Syrian refugees, drawing on illuminating insights from the existing literature and applying the threat theory perspectives. The study also proposes a set of potential solutions to address these issues, to mitigate the tension, and to enhance a bilateral cooperation. Utilizing a comprehensive literature and document review methodology, this study elucidates the interplay between the Turkish and American policies and explores the negative perception in the Turkish society, including the impacts on the labour markets, economic stability, and cultural norms. The findings highlight that, within the scope of the Syrian conflict, the USA has predominantly pursued a realist approach rather than seeking resolution through the liberal negotiation strategies. Moreover, the findings accentuate the fact that the negative perception of the Syrians to labour markets, job opportunities, economic stability, national resources, and public safety, as well as their alleged involvement in crimes such as terrorism and theft, negatively impacts the Turkish society's traditions, customs, lifestyle, culture, and moral norms. These cultural differences, along with the other issues mentioned, foster a belief in the superiority of the Turkish society over the Syrian society, contributing to a symbolic negative perception of the Syrian refugees in relation to the Turkish identity and societal cohesion.

The Roles of Neural Networks in Language Acquisition

ABSTRACTHow can modern neural networks like language models be useful to the field of language acquisition, and more broadly cognitive science, if they are not a priori designed to be cognitive models? As developments towards natural language understanding and generation have improved leaps and bounds, with models like GPT‐4, the question of how they can inform our understanding of human language acquisition has re‐emerged. As such, it is critical to examine how in practice linking hypotheses between models and human learners can be safely established. To address these questions, we propose a model taxonomy, including four modelling approaches, each having differing goals, from exploratory hypothesis generation to hypothesis differentiation and testing. We show how the goals of these approaches align with the overarching goals of science and linguistics by connecting our taxonomy to the realist versus instrumentalist approaches in philosophy of science. We survey recent work having adopted each of our modelling approaches and address the importance of computational modelling in language acquisition studies.

Waltz with Me: Structural Realism and Structural Racism in International Politics

A chasm separates international relations (IR) scholars who study race and racism. Conventional scholars treat the topic in a reductionist manner, focusing on unit-level factors such as racial attitudes and identities. In contrast, critical scholars adopt more structural approaches but reject traditional causal explanations. I argue that Waltzian theory bridges these two approaches, offering structural causal arguments with broader policy relevance. The essay reckons with critical critiques of Waltzian theory and outlines structural realist approaches to understanding structural racism.

‘A Realist Conceptual Methodology for Qualitative Educational Research: A Modest Proposal’

AbstractThis article explains and illustrates an approach to the design of qualitative inquiry in education using a conceptual methodology informed by a realist ontology. It is written with research novices in mind, based on two observations we have made while supervising postgraduate students. The first is that the methodology literature education students often engage with tends to focus on interpretivist-constructivist approaches. The second observation is that it can be challenging for students to find appealing and accessible material which employs realist informed methodology. To counter this we offer a general introduction to undertaking educational research informed by a realist ontology drawing on a simplified account of critical realism (CR). We illustrate the key concepts of this approach using examples from postgraduate studies in education. It is our hope that this article may stimulate wider discussion about the possibilities, development, and use of realist approaches.

Modifying a multidisciplinary method to address challenging behavior in nursing home residents with dementia to involve family caregivers.

Challenging behavior and pain are common in nursing home residents with dementia. Challenging behavior and pain can be related and are stressful for residents, family caregivers and healthcare professionals. The STA OP! method provides a step-by-step protocol to manage challenging behavior and pain in nursing home residents with dementia. However, this method does not include a prominent and active role for family caregivers. The STA OP! method was modified to include a role for family caregivers, in co-creation with family caregivers and healthcare professionals using elements of a realist approach. In separate meetings, two advisory groups comprised of family caregivers and professionals discussed ideas on how to involve family caregivers in STA OP!. Furthermore, barriers to involving family and possible solutions to overcome those barriers were discussed. Experts who had experience with the STA OP! method assessed the feasibility of the ideas in a nominal group technique meeting. Thirty-eight ideas emerged in the advisory groups. The two ideas that generated the most discussion were Inviting family for a multidisciplinary meeting, and Assessment of pain in collaboration with family caregivers. Eventually, 21 ideas and suggestions to overcome possible barriers were included in a manual for the training of healthcare professionals in the adapted method, now called STA OP! with family. Healthcare professionals and family caregivers collaborated well to shape the involvement of family caregivers in this method for managing challenging behavior and pain. The collected ideas supported by all involved resulted in a modified method: STA OP! with family and can now be tested in daily practice.

Realist Approach to Continuing Training of Physical Assessment Education to School Nurses (Yogo Teachers) in Japan.

As part of efforts to revitalize regional medical care, we implemented training in physical assessment for nurses and school nurses. We conducted a questionnaire survey using a realist approach to evaluate the training for school nurses that has been ongoing for 12 years. The summer training held by the Toyama Prefecture School Nurse Association includes education on severity assessment (evaluation of consciousness and vital signs), auscultation (heart, respiratory, and bowel sounds), the Heimlich maneuver, a review of Basic Life Support, and case studies. Following the training, we conducted an online questionnaire survey with participating school nurses to assess the outcome of the program. A total of 122 people responded (response rate: 35.6%) with 109 (89%) indicating that the results of the training session met or exceeded their expectations. The most common outcome of the training was improvement in their own response capabilities, followed by increased trust in students/guardians and school staff members. The training also fostered a sense of responsibility among the participants, motivating them toward further self-improvement. Furthermore, within the school, it led to collaboration with other staff members, a review of the emergency system, and improvement of equipment, which was beyond our expectations. The findings suggest that continuous repetition of basic physical assessment education will form a community of practice and bring about collaboration and revitalization within the organization as well as the acquisition of knowledge and skills. Continuous training improved their ability to respond, earned the trust of students/parents and school staff, and motivated them to continue improving themselves. Furthermore, a community of practice was formed within the organization by continuing the training sessions.

Fostering health behaviour change in overweight male football fans through the European Fans in Training (EuroFIT) program: A Self-Determination Theory perspective

The European Fans in Training (EuroFIT) program integrated need-supportive motivational strategies from Self-Determination Theory (SDT) in the design of a healthy lifestyle program delivered to overweight or obese male football fans (n = 1113; mean age of 45.9 [SD = 9.0] years old and BMI of 33.2 kg/m2 [SD = 4.6]) in professional football club settings in the UK, Portugal, Norway and the Netherlands. With a critical realist approach, we developed a structured thematic framework analysis based on Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to investigate the process of change in men who participated in the EuroFIT randomized controlled trial (RCT). We examined whether men’s experiences of the social context of EuroFIT, and whether their engagement with the program’s motivational strategies supported or frustrated their basic psychological needs while attempting to change their lifestyle behaviours. We found that men in all countries perceived the social contexts of the EuroFIT program as mostly needs-supportive, and that they found engagement with most of the program components helpful in supporting their psychological needs when initiating health behaviour changes. However, some of the program elements in the EuroFIT program were perceived as needs-frustrating by some participants and need-supportive by others. Implications for the use of need-supportive motivational strategies in designing future lifestyle interventions in sport settings to promote health behaviour change among male football fans are discussed.

Neoclassical realism(s) vis-à-vis other theories of foreign policy: taking the indistinguishability problem seriously

Neoclassical realism (NCR)’s opponents have considered it an incoherent and indistinctive approach because of its interest in addressing ideational and institutional factors. Specifically, they have denounced NCR’s fuzzily established internal and external conceptual boundaries, corresponding to central dimensions of this approach’s ‘indistinguishability’ problem. Even though NCR has responded in a sophisticated manner to its critics, such a response still falls short of advancing some subtle strategies to forge NCR’s theoretical identity and research design. To fill this gap, I distinguish several neoclassical realist theories (Types I, II, IIA, IIB and III) to clarify NCR works’ common ground and the several options available to the analyst to cope with the indistinguishability problem’s internal dimension. Furthermore, I compare neoclassical realist theories with organizational, bureaucratic, realist, liberal and constructivist approaches to foreign policy to discuss the indistinguishability problem’s external dimension. Dealing with this dimension entails acknowledging that neoclassical realist theories provide a top-down, as compared to a bottom-up approach to explain foreign policy as a policy rather than a process. It also provides a thorough explanation rather than a parsimonious account aimed at distinguishing independent and intervening variables. With different intensities, neoclassical realist theories embrace specific, refined logics of consequentialism rather than appropriateness to explain distinct state preferences rather than assuming power maximization or security seeking as pre-fixed state goals.

A critical realist approach to agent-based modeling: Unlocking prediction in non-positivist paradigms

Information systems (IS) scholarship and practice aim to predict phenomena and outcomes of IS use. These phenomena of IS use are typically set in multi-leveled, dynamic, and complex contexts that lend explanation to the non-positivist tradition in IS research. However, limited methodological options exist to make predictions. In this research, we propose stratified agent-based modeling, a step-by-step approach that enables prediction in non-positivist paradigms. Drawing upon the critical realist philosophy of science, which suggests ontological stratification and assumes open systems, we adopt a retroduction-based explanation formation and agent-based modeling to simulate different potential states of a complex system. The critical step in combining critical realism with agent-based modeling involves identifying and codifying the underlying generative mechanisms (i.e., causal powers) into various components of the agent-based model. We propose four steps toward prediction under the critical realist paradigm: (1) capturing the phenomenon, (2) identifying the generative mechanism, (3) building the agent-based model, and (4) simulating states of the system. We present an exemplar of our proposed approach that investigates the effectiveness of strategies to combat malicious content propagation in social networks.

Learning from place-based flood prevention policies: a realist approach

ABSTRACT Due to the frequency and impact of events, flood prevention is gaining importance on public agendas. Local governments and communities have a role to play, but they often lack resources and models to face these challenges. This paper maintains that a place-based approach could address some of the shortcomings of conventional flood prevention methods, and proposes to adopt a realist methodology to learn from innovations in this field. An application is exemplified through the case of the ‘community road maintenance workers’ intervention. The approach seems promising to foster policies more nuanced and integrated, coupling prevention and development.

Reducing refusals of care through improved personal care interactions between caregivers and people with dementia: protocol for a realist synthesis

IntroductionPeople with dementia develop progressive difficulties conducting basic activities of daily living, often requiring considerable assistance from caregivers. Many people with dementia, particularly in the advanced stages, can refuse assistance...