Political Role Research Articles

Giovanni Botero on Religion and Politics

Giovanni Botero’s political thought is significantly influenced by Machiavelli, yet it possesses its own distinctive features, particularly in its religious perspective. In contrast to Machiavelli’s condemnation of Catholicism, Botero argues that Catholicism, far from weakening individuals, could instill in them the courage to defy death and foster military virtues through the promise of eternal life. While Botero agrees with Machiavelli that religion plays a central role in politics, he asserts that Catholicism is more effective than other sects as it is better suited to maintaining social order and disciplining the human conscience. However, he refutes the idea that religion should serve merely as an instrument of domination. Instead, he suggests that it should be the foundation of the state and the purpose of governance. Furthermore, he maintains that religion and the state are interdependent, functioning together to ensure the maintenance and advancement of both.

Famine and food security: new trends and systems or politics as usual? An introduction.

Over the past decade, famine and food insecurity have increased, yet there have been few articles with a critical analysis of their social and political dynamics. This special issue of Disasters aims to revive such analysis and to provide new insights. The special issue contains eight articles, with topics ranging from the role of global politics and neoliberal strategies, to sanctions, war, settler-colonialism, elite capture and inequalities, actions of resistance and resilience, and the challenges of famine prevention in today's global political context. The papers provide both global and local analysis, with the latter covering Kashmir, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, and Syria.

The Politics of Christianity in Shaping the Political Dynamics of Zambia

Religion can often be very influential in the political system and political actors frequently take advantage of the leverage that it provides. In the Zambian case, Christianity in particular plays a crucial role in politics and policymaking, dating from the pre- to post-colonial era. Around 1880, Zambia, then Northern Rhodesia, became a British colony and, at the same time, Christianity was introduced within the context of the European culture. Later, 27 years after independence, Zambia was declared a Christian nation, and all Zambian political leaders have embraced Christianity as the nation’s identity. Thus, Christianity plays a critical function in Zambia’s political sphere. The main aim of this paper is to critically examine how Christianity seeks to direct the political agenda in Zambia’s national politics. It demonstrates the interplay between church and state relations linked to how the state seeks to govern the nation in a Godly manner and the implications on public policymaking in Zambia. This paper explores a multifaceted analysis of the existing literature and the ideas around the politics of the state and religion. It argues that (i) Christianity in Zambia is often used as a political weapon to gain political mileage and (ii) Christianity as a religion has been traditionalised in Zambia. It serves as a “national moral campus”, which compromises the nation’s position as a so-called “democratic” state and suppresses individual freedoms. Thus, it corrupts the very nature of fundamental practices of the religion itself, as it has simply blossomed into more of a norm than a religion. Understanding these dynamics is very crucial, especially in the context of how religion is perceived, experienced and exercised in the political arena to circumvent limited policy options for broader problem solving.

Muhammad Ali Al-Abed and his Political Role in Syria 1867-1939

Muhammad Ali Al-Abed and his Political Role in Syria 1867-1939

Peran Politik Islam Dalam Dinamika Pemerintahan Perspektif Dalam Negeri dan Luar Negeri

This study discusses the role of Islamic politics in government dynamics, with a focus on domestic and foreign perspectives. Islamic politics is a key factor influencing political policies and processes in many countries with a majority Muslim population. The aim of this research is to analyze how political Islam plays an important role in shaping government systems and public policies, both domestically and at the international level. This research uses a qualitative approach by combining literature analysis and case studies from several countries that represent differences within the country and abroad. The analysis was carried out by considering aspects such as Islamic political participation, the influence of Islamic politics on policy changes, and the impact of Islamic politics in international relations. The research results show that Islamic politics has a significant role in the dynamics of government in the country. Islamic political participation, through Islamic-based political parties or social movements, can influence the policy-making process and change the political orientation of the country. Factors such as religious identity, social justice, and the aspirations of Muslims often form the basis of Islamic politics in taking positions in government. At the international level, political Islam also plays an important role. Countries with a majority Muslim population often use Islamic politics as a tool to maintain their sovereignty and fight for their interests in the international arena. This can be seen in relations between Muslim countries and Western countries and in issues such as Palestine and the role of Islam in global affairs.

Exposure of Women in Politics to Media Coverage and Their Ability to Raise Self-Esteem of Children in Nakuru County

As the number of women in politics continues to increase worldwide, balancing their political and parenting roles may pose a challenge. The study was carried out to investigate the effects of exposure of women to media coverage on their ability to raise the self-esteem of their children in Nakuru County. The study adopted an ex post facto research design. The study had an accessible population of 129 respondents that comprised 105 women members of county assembly aspirants, 12 women parliamentary aspirants, 10 women representative aspirants and two women senatorial aspirants in Nakuru County during the 2017 general elections. The census sampling technique was used to select all the 129 respondents. Data was collected using a questionnaire. The content and face validity of the questionnaire were ascertained of the study objectives and advice by experts from the Department of Applied Community Development Studies of Egerton University. To estimate the reliability of the instrument, a pilot study was conducted on fourteen women political aspirants who participated in the 2017 general elections from neighbouring Nyandarua County. The questionnaire was considered reliable when it attained an estimated Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.78. The questionnaire was self-administered with the guidance from the researcher. Quantitative data was summarized in frequency distribution tables and the responses were analysed using simple regression analysis methods with the help of SPSS computer package 25.0 version. Qualitative data was summarized in emerging themes based on the objectives of the study. The study revealed that exposure of women to media coverage affected their ability to raise the self-esteem of their children in Nakuru County (β- 0.790) at 0.05 level of significance. The study findings may offer insights to women politicians, education researchers and other stakeholders on the importance of parenthood and the challenges faced by women politicians

Sport for development in German development cooperation: early and unknown efforts

ABSTRACT The early involvement some Western liberal states, such as Norway and Canada, in the field of Sport for Development (SfD) is well known, with both countries regarded amongst the pioneers in this area. In contrast, Germany’s early investments in the field are not widely known, in part due to deficiencies in documentation and publication. This paper will not only challenge the deficient historical documentation on the subject but will also provide a preliminary descriptive account of the factors that have driven investment or withdrawal from the SfD sector within Germany. This will be set against a broader global context and in relation to key turning points affecting the field. Based on a literature review and content analysis, the results trace the chronological course and development of SfD in Germany in three phases, where the popularity of sport as a developmental tool is subject to strong fluctuations. Additionally, German efforts in SfD have differed from international trends, particularly in the early adoption of sport in German development cooperation in the mid-1970s and the constraints observed during SfD’s international growth in the 2000s. Key implications of this paper include highlighting the strong influence of domestic politics on SfD funding and activity, and formally documenting the breadth and scale of German SfD efforts. Overall, this paper provides a foundation for further work looking at German international SfD efforts, as well as future consideration of the role of national politics in SfD funding.

French Foreign Policy Shifts in a Multi-dimensional Perspective: The Impact and Consequences of Populism

French foreign policy has played an important role in global politics in history. As one of the core countries in Europe, France's diplomatic decisions not only affect its own interests, but also have a far-reaching impact on the political landscape of Europe and even the world. In the past few decades, the process of globalization, regional conflicts, EU internal dynamics and other factors have continuously reshaped France's diplomatic strategy. In recent years, the rise of populism has been particularly eye-catching. It not only triggered great changes in domestic politics, but also had a far-reaching impact on France's foreign policy. As a political phenomenon, populism is usually characterized by anti-elite, anti-dism and an emphasis on national sovereignty and the will of the people. In France, the rise of populism is reflected not only in the words and deeds of politicians and political parties, but also in the attitude and voting behavior of voters. The impact of populism on French foreign policy is mainly reflected in its attitude towards the European Union, its position on immigration and refugee issues, and its attitude towards international cooperation and multilateralism. This article aims to explore the foreign policy transformation of France under the influence of populism from a multidimensional perspective and analyze the consequences of this change. By comparing France's diplomatic strategies in different historical periods, people can more clearly understand the role of populism in it and its potential impact on future international relations.

Centring Race: Unpacking Informality Through the Lens of Black Tax

AbstractTaking a historical and contextual approach to racialization, this study seeks to unpack informality in the development of welfare regimes. By centring race as a conceptual lens, it elicits knowledge hierarchies that exist within the formulation of social policies; particularly concerning the classification of informal/formal practices. It thereby draws on Black Tax as a lived example of family and kinship support in Southern Africa, in the development discourse predominantly understood as informal social protection or informal safety nets. Black Tax, however, is a colloquial term that claims its non-Western origin and struggle to co-exist in a Westernized unequal society. It does so by stressing its racialized nature as a necessary practice in response to racial inequality but also as a form of alienation from its origin, being the African philosophy of Ubuntu. In showing consequences and internal conflicts that arise when living across dominant (Western) and subaltern (African) divides, it challenges colonial dichotomies that continue to dominate the development discourse. In highlighting what the informal/formal dichotomy overlooks, the study seeks to encourage a process of repositioning and expanding informality to better account for its political role in ‘thinking’ and ‘doing’ development.

Existence of Women Activists in Aceh Politics After the Helsinki MOU

The existence of women can be seen in the participation form in public dimension and politics is like the efforts to achieve peace in Aceh. The role of women activists not only in the times of conflict, but also in peacetime is a reality, however it still less exposed. Undoubtedly that the Acehnese women activist from time to time have played a big role. But in fact there are still less of Acehnese women that have opportunity to be active role in the government. For the politics only still have limited space to move. As well as the role in political parties, women only fulfill the political parties quota. This research aims to know the involvement of women activist in politics of Aceh and to know the role of women activist pasca MOU Helsinki in relations to the rights of engagement in Aceh politics. The result of research shows that the existence of Acehnese women in times of conflict until peacetime, really concentrates on the issues that related to women and fighting for the women’s right. Afterwards the role of Acehnese women activist is not only limited in the role of social program of humanity, but it already leads to the role of practical politics, hopes to sit down in the parlement to be born the policy and the regulation that set the protection of women rights and the women empowerment from every sectors. It is reasonable that Acehnese women put hopes on politics to change the fate of Acehnese women civilization now and in the future.

Russian Experience in Legal Regulation of BRICS Investment Platforms

Aim. The article aims to formulate the problem of formation of such type of investment institutions as investment platform in BRICS.Tasks. The objectives of the article are defined by the fact that the executive director of the Russian Direct Investment Fund proposed to create a joint investment platform of BRICS countries, allowing BRICS members to invest more actively in the economies of their partners. And as is known, BRICS countries currently play a significant and constantly growing role in world politics and international relations. Methods. In the process of research the set tasks were solved by the author usin g general scientific (historical, dialectical, systemic, logical, method of analysis) and legal (comparative legal, sociological, axiological) research methods.Results. The result of the research is the proposal based on the Russian experience of regulation of platform services (financial platforms, investment platforms and information systems) on the formation on the basis of the Russian regulation model of the concept of building the corresponding institution within BRICS. At the same time, the article also draws attention to possible problems that may arise during the preparation of the relevant international act. In particular, the implementation of this initiative raises a wide range of technical, economic and legal issues that require detailed consideration.Conclusions. When choosing specific investment methods that can be used on such a platform, it is necessary to take into account the needs of businesses and the population, both in the long-term and short-term attraction and placement of resources. In particular, legal regulation of the choice of the legal regime for investment should influence the choice of the legal status of entities that will be admitted to such a platform, highlighting, for example, qualified investors or retail investors.

The Green Party of the United States: Establishment and Entry into Big Politics

The article considers the long and complicated history of the Green Party in the United States (from 1984 to 2001), as well as its further political role as a «third party» – up to the establishment of the Green New Deal as its main ideological and election platform for the 2012 presidential elections. This topic is of interest due to the fact that, amid the global relevance of «green» political and economic agenda in the 21st century, the environmental parties are meant to play a special role – let alone in the country that claims leadership in the field of environmental (primarily, climate) policy. In this context, the situation that the Green Party in the United States is in a secondary position and does not have a decisive influence on real politics, looks all the more illogical. The specifics of the American Greens’ political strategy and tactics are analyzed, which allowed to reach a new level of political struggle as an alternative and oppositional political force towards both establishment parties – the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. Nevertheless, the Democrats led by President J. Biden have intercepted the Green Party’s preelection program and won the 2020 elections with it. This testifies to strategic mistakes made by the American Greens and casts doubt on their future political fate.

The Declining Role of Islamic Politics and The Jokowi’s Factors in the 2024 Presidential Election: A Study of Contemporary Political Policies and Dynamics in Indonesia

Research Problem: This abstract discusses the complex challenges faced by Islamic parties in the 2024 presidential election related to Jokowi's role as president. This report focuses on the dynamics of constellation formation between candidates competing in the 2024 presidential election. Research purposes: The main aim of this abstract is to examine the complexity of the problems faced by Islamic parties in the 2024 presidential election. This report aims to explain why Islamic parties cannot unite, but instead try to defeat each other in the election, due to the existence of forces outside of them who are capable of determine political dynamics in a presidential system. Research methods: Methodologically, this abstract refers to a case study of the experience of Islamic parties in contesting the 2024 presidential election in Indonesia. This report uses a qualitative analysis approach to investigate the political dynamics of the 2024 presidential election which also involves the influence of President Jokowi. Results and Discussion: This abstract discusses the challenges faced by political parties in Indonesia, especially Islamic political parties, in the 2024 presidential election which will be held simultaneously with the legislative elections. President Jokowi's influence is important in popularizing political parties that support the presidential candidates he supports, so that it also influences the results of the legislative elections for each Islamic party. Research Implications and Contributions: This abstract provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by Islamic parties, both those that already exist and those that are just emerging in the 2024 elections. This report invites further research and discussion regarding important external (influence of the President in power) and internal aspects of Islamic parties. (institutional power and their consolidation).

Al-Azhar University's Indonesian Student Alumni Strategic Role Analysis in Influencing the Politics of Indonesia-Egypt Foreign Policy

Al-Azhar University has a crucial role in shaping Indonesia's domestic politics and foreign policy, especially in its relations with Egypt. The university's Indonesian alums have significantly contributed to this process, occupying strategic positions in government and religious institutions. This research aims to analyze the impact of these alumni on Indonesia-Egypt diplomatic relations through their roles in policy formulation. This study employs a qualitative research method, utilizing a descriptive-analytical approach. Data was collected through secondary sources, including relevant documents and literature, and analyzed using qualitative analysis techniques. The results demonstrate that Indonesian alums of Al-Azhar University have substantially influenced Indonesia's foreign policy towards Egypt, particularly in promoting moderate Islamic values and diplomacy. Their involvement has strengthened bilateral relations, as evidenced by increased educational cooperation and diplomatic initiatives. The findings emphasize the strategic role of these alumni in bridging the diplomatic gap between Indonesia and Egypt through soft power diplomacy.

On the politics of constitutional law: an environmental case study of the role of politics and economics in constitutional appeals

AbstractThe U.S. government has responded to concern about climate change through regulation of carbon-dioxide emissions by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Air Act. Regulation of the electric power industry has been central to the fight to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions, but these regulations have been challenged by constitutional appeals that have resulted in episodic advances and reversals. Grounds for constitutional appeal of environmental laws are many, but at their core is the question of whether a given law is consistent with the constitution. If constitutionality is central to the positions the attorneys general take on appeals of environmental regulations, political and economic factors should not affect their positions. Empirical evidence presented in this case study shows, however, that these factors are correlated with the positions the attorneys general of the U.S. states and District of Columbia took towards constitutional appeals of regulations of carbon-dioxide emissions from the electric power industry. At a broader level, these findings shed useful light on the question of how constitutional appeals are brought.

The distorting effects of the for-or-against binary in the representation of European refugee hosting societies in 2015–6

Abstract European receiving societies’ reactions to the increased refugee arrivals of 2015–6 were represented through a for-or-against binary, which focused on whether locals were hospitable or hostile to refugees. This article offers a critical examination of the making and effects of this binary, examining its discursive unfolding in the Greek island of Chios. Its findings show that the repeated use of the for-or-against framing by different actors resulted in the acceleration of the polarization that this representational scheme was purporting merely to describe, benefiting anti-refugee actors on the ground, obscuring a more complex understanding of the root causes of the developing ‘crisis’, and closing down the possibility of host societies imagining a future with refugees. This research contributes to a clearer understanding of the way host societies have been represented in recent years and of how radical political actors took advantage of these discursive practices to claim a central political role.

Decent work deficit in India: Deterioration and determinants

Abstract India is being projected internationally as a country of good growth and good governance, which in turn, it is asserted, should lead to prosperity for its people, especially in terms of proper employment, income, and overall standard of living. Drawing on certain dimensions of decent work proposed by International Labour Organization to measure the quality of employment in India, this article explores how far the notions of good/high growth and good governance discourse are corroborated by the evidence of good quality employment in India. The study is based on the nationally representative unit/individual-level data published by the Government of India during the three periods 2009–10, 2018–19, and 2022–23. The main findings of analysis are: (a) the overall quality of employment in India is poor and stagnant or deteriorating, and (b) the macro-level (sub-national state-level) aspects, such as the overall volume of economic activities, the extent of quality governance, the flexibility of business regulatory environment and better labour law-related compliance, have had a significant negative influence on the quality of employment. Thus, this paper suggests that the very policy environment and the pattern of economic growth have put a drag on the quality of employment in India. Given this, we suggest a variety of countervailing policy options and emphasise the role of civil society and politics.

Perceptions of women’s leadership in urban governance in the communes of greater Lomé, Togo

Perceptions of women’s roles and leadership in urban governance vary from country to country and culture to culture. While women are represented and participate fully in political decision-making in some countries, in Togo women’s participation in local governance is still limited. The aim of this research is to analyse perceptions of women’s leadership in urban governance in the communes of greater Lomé. Specifically, the study of the influence of general perceptions of the role of women on the development of their leadership in the urban governance of greater Lomé (i) and the implications of these perceptions on the participation of women in the urban governance of greater Lomé (ii). Semi-structured interviews were conducted in all the town halls of the thirteen greater Lomé autonomous district communes with 222 women and 162 men, i.e., a total of 384 people. The corpus created from the interviews, which were transcribed in their entirety, was analyzed using the theory of social dominance developed by Sidanius and Pratto to explain power relations and inequalities between social groups. The results show that perceptions of women’s participation in urban governance vary and are generally associated with several significant implications. The general perception is that women are not as competent or legitimate as men in political and administrative leadership roles. However, there is a growing recognition of the value of gender diversity in urban governance, with a growing awareness of the importance of including women in decision-making processes. From the point of view of the significant implications of perceptions, positive perceptions favor increased representation of women, innovation, and creativity, strengthening legitimacy, reducing inequalities, and presenting women as positive role models in urban governance.

'Political Role in Journalism': Issues and Challenges in Nepal and Beyond

This paper examines the intricate connection between politics and journalism, highlighting the difficulties and effects of political influence on journalistic practices. The study shows, through a review of the, statement of problem, study of object and literature, that political beliefs have a major influence on media narratives, which frequently results in skewed reporting. The study is dependence of self-censorship, especially in authoritarian regimes. The crucial role that journalism plays in influencing public opinion and its consequences for democratic processes are also covered in this essay. It also draws attention to the difficulties that journalists encounter in politically delicate situations, such as censorship, physical threats, and legal constraints. The results highlight the necessity for journalistic independence and integrity to support democratic processes, as well as the dual role that media plays as a safeguard for democracy and a possible conduit for political influence. The study highlights the role that independent journalism plays in defending democratic norms in Nepal and notes the challenges that journalists confront in upholding impartiality and moral standards in the face of political polarization.

Versatile Shades of Economics

The concept of "Versatile Shades of Economics" explores the diverse and interconnected facets of economic theory and practice. This paper delves into the complexity of economics, emphasizing its broad scope across various dimensions, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, and financial systems such as capitalism and socialism. It highlights the contrast between rational and behavioural economics, while also considering specialized fields like development, environmental, and international economics. The role of political, institutional, and feminist economics is discussed, revealing how social, cultural, and political factors shape economic outcomes. By examining these multifaceted approaches, this exploration provides a comprehensive understanding of how economics addresses global challenges, adapts to evolving societal needs, and remains a dynamic force in shaping both policy and everyday life.