Clan System Research Articles

CUSTOMARY LAND GOVERNANCE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION AMONG THE DEBNE AND WEIMA AFAR CLANS, NORTHEAST ETHIOPIA

This study is based on three months of fieldwork among the Debne and Weima Afar clans in Amibara woreda (district), Afar National Regional State (ANRS), Ethiopia, which was conducted in three rounds in 2016, 2018 and 2022. The purpose of the study is to explore the customary organisational structure and the rules and regulations employed by the local communities in managing natural resources on their rangelands as well as in resolving conflicts. While the clan system provides the basis for the Afar social and political organisation, claims to land are made at subclan and lineage levels. The formal administration largely functions using the clan structure, as it has more legitimacy than the state itself. Given the infrastructural limitations and legitimacy deficits of the government in the region, this paper argues that the clan system continues to play a dominating role when it comes to social organisation, resource management and conflict resolution. This article was published open access under a CC BY-NC 4.0 licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ .

Integrated study on the conservation of ecocultural heritage in the Tiantai Mountain area, China

This study deeply analyzes the ecocultural heritage of the Tiantai Mountain area in Eastern China, assesses its current status and explores effective mechanisms for its conservation and construction. Employing remote sensing technology, kernel density analysis and Minimum Cumulative Resistance Model, the study comprehensively evaluated the environmental characteristics of the region and its role in historical and modern conservation efforts. The results demonstrate the unique distribution patterns of ecocultural heritage in various conservation zones, such as restoration, controlled construction and core conservation zone. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of religious beliefs and clan systems in the preservation of traditional knowledge and practices, with significant impacts of local community participation on conservation strategies. This research provides new theoretical and practical support for the implemention of ecocultural heritage conservation and development within religiously significant areas, highlights the need for conservation measures and synergistic strategies between ecological and cultural practices.

SEJARAH PEMERINTAHAN MARGA PEGAGAN ILIR SUKU II DI DESA SUNGAI PINANG

Clan rule has existed in South Sumatra since the time of the Palembang Sultanate. Then in the 19th century, the clan developed, marked by the existence of several clans, one of which was the Pegagan Ilir Tribe II clan in Sungai Pinang Village. However, based on the Decree of the Governor of South Sumatra in 1983, the clan system was abolished and then replaced with villages. This research aims to review the history of the Pegagan Ilir Suku II clan which was abolished. The method used is a qualitative method with data collection techniques through interviews and literature. The Tribe II clan was founded when the Dutch came to the Palembang area. This clan was founded in 1860 AD, based in Sungai Pinang Village 1. The leader of the Pegagan Ilir Suku II clan was a Pasirah who was directly elected by the community. The most famous Pasirah was Abdul Cholik, then after his reign it was continued by Haji Malian, namely his son and then continued by his son Haji Muhammad Noer. The development of religion and education in the Pegagan Ilir Tribe II clan is also very good. The conclusion of this research is that the Pegagan Ilir Tribe II clan is a government system led by Pasirah who ruled very well, where during the reign of this Pasirah, Sungai Pinang Village developed both from a religious and educational perspective.

VII. Eine Entwicklungsgeschichte des chinesischen Familien- und Erbrechts im Lichte der Rezeption des deutschen BGB

Summary In contrast with China’s several millennia of civilization history, its history of civil law legislation had not started until the late Qing-Dynasty (1911). This discrepancy stood out prominently in the correlated areas of the family law and inheritance law due to China’s cultural features and the compatible cultural awareness of its people, which had naturalized and legitimized their practices in both areas. Actually, in no other areas had the cultural consciousness, the deep-rooted cultural psychology and the consciousness-driven behavioral patterns of the Chinese families and individuals been more profoundly shaped by the rules of rites and etiquette, the ethical rules and the patriarchal clan system, central customary-legal elements enshrined in the Chinese history. As its key achievement, the legal modernization in the late Qing period (1902–1911) brought forth the Civil Code of the Qing- Dynasty (ZGE), the first such milestone in China’s legal history, initiating the civil law legislation in China. With regard to China’s special legal-historical and legal-cultural background, the drafters of the ZGE – especially its family and inheritance law – had to revolutionarily modernize the Chinese civil law, while at the same time, transferring certain traditional cultural legacies. This could not have been possible without adopting the German Civil Code (BGB) as the primary foreign codification model, especially from the legal-technical, legal-systematic and legal-dogmatic perspective. Ever since then, the evolution of the Chinese civil law has been closely connected with the adoption of the BGB, while the history of the former runs parallel to the history of the latter. The influences of the BGB on China’s major civil law codifications, including also the Civil Code of the Republic of China (1929–1931) and the PRC Civil Code (2020), have been significant and continuous. It is legal-historically insightful to probe into these influences while examining the evolutionary history of the Chinese family and inheritance law ever codified since the ZGE, and, accordingly, retracing and closely analyzing the pre-modern state of both areas.

Transformation of the political elite of Kyrgyzstan (1991-2024): Dynamics and analysis

Relevance. This study is relevant as it analyzes the complex transformation of Kyrgyzstan's political elite since independence, examining critical issues like the impact of revolutions, persistence of clan systems, and challenges to democratization. Purpose. The purpose of the study was to analyse the dynamics and transformation of the political elite of Kyrgyzstan since independence to identify the main trends and factors determining its evolution. Methodology. The research uses mixed methods, including legislative analysis, statistical data review, and content analysis of political speeches. Results. The results revealed that the political elite of Kyrgyzstan as a phenomenon still remains a clan-based, elite-patronage system with elements of corruption and requires a rethink of ineffective behavioural practices that have acquired a cyclical character, undermining the effectiveness of a series of revolutions that have occurred. It was highlighted that the increased number of revolutionary events in the country indicates both the strengthening of national identity and the desire to set the country on the path of democratic development, and the difficulties in forming a new political elite due to various factors. A comparative analysis of events in other Central Asian countries demonstrates similar trends in the establishment of political elites and obstacles in the establishment of democracy. Conclusions. The study concludes that the political elite remains largely based on patronage networks despite regime changes. Revolutionary events have not led to sustainable democratic reforms. Gender representation has improved but falls short of goals. Press freedom faces increasing restrictions. The research suggests that achieving stable democratic governance requires addressing clan politics, corruption, and weak institutions. It emphasizes the need for transparent, merit-based systems in political recruitment. The study highlights the ongoing tension between democratic aspirations and authoritarian practices in Kyrgyzstan's political landscape. Keywords: hybridity; cyclicality; solidarity; security; clan elite selection system; elite patronage system

THE MONGOL EMPIRE AND KOREA: FROM WAR TO VASSALAGE

The purpose of the article is an in-depth analysis of the complex relationship between the Mongolian Empire and the Korean state from the period of military conflicts to the establishment of vassalage. The research is aimed at identifying the key factors determining the course and historical significance of these relations. The novelty of the study lies in an in-depth analysis of the numerous Mongol campaigns against Korea and the resistance of Korea. The main direction of the research is to study the impact of these events on the historical dynamics of the region and the development of society as a whole. Special attention is paid to the analysis of diplomatic and trade relations between the nomads of the Far East and Korea, as well as China's role in the fate of Korea as a traditional overlord. Despite the difficult times, the article emphasizes that Korea was able to maintain its autonomy and become a key hub on the Great Silk Road, which contributed to the development of handicraft production and increased its authority. The article represents an important contribution to historical science, enriching our understanding of the complex relationships in the Northeast Asian region. The practical significance of the article lies in the possibility of applying its results to a deeper analysis of modern geopolitical processes. The research methodology includes an analytical approach to data interpretation and a comparative analysis of historical events. The authors analyze the impact of the collapse of the clan system and the crisis of the central government on the military system of the Korean state, paying attention to changes in the mobilization system, which turned out to be one of the reasons for the deterioration of the political and social situation in the country. As a result of the research, the key factors determining the course of relations between the Mongolian Empire and the Korean state have been identified. The analysis allows us to conclude that these events are important for shaping the historical trajectory of both peoples and the region as a whole.

Tradition and Modernity: The Interface of Clan Structures and Electoral Politics in Naga Society

This paper delves into the intricate relationship between clan structures and electoral politics within Naga society, focusing on the interface between tradition and modernity. Challenging the perception of traditional institutions as static entities, the study highlights how clan structures are not timeless but rather modern constructs, subject to reinvention and adaptation. Drawing on the works of Hobsbawm and Ranger (1983), the research explores how clan members navigate power dynamics and political influences, particularly in the context of emerging political elites. By employing a social construction approach, the author investigates how traditional clan systems influence modern electoral contestation and vice versa. Through fieldwork conducted in Phaibung Khullen village, the author, an insider researcher, examines the interplay between traditional practices and contemporary electoral processes. The findings underscore the mutual reconfiguration of clan structures and electoral politics, emphasizing the enduring influence of tradition on modern political mobilization. This study contributes to a nuanced understanding of how traditional institutions shape and are shaped by the evolving landscape of electoral contestation in Naga society, highlighting the complex interface between tradition and modernity in clan-based communities.

KEARIFAN LOKAL DALAM PENGELOLAAN KERBAU MOA PADA MASYARAKAT PULAU MOA PROVINSI MALUKU

The purpose of this study is a study of the application of local wisdom in the management of Moa buffalo. This research was conducted on Moa Island, Southwest Maluku Regency, Maluku Province. The research used survey method. The data collected consists of primary and secondary data. Primary data collection was carried out using FGD techniques and observations involving farmers, traditional stakeholders, saniri, soa heads, village heads, government representatives. Secondary data are obtained through the results of previous research and related agencies. Data is analyzed descriptively through several stages, namely surveys, research implementation, data analysis, discussion and conclusions. The results showed that until now local wisdom practices in the management of Moa buffalo that are passed down from generation to generation still exist which include the division of shepherd groups in East Moa based on soa or clan system and the use of buffalo as a tool of customary sanctions. The use of buffalo for traditional ceremonies is not judged based on the selling price but is determined based on body weight and amount in accordance with applicable customary rules. Moa buffalo is also used for dowry, house cover, medium of exchange (buying land and motor vehicles), marking on livestock (ear tags), grazing systems and housing (lutur). The use of buffalo for traditional death ceremonies is no longer used because it is considered burdensome for bereaved families.

Population structure and migration in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea, a region impacted by the kuru epidemic

Populations of the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea (EHPNG, area 11,157km2) lived in relative isolation from the rest of the world until the mid-20th century, and the region contains a wealth of linguistic and cultural diversity. Notably, several populations of EHPNG were devastated by an epidemic prion disease, kuru, which at its peak in the mid-twentieth century led to some villages being almost depleted of adult women. Until now, population genetic analyses to learn about genetic diversity, migration, admixture, and the impact of the kuru epidemic have been restricted to a small number of variants or samples. Here, we present a population genetic analysis of the region based on genome-wide genotype data of 943 individuals from 21 linguistic groups and 68 villages in EHPNG, including 34 villages in the South Fore linguistic group, the group most affected by kuru. We find a striking degree of genetic population structure in the relatively small region (average FST between linguistic groups 0.024). The genetic population structure correlates well with linguistic grouping, with some noticeable exceptions that reflect the clan system of community organization that has historically existed in EHPNG. We also detect the presence of migrant individuals within the EHPNG region and observe a significant excess of females among migrants compared to among non-migrants in areas of high kuru exposure (p= 0.0145, chi-squared test). This likely reflects the continued practice of patrilocality despite documented fears and strains placed on communities as a result of kuru and its associated skew in female incidence.

The Survival Dilemmas of Qinglou Talented Women in the Late Ming Dynasty and Their Encounters with the Patriarchal Order

Abstract During the Ming and Qing Dynasties it was common thought that the Qinglou talented women were not bound by normal human relationships and women’s virtues because they lived outside the patriarchal order. Chased after by male bigwigs in the society, they mingled at upper-class male playing places and obtained higher reputations because of their outstanding talent. However, they held a very contradictory position because, especially in the Ming dynasty, women’s virtues were still regarded as an important standard of female evaluation in the society. On the one hand, they faced dilemmas in their living conditions, and on the other, there was a subtle interaction between their living space and the patriarchal clan system – this also occurred because of changes created by the patriarchal clan system and social rules, which exerted a continuous influence on the way a female could survive in the later imperial period. Based on historical and literary documents such as jottings, novels, and unofficial history of Ming and Qing Dynasties, this essay aims at analyzing the living space of these talented women.

Images of torture: ‘affective solidarity’ and the search for ransom in the global Somali community

ABSTRACT Recent migration trends among the Somali youth and the rise of the migrant smuggling network, in Somali known as Magafe, have rendered traditional practices of solidarity ambiguous. Somali notions of solidarity have historically been a mechanism of care within the clan system. In this article, we argue that traditional practices of solidarity are challenged through the intensification of ransom collection in the Somali community. In recent years, increasing numbers of young Somali migrants have been taken captive in the deserts of Sudan and Libya. Appealing to affective responses, the Magafe network use images and sound recordings of beatings and torture to convince family members, and the wider Somali community, to pay extortionate ransoms. Based on fieldwork conducted in Somaliland in 2013, 2015 and 2021 among Somali families affected by irregular youth migration, the article finds that the willingness and ability of clan members to pay the ever-increasing sums are dwindling. Consequently, mass and social media are widely used by family members and the Magafe network alike to spread the images, sound bites and the phone numbers for money transfer. They thereby appeal to what the article conceptualizes as the ‘affective solidarity’ of the global Somali community.

Фактор политической стабильности и устойчивости в привлечении прямых иностранных инвестиций в страны Центральной Азии

Abstract. Introduction: the region under analysis is of strategic importance in terms of geopolitics and geo-economics of the post-Soviet territory. Having a special transit potential, the region’s involvement in the modern international processes is actively growing. In addition, the politicalgeographical area of the Central Asia countries is diversified: some of them have a relatively good standard of living and are rich in resources (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan), while the others reveal a problematic political situation (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan).; the former demonstrate generally high level of political stability during the post-Soviet period and have stable political systems, while the latter, in contrast, are marked mostly by instability and unsustainability. At the same time, these countries display similar features, such as a significant proportion of public sector and low rates of innovation and technological development; the institution of head of the state plays the role in the political field, regional division of elite groups and clan system are clearly marked, as well as a strong influence of cultural-historical specificity of the society. Objectives: to reveal the importance of the political stability and sustainability factor for attracting foreign direct investment to the Central Asia countries. Methods: the study of political stability and sustainability is built on the system approach, comparative-political analysis, index analysis; the countries investment attractiveness, economic opportunities and economic potential are dealt with through comparative-economic analysis of statistical data; the hypothesis on the influence of political stability and sustainability factor on the influx of foreign direct investment is tested by the extended Dickey-Fuller criterion and the Granger test for causality. Results: the study showed that the factor of political stability and sustainability is not the determining factor for attracting foreign direct investment to the countries of Central Asia. Conclusions: the influx of foreign direct investment into Central Asia countries is likely to be largely dependent on their economic development and/or other factors.

Translocating Trajectories, Transnational Mobilities: The Cross-border Migration and Livelihoods of Hmong in the Tri-state Area Between China, Vietnam, and Laos

This study investigates the transborder activities of the Hmong people within the tri-state area of China, Vietnam, and Laos, which emphasises their adaptive strategies in the face of evolving geopolitical and economic contexts. Through comprehensive multisite ethnographic fieldwork and snowball sampling, this study captures a wide array of perspectives from individuals directly engaged in industries crucial to the borderlands’ economy, such as tourism, hospitality, and trade. It highlights the Hmong’s utilisation of cultural and linguistic capital to navigate opportunities within and across their transnational networks. Key to their adaptive strategies is the role of South-South cooperation, which fosters regional integration and offers new economic opportunities while also allowing ethnic locals to retain significant aspects of their livelihoods. This study provides insights into how the Hmong community utilises both traditional clan systems and modern entrepreneurial practices to enhance their economic standing and cultural engagement across borders, which contributes to a broader understanding of minority groups’ roles in global and regional development.

The Distinction Between Private and Public Law in Relation to Their Genesis

The article states the unresolved problem in science of distinction of public and private. For the first time it is proposed to distinct between private and public law on the basis of their social functions at the stage of formation of legal relations in society, from the perspective of the genesis of law. We believe that the reconstruction of the social processes that have led to the formation of the law as a universal regulator of social relations can be performed by means of a retrospective interpretation of customary law norms. Upon that, we proceed from the assumption that specific historical forms of customary law may reflect the forms of the transition of society from the usurping economy to the producing economy. This process is the starting point for the formation of both private law and the establishment of power relations based on subordination, as opposed to the gender and age hierarchy of clan system. Consideration of these processes leads to conclusions about customary law as a universal source of private law. The law as an expression of the will of the state forms public law. The competition between these two sources of law creates particular features of the national legal system and reflects the relationship between the State and civil society. The genesis of legal institutions is connected with the legal awareness of the people and is expressed in social relations at more distant stages of development. An example of this is the historical facts of the past, which are well known to science. The history of annexation to Russia of Eastern Siberia and its predominantly Buryat clans is well known and described in a number of historical scientific publications. Therefore, the interpretation of well-known legal norms and legal documents of this period allows to reveal actual existing in historical times of the limits of legal regulation in private and public law. This leads to the conclusion that most civilizations have historically developed their optimal balance between state and society.

Ethnic History and Settlement of the Sunacks on the Territory of Kazakhstan

Of particular importance when considering questions of the origin of the history of an ethnic group is the study of some ethnic, ethnographic, and other groups. In particular, these groups are a consequence of the territorial division of part of the ethnic group, the incompleteness of the process of assimilation of some other population or part of it, the remnants of a previously existing tribal division, as well as the presence of a special ethnosocial or ethnoconfessional status (subethnic group) of a certain part of the population. This article examines the ethnogenesis and main regions where the Sunaks are located as a subethnic group that is not included in the tribal and clan system of traditional Kazakh society. Ethnographic studies show that such ethnic groups consisted of different clans, tribes, and even peoples, but in language, culture, economic, and cultural type they were very close to the Kazakh ethnic group. The Sunaks, as representatives of a subethnic group, inhabit the territory of modern southern Kazakhstan. The settlement area of the Sunaks was a clearly concentrated space - the middle stream of the Syr Darya. In addition, the Sunaks did not lead a nomadic lifestyle, like representatives of other tribal formations that inhabited the southern part of Kazakhstan.

Are People in Chinese Rural Areas Conscious of the Law, and What Are the Impacts?

Contemporary society benefits from having a strong sense of the law because it makes it easier for people to live better in a society where the law is upheld. Without effective law enforcement, society may descend into anarchy, making it impossible to protect the rights and safety of its citizens. Yet many Chinese residents in rural regions do not have a basic understanding of the law. The first is that certain rural areas are economically underdeveloped due to their isolation and limited accessibility. As a result, it contributed to a certain extent to the clan system in rural regions, and a lack of knowledge led to some peoples dismissal of the law. The absence of courts is the final factor for poor infrastructure. It has been suggested that education be improved and more advertising in rural regions to increase legal publicity. Additionally, the government may arrange for additional volunteers to take part in legal assistance initiatives in remote regions, which would help to address the issue of a lack of attorneys. The government might potentially make improvements to an itinerant program that has been successful in some rural parts of China. However, these options have certain drawbacks, which will be discussed later.

‘Je suis corse, un homme de village’: Towards a Study of Contemporary Corsican Nationalism (1959–98)

AbstractThis article reconstructs the genesis and developments of contemporary Corsican nationalism between 1959 to 1998, from the emergence of regionalism to the most dramatic phase of the resurgence of violence represented by the murder of Prefect Claude Érignac. The underlying hypothesis for this study is that Corsica embodies the community of destiny through a dialogue between tradition and modernity. With regard to permanency, what remains is a community and clan‐oriented mentality with a lasting impact upon nationalism. The emergence of contemporary Corsican nationalism must be viewed from a dual perspective: on the one hand, as a traditional system reserved for members of certain families according to a clan‐based approach; on the other, there is a protest movement that does not imply the dismantlement of the clan system but its renewal on the basis of criteria of democracy, equality and justice.

Y chromosome evidence confirms northeast Asian origin of Xinjiang Kazakhs and genetic influence from 18th century expansion of Kerey clan

AbstractThe Kazakhs of Xinjiang province are characterized by their nomadic lifestyle and patrilineal clan system. However, compared to Central Asian Kazakhs, a lack of Y chromosomal high-resolution analysis has hindered our understanding of the paternal history of modern Xinjiang Kazakhs.MethodsIn this study, we present the analysis of 110 Y-SNP data from 209 Altay Kazakhs and 201 Ili Kazakhs in Xinjiang, along with their previously reported 24 Y-STR loci data.Results and discussionWe found that the Y chromosome haplogroups exhibit greater diversity in Altay Kazakhs compared to Kazakhs in Kazakhstan, Russia, and other regions of China. Y-SNP-based PCA plots reveal that both the Altay and Ili Kazakhs are situated between the Turkic, Mongolia, and Tibeto-Burman clusters. The dominant haplogroup C2a1a3-F1918, which originated in northeast Asia during the Neolithic Age, accounts for nearly half of the Altay and Ili Kazakhs. The Y lineage network of C2a1a3-F1918 contained two subclusters. Approximately 60.6% of the Altay Kazakhs belong to the DYS448-23 subcluster, indicating their Kerey-Abakh ancestry. On the other hand, around three-quarters of the Ili Kazakhs belong to the DYS448-22 subcluster, suggesting their Kerey-Ashmaily heritage. Notably, the TMRCA ages of the DYS448-23 subcluster were calculated to be 289.4 ± 202.65 years, which aligns with the historical immigration of the Kerey clan back to the Altay Mountains after the defeat of the Dzungar by the Qing dynasty in the mid-18th century.

Artificial Intelligence and the Remodeling of the Arab Clan Culture: A Comprehensive Analysis

For public organizations looking to assure fairness and meritocracy, the clan system—which refers to the employment and advancement of people based on their family or social connections—has long been a problem. By increasing efficiency, decreasing bias, and facilitating improved decision-making, artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to drastically alter the clan system of public institutions. This study employs a qualitative methodology to offer insightful explanations of how AI can influence the clan system in public organizations. Qualitative research can aid in the development of responsible and efficient AI systems that support equality, empowerment, and effectiveness by examining the experiences and viewpoints of people participating in hiring and promotion processes. The study finds that artificial intelligence can lessen the impact of clan ties in the hiring process and guarantee that the best individuals are chosen for the position. Additionally, AI-powered tools can be used to find any irregularities in the hiring process and offer suggestions for improvement. AI can be used to evaluate performance and make promotion decisions in addition to recruitment. AI can assist in ensuring that promotions are based on merit rather than clan allegiance by evaluating employee performance data and spotting patterns and anomalies. Additionally, AI can offer insight into the knowledge and training that will best increase performance, enabling public agencies to give their staff members specialized training and development opportunities. In general, this study concludes that the use of these technologies is ethical and transparent. It is important to ensure that they are applied ethically and transparently to avoid unintended consequences and ensure that they benefit all people equally. In addition, the study emphasizes the importance of considering the cultural and social context in which AI is implemented to ensure that it is consistent with community values and norms.

The Investigating the Oppression of Toba Batak Women: Call for Empowerment and Woman Leadership

This research has been developed around the two contrasting views/themes of the Toba Batak women's oppression and call for women's empowerment and leadership. It initially explored the philosophy of the Toba Batak society while identifying the forces of Toba Batak women's suppression. It has examined and critically analyzed the Toba Batak society and its patriarchal culture. It has been discovered that the Toba Batak women are subordinated because of an attitude or disposition dictated and perpetuated by the cultural belief systems, especially the social system of the clan (marga), which places women under the authority of men. Consequently, women are considered mere objects to men, particularly in childbearing, because they must be available to produce male children; otherwise, they suffer exclusion from the clan system, including being a leader. In order to gather data and explore the problem more deeply, this research uses a case study and a qualitative method through a literature study. Rethinking Toba Batak Philosophy and family practices involves rethinking the Toba Batak kinship arrangement and embodying it through substitute liberating, non-discriminating practices. In order to construct space to promote equality between men and women in Toba Batak society, the rethinking and counter-acting of patriarchal Toba Batak philosophy and family practices is essential and fundamental. This way, a cultural analysis will create a more appropriate proposal for addressing women's subjection. A culturalist approach (like promoting newer beliefs through habitual alternative practices) may be similarly called forth to foster women empowerment.