Search Subject Areas | Preprints.org

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201704.0038.v1

Epistemic Regards on Food as a Commons: Plurality of Schools, Genealogy of Meanings, Confusing Vocabularies

José Luis Vivero-Pol

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: food; commons; epistemologies of food; commons epistemologies; food narratives; food values; public good theory; academic schools; paradigms

Online: 7 April 2017 (04:13:41 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Commons and food are experiencing a revival in recent years and yet the links between both are almost absent in academic and political discourses. Commons are often portrayed as historical and yet innovative governing mechanisms that can challenge the State-Market hegemony. On the other side, food is both a relevant agent of change and a major driver of planetary destruction, being thus cause and solution to multiple crises that affect humankind. Departing from the commodification of food as one root cause of the broken global food system, this text firstly situates and discusses the different schools of thought (or epistemologies) that have addressed the private/public, commodity/commons nature of goods in general, and then explores how those schools have considered food in particular. To do so, the author has defined five epistemologies, four academic (economic, legal, historical and political) and one non-academic (grassroots activists). The analysis highlights how those epistemologies have yielded incommensurable understandings and conflicting vocabularies, hence creating confusion in the socio-political realm and even rejection around the idea of food being considered as a commons. The economic epistemic regard has reigned over the others by applying an approach to commons, public and private goods that is theoretical, reductionist and ontological instead of phenomenological, therefore preventing or obscuring other scholarly or practical understanding of commons. When applied to food, the iron law of economics dictated that food, a private good based on rivalry and excludability, shall be better allocated through market mechanisms with absolute proprietary rights and valued as a pure commodity. This reductionist view collides with the plurality of meanings of food in different societies, civilisations and historical periods, as other schools of thought indicate. The author uses diverse epistemic tools to re-construct food as a commons, based on its essentiality to human beings and societies and the customary and contemporary praxis to produce, consume and govern food collectively through non-market mechanisms for more than 2000 centuries. As commoning has instituting power to create different political and legal frameworks, if food is valued differently the entire architecture of the global food system would change, as the grassroots activist school claims. Re-commoning food defies the legal and political scaffoldings that sustain the hegemony of market and state decision-makers over eaters and food producers and informs sustainable forms of food production (agro-ecology), new collective practices of governance (food democracies) and alternative policies to regain control over the food system (food sovereignty). Food as a commons is an agent of change with transformative power, no matter what economists say.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201608.0235.v1

American’s Energy Future: An Analysis of the Proposed Energy Policy Plans in Presidential Election

Ming-Hsun Cheng, Minliang Yang, Yu Wang

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: president election; renewable energy; energy future; public opinion; polarization

Online: 31 August 2016 (08:34:50 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint CASE REPORT | doi:10.20944/preprints201612.0072.v1

Muslim Woman Seeking Work: An English Case Study with a Dutch Comparison, of Discrimination and Achievement

Christopher Bagley, Mahmoud Abubaker

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: racial discrimination; employment; United Kingdom; The Netherlands; black and ethnic minorities; women; Islam; alienation

Online: 14 December 2016 (07:54:52 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201608.0034.v1

Piracy and the Politics of Social Media

Martin Fredriksson Almqvist

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: piracy; pirate party; political mobilization; political parties; information politics; social media; activism

Online: 3 August 2016 (16:36:14 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201705.0185.v1

Low-Carbon Transport Policy in ASEAN Countries: A Comparative Analysis

Stefan Bakker, Kathleen Dematera Contreras, Monica Kappiantari, Tuan Anh Nguyen, Danielle Guillen, Gessarin Gunthawong, Mark Zuidgeest, Duncan Liefferink, Martin van Maarseveen

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: transport policy; ASEAN countries; low-carbon transport; comparative analysis; climate change mitigation

Online: 25 May 2017 (08:30:52 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201607.0083.v1

Low Carbon Urban Transitioning in Shenzhen: A Multi-Level Environmental Governance Perspective

Zhanglan Wu, Jie Tang, Dong Wang

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: urban sustainability; environmental governance; energy policy

Online: 27 July 2016 (05:56:56 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202204.0051.v1

BWC Assurance: Increasing Certainty in BWC Compliance

Matthew Shearer, Christina Potter, Rachel Vahey, Nancy Connell, Gigi Gronvall

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention; Biological Weapons Convention; BWC; biological weapons; verification; nonproliferation; nonproliferation policy; arms control; disarmament; weapons of mass destruction; WMD; biology

Online: 7 April 2022 (03:51:48 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201702.0056.v1

Resources and Rules of the Game: Participation of Civil Society in REDD+ and FLEGT-VPA Processes in Lao PDR

Irmeli Mustalahti, Mathias Cramm, Sabaheta Ramcilovik-Suominen, Yitagesu Tekle

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: REDD+; FLEGT VPA; civil society organisations; participation; resources; rules of the game; Policy Arrangement Approach; Lao PDR

Online: 15 February 2017 (15:27:21 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201911.0151.v1

Factors Influencing Citizen Satisfaction in Getting Public Service (Case Study: The Service User of the Investment and One Stop Service Agency of Tanah Bumbu Regency in 2018)

Muhammad Iqbal, Indriani Mahbubah

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: citizen satisfaction; public service; one-stop service; one-stop service agency

Online: 13 November 2019 (15:53:45 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201812.0327.v2

Results-Based Forest Conservation Funding: Amazon Fund 10 Years Later, Lessons from the World's Largest REDD+ Program

Juliano Correa, Richard Van der Hoff, Raoni Rajão

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: REDD+; amazon fund; results-based funding; benefit distribution; resource allocation; climate change funding; effectiveness.; forest conservation funding

Online: 13 February 2019 (09:59:35 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Results-Based Funding (RBF) for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) has become an important instrument for channeling financial resources to forest conservation activities. At the same time, much literature on conservation funding is ambiguous about the effectiveness of existing RBF schemes. Many effectiveness evaluations follow a simplified version of the principal-agent model, although in practice the relation between aid providers and funding recipients is much more complex. As a consequence, intermediary steps of conservation funding are often not accounted for effectiveness studies. This research paper aims to provide a nuanced understanding of conservation funding by analyzing the allocation of financial resources for one of the largest RBF schemes for REDD+ in the world: the Brazilian Amazon Fund. As part of this analysis, this study has built a dataset of information on Amazon Fund projects at unprecedented detail in order to accurately reconstruct the allocation of financial resources across different stakeholders (i.e. governments, NGOs, research institutions), geographies and activities. The results show that stakeholders seem to hold preferences with respect to the type of activities that they support, thereby suggesting that project owners exert much influence on how deforestation reduction is to be attained. There are evidences that governmental organizations lack financial additionality of their projects, which renders the growing share of funding to this type of stakeholder particularly worrisome. By contrast, the geographical distribution of financial resources seemed to follow a more focused rationale as financial support tends to concentrate in areas where deforestation threats are highest. Overall, the allocation of the financial resources from the Amazon Fund reflects an arbitrary support of different projects that adopt very diverging theories of change that are not primarily concerned with attaining further deforestation reductions. As projects owners exert influence on funding effectiveness to some extent, the Amazon Fund may either seek to regulate the allocation of financial resources more actively or adopt funding effectiveness evaluations that account for this influence more comprehensively.

Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints201704.0004.v1

Factors of Change: The influence of policy environment factors on climate change mitigation strategies in the transport sector

Oliver Lah

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Sustainable transport, policy implementation, governance, institutions

Online: 3 April 2017 (16:35:36 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201706.0082.v1

Political Approaches to Tackling Islamophobia: An Analytical Review of the British Coalition Government 2010-5

Chris Allen

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Islamophobia; British politics; Coalition Government; Conservative Party; discrimination; Muslims; minority communities

Online: 19 June 2017 (13:18:48 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202009.0223.v1

Ineffectual Regulation When An Official of A Regulatory Agency Seems to Regulate Effectually Without Actually Doing So

Terry Oldberg

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: logic semantics; statistical terms; regulation; model; nil information gain

Online: 10 September 2020 (05:56:54 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201808.0247.v1

Why Is a Boycott of the Elections a Bad Idea?

Madjid Eshaghi Gordji, Gholamreza Askari, Hamed Abdi

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: game theory; matching pennies game; opposition parties; election boycott

Online: 14 August 2018 (06:03:37 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201710.0189.v1

Cameron, Conservatives and a Christian Britain: A Critical Exploration of Political Discourses about Religion in the Contemporary United Kingdom

Chris Allen

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: British politics; Christianity; David Cameron; religion; identity; United Kingdom; doing god; British Muslims

Online: 31 October 2017 (03:22:05 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202103.0427.v1

Swiss Defence Industry in the Global Arms Trade – Successes and Challenges

Donatas Palavenis

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Switzerland; defence industry; defence policy; the Federal Office for Defence Procurement; RUAG; arms export

Online: 16 March 2021 (14:15:25 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202210.0365.v1

Attitudes and Expectations of Investigations and Evidence for Biological Attribution

Kelsey Lane Warmbrod, Gigi Kwik Gronvall

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: attribution; microbial forensics; Biological and Toxins Weapons Convention; nonproliferation policy; weapons of mass destruction; origins; investigation; biosecurity

Online: 24 October 2022 (12:46:59 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202202.0079.v1

The Importance of a Natural Social Contract and Co-Evolutionary Governance for Sustainability Transitions

Patrick Huntjens, René Kemp

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Natural Social Contract; Co-evolutionary governance; Transformative governance; Institutional change; Policy mixes; Transformative Social-Ecological Innovation; Transformative Social Innovation; Social Innovation; Sustainability Transition; Societal Transition

Online: 7 February 2022 (11:43:04 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201810.0024.v1

Solving the AI Race: Addressing the potential pitfalls of competition towards Artificial General Intelligence

Thomas Schmidt

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Artificial General Intelligence; superintelligence; decisive strategic advantage; human goals; AI race; strategic stability; nuclear weapons; regulation

Online: 2 October 2018 (13:50:53 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202008.0131.v1

The Tempests of Time, Rights, Race and Justice: Mandela and MLK Jr. as Transformational Leaders or Beneficiaries of Extraordinary Circumstances?

Stephen Magu

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Pan-Africanism; African Diaspora; human rights; liberation; transformational leadership; civil rights; colonialism; Martin Luther King Jr.; Nelson Mandela

Online: 5 August 2020 (10:48:12 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela were two of the world's most iconic civil (political) (human) rights advocates and leaders of all time. Both advocated for, and to varying degrees, applied elements of peaceful protests to the achievement of their goals. Both spent time in jail, often concurrently, but eventually forced their respective countries to extend the same rights that white populations had denied Africans and African Americans. For the US, civil rights, voting rights, right to education, housing and housing loans suggested that equality had been achieved, capped in South Africa by the election of Nelson Mandela as the first majority-rule president, and in the US, by Barack Obama’s election to the presidency. Yet the historical over-policing, police mistreatment and more generally, the judicial system’s inordinate ‘targeting’ of African Americans, with egregious cases running from Emmett Till to Rodney King to Walter Scott to Breonna Taylor to George Floyd to Rayshard Brooks and thousands of others shows the danger of such magical thinking. The now-persistent global wave pursuing human rights, civil rights and the right to be treated equally, primarily driven by the loosely-organized Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, has become the leading voice in pursuit of equality. Riots such as those in LA, protests in Ferguson and everywhere in summer 2020 has ushered new civil rights campaign. In the US and elsewhere, it has morphed to include historical issues such as monuments to colonialism, the US civil war, slavery and slave owners and traders, institutions, companies and people whose wealth and existence has links to slavery. Instructively, the protests persisted even as COVID-19, the hundred-year plague, continues to ravage the world. Lost in the moment is the absence of central leadership and leaders such as MLK or Mandela. Their charisma and effectiveness has been lacking for 50 years. This paper evaluates whether this has led to inconsistent civil and human rights pursuit for equality, or whether perchance, Mandela and MLK were extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime transformative leaders uniquely selected by history for their time.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201808.0138.v1

Who is the Muslim? Discursive Representations of the Muslims and Islam in Indian Prime Time News

Onaiza Drabu

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: politics of representation; media; Islam; media representation; Muslims; Islamophobia.; racism; anti-Muslim racism; love jihad; triple talaq; Muslims in India

Online: 7 August 2018 (08:27:03 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint CONCEPT PAPER | doi:10.20944/preprints201810.0724.v1

Explaining and Measuring Social-Ecological Pathways: The Case of Global Changes and Water Security

Thomas Bolognesi, Andrea K. Gerlak, Gregory Giuliani

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Social-Ecological System; Water security; Governance; Institution; Learning; Data-Cube

Online: 30 October 2018 (10:04:10 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201810.0295.v1

The Public-Private-Partnership and Rural Development in Taiwan

Kun-Jung Liao, Shih-Kai Lin

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: public-private partnership; rural community development; Taiwanese farmer associations; farmer cooperative organizations

Online: 15 October 2018 (10:22:16 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

This paper discusses a significant public-private partnership (PPP) formed by the government and Taiwanese Farmer Associations. Particularly, it will investigate a pattern of the PPP that has successfully promoted rural development and agricultural modernization in Taiwan since 1950s. Taiwanese Farmer Associations (hereafter TFAs), similar to agricultural cooperatives in South Korea and Japan, have played a policy agent in fostering rural development in this island state since 1950s. TFA’s performance inherently came from Japanese Cooperatives before World War II. The Performances of those farmer organizations are combinations of economic, social, and educational synergies. The rural development experiences in Taiwan demonstrate that success of rural modernization is carried out by a special public-private partnership (PPP). First, this paper discusses formation and development of farmer cooperative organizations in East Asian societies and compare the similarities and differences of practice of those organizations and their relations to the governments among Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. Secondly, this paper examines collaborative mold and process in which both the government and Taiwan Farmer Associations have been extensively involved. A specific cooperative apparatus between the government and TFA functioning and operating as a perfect PPP has been formed under administrative guidance of the state. Thirdly, this paper looks at input and various supports in financial and policy perspective by the public sector. Fourthly, the paper discusses legal framework, administrative apparatus, and governance pattern for TFA. Fifthly, the paper discuses that a specific PPP successfully involving in rural modernization in Taiwan is significantly derived from the state’ guidance that properly regulates a collaboration between the government and TFA. So-call East Asian model of PPP in agricultural modernization and rural community development may become a valuable experience for most of developing countries.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201712.0132.v1

Towards a New Paradigm in Water Management: Cochabamba’s Water Agenda from an Ethical Approach

Francesc Bellaubi, Rocío Bustamante

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: water management; water paradigm; water governability; water conflicts; Cochabamba

Online: 19 December 2017 (07:22:15 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202103.0556.v1

The U.S.–Lithuanian Defense Cooperation and Arms Acquisition from the U.S.

Donatas Palavenis

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: National Security Strategy; Defense Policy; Arms Sales; Defense Cooperation Security Agency; Foreign Military Sales

Online: 23 March 2021 (09:11:17 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201910.0157.v2

A Plot for Sustainability – The Sustainable Development Goals as A Narrative

David O. Obura

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals; sustainability; ecosystem-based approach; blue economy; coral reef; coastal systems; landscape; seascape

Online: 6 November 2019 (08:49:04 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201812.0255.v1

The Role of Social Networks on Socialization and Political Participation of Political science Students of Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch (2007- 2017)

Garineh Keshishyan Siraki

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Political Socialization, Political Participation, Social Networking, Political Science Students, Islamic Azad University

Online: 20 December 2018 (13:19:22 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201807.0607.v1

Mapping Stakeholders and Policies in Response to Deliberate Biological Events

Rebecca Katz, Ellie Graeden, Keishi Abe, Aurelia Attal-Juncqua, Matthew Boyce, Stephanie Eaneff

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: deliberate biological events; stakeholder mapping; preparedness and response

Online: 31 July 2018 (06:14:05 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201806.0181.v1

Assessing the Capacity to Govern Flood Risk in Cities and the Role of Contextual Factors

Steven Koop, Fabian Monteiro Gomes, Laura Schoot, Carel Dieperink, Peter Driessen, Kees Van Leeuwen

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: water governance; governance capacity; comparative studies; urban flooding; contextual factors

Online: 12 June 2018 (10:11:21 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201804.0120.v1

Savage Thought and Totalitarianism

Rainer E. Zimmermann

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: discourse; communication; media; anthropology; political philosophy

Online: 10 April 2018 (08:50:45 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201810.0365.v1

European Carbon Budget for Greenhouse Gasses Emissions: Filling the Trajectory Gap

Ilaria Perissi, Sara Falsini, Ugo Bardi, Davide Natalini, Michael Green, Aled Jones, Jordi Solé

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: carbon budget, greenhouse gases, decarbonization, climate change

Online: 16 October 2018 (14:50:19 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202103.0250.v1

A Cross-National Comparative Policy Analysis of the Blockchain Technology Between the USA and China

Chu-Chi Kuo, Joseph Z. Shyu

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Blockchain; Decentralization; Innovation Policy; National Innovation Systems; Policy Tools; Legal and Regulatory

Online: 9 March 2021 (09:50:38 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201901.0061.v1

Body-Worn Camera Activations: Demographic, Attitudinal, and Job Function Predictors

Ian Adams, Sharon Mastracci, Scott Mourtgos

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: body-worn cameras; police; activation; attitudes; principled agents

Online: 8 January 2019 (11:03:46 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201906.0273.v1

Sustainable International Relations. Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato si’ and the Planetary Implications of the “Integral Ecology”

Pasquale Ferrara

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: climate change and international relations; religion and the environment; Anthropocene; planetary justice; sustainability

Online: 27 June 2019 (04:53:15 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201806.0468.v1

Deparmental Auction State Officers’ Public Service of Makassar City

Lukman Hakim

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Service; officers; departmental auction

Online: 28 June 2018 (12:28:37 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint COMMUNICATION | doi:10.20944/preprints202103.0458.v1

Wargaming Future National Security Threats Posed by Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases

Deon Canyon

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: strategy; national security; competitive gaming; wargaming; military; defense force; arboviruses; crisis management

Online: 18 March 2021 (07:20:31 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202102.0284.v1

A Study of Strengthening the DNA Business as well as Priorities of Policies in the Case of South Korea

Yonghee Kim, Jeongho Kwak

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Data; Network; Artificial Intelligence; Interpretive Structural Modeling; Brainstorming; Analytic Network Process

Online: 11 February 2021 (13:11:30 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint COMMUNICATION | doi:10.20944/preprints202109.0213.v1

Climate Dialog, Climate Action: Can Democracy Do the Job?

Fred Young Phillips, LaVonne Reimer, Rebecca Turner

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: climate; democracy; religion; evangelism; environment

Online: 13 September 2021 (13:38:27 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201812.0327.v1

Results-Based Conservation Aid: Amazon Fund 10 Years Later, Lessons from the World's Largest REDD+ Program

Juliano Correa, Richard van der Hoff, Raoni Rajão

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: REDD+; Amazon fund; results-based aid; benefit distribution; resource allocation; aid effectiveness; conservation aid

Online: 28 December 2018 (04:00:22 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Results-Based Aid (RBA) for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) has become an important instrument for channeling financial resources to forest conservation activities. At the same time, much literature on conservation aid is ambiguous about the effectiveness of existing RBA schemes. Many effectiveness evaluations follow a principal-agent model, although in practice the relation between aid providers and aid recipients is much more complex. As a consequence, intermediary steps of conservation aid are often not accounted for in aid effectiveness studies. This research paper aims to provide a nuanced understanding of conservation aid by analyzing the allocation of financial resources for one of the largest RBA schemes for REDD+ in the world: the Brazilian Amazon Fund. As part of this analysis, this study has built a dataset of information on Amazon Fund projects at unprecedented detail in order to accurately reconstruct the allocation of financial resources across different stakeholders, geographies and activities. The results show that stakeholders seem to hold preferences with respect to the type of activities that they support, thereby suggesting that project owners exert much influence on how deforestation reduction is to be attained. There are evidences that governmental organizations lack financial additionality of their projects, which renders stakeholder influence on conservation aid effectiveness particularly worrisome. By contrast, the geographical distribution of financial resources seemed to follow a more focused rationale as financial support tends to concentrate in areas where deforestation threats are highest. Overall, the allocation of the financial resources from the Amazon Fund reflects an arbitrary support of different projects that adopt very diverging theories of change that are not primarily concerned with attaining further deforestation reductions. As projects owners exert influence on aid effectiveness to some extent, the Amazon Fund may either seek to regulate the allocation of financial resources more actively or adopt aid effectiveness evaluations that account for this influence more comprehensively.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201910.0157.v1

A Plot for Sustainability – The Sustainable Development Goals as A Narrative

David O. Obura

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals; sustainability; ecosystem-based approach; blue economy; coral reef; coastal systems; landscape; seascape

Online: 14 October 2019 (10:35:48 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202002.0213.v1

Voluntary Sustainability Certification and State Regulations: Paths to Promote the Conservation of Ecosystem Services? Experiences in Indonesia

Intan Kurniati Ningsih, Verina Ingram, Sini Savilaakso

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: ecosystem services; voluntary sustainability certification; state regulation; plural governance arrangements; Indonesia

Online: 16 February 2020 (04:57:20 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202105.0104.v1

The environmental impact of SARS-CoV-2: an assessment of the health risks of air pollution during the pandemic

Serafin Corral, Jesús Hernández Hernández, José Luis Rivero Ceballos

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Environmental impact; atmospheric pollution; lifestyle changes; health effects; SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Online: 6 May 2021 (15:16:12 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202007.0500.v1

International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOS) and Their Impact on The Democratization of Developing Countries: The Case of Nigeria

Saied Sulaiman

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: INGOs; democratization; funding; developing-countries; better-living

Online: 22 July 2020 (05:49:17 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202107.0008.v2

The Green Deal, National Energy and Climate Plans in Europe: Member States’ Compliance and Strategies

Georgios Maris, Floros Flouros

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: European Union; Energy; Environment; Compliance; Green Deal; NECP; Strategy

Online: 16 July 2021 (16:39:03 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202004.0493.v1

Evaluation of HIV and AIDS Workplace Policy at Nkhotakota District Council, Malawi

Patrick Mbulaje, Adamson Muula

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: HIV; HIV at workplace; District Implementation Plan; HIV and AIDS; Stakeholders; Funding

Online: 28 April 2020 (09:51:15 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202201.0344.v1

The Phases of Transformation to Sustainability (T2S) - Structuring the Complexity of Transformations and Sustainability through the Negotiation Perspective

Ariel Macaspac Hernandez

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Transformation; sustainability; negotiation; German Energiewende; complexity; decisions; phases of processes; cooperation

Online: 24 January 2022 (11:12:28 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Conventional academic debate on sustainability and transformation has begun to be disputed by researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders from the private sector. The complexity of linking sustainability with transformation necessitates the development of new ways of understanding and explaining actors, processes, issues, structures, and outcomes related to transformation to sustainability (T2S). A persistent problem in understanding and managing the T2S is the implied notion of a monolithic transformation to achieve sustainability. This notion underestimates the diversity of actors as well as the historical contexts of transformations. At the same time, achieving T2S is highly dependent on technical solutions as well as policies that can stir needed behavioural change, whereas these technical solutions and policies are not always socially acceptable or politically implementable. Therefore, achieving T2S also calls for evaluating normative foundations of policies and actions needed to advance T2S. This article argues that T2S is composed of different phases, each of which having a different set of actors, resources and audience. This article explains how collective decision can be achieved through multiple levels and types of negotiations that occur in an orchestrated manner. To understand this, this article introduces a theoretical model as an analytical framework to structure how T2S unfolds. This model uses insights from negotiation studies to focus on the actors’ perspectives on T2S. It proposes the division of the transformation process into phases – entry point, learning, sequencing, disrupting and fortifying. Using the Germany’s energy transition (Energiewende), each of these phases is analysed to determine the “quality” of cooperation that can help fulfil the tasks required to master the so-called “cognitive games” of T2S (ripeness game, power game, bargaining game, policy game, scaling game). Moreover, insights are presented to explain how the designated milestone can be achieved that indicates the advancing to the next phase and eventually entrench the transformation process. The lessons and findings resulting from the analysis of the phases of T2S suggest that there is also the need to revisit underlying assumptions on negotiations, sustainability and transformation.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201812.0254.v1

Socioeconomic Consequences of Somalis’ Immigration on Security of South Africa

Garineh Keshishyan Siraki

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Socioeconomic consequences, Immigration, Security, Somalis, South Africa

Online: 20 December 2018 (13:15:32 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201810.0580.v1

Global IWRM Ideas and Local Context: Studying Narratives in Rural Cambodia

Ching Leong, Farhad Mukhtarov

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: dam, local communities, lived experiences, environmental narratives, Cambodia

Online: 24 October 2018 (14:20:31 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint CONCEPT PAPER | doi:10.20944/preprints201810.0724.v2

Explaining and Measuring Social-Ecological Pathways: The Case of Global Changes and Water Security

Thomas Bolognesi, Andrea K. Gerlak, Gregory Giuliani

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Social-Ecological System; Water security; Governance; Institution; Learning; Data-Cube

Online: 22 November 2018 (14:47:31 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202204.0092.v1

Mapping Sustainability across the World. Signs, Challenges and Opportunities for Democratic Countries

Bogdan Ștefanachi, Silviu Petru Grecu, Horia Costin Chiriac

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: SDGs; Democratic Index; democratic institutions; partnership; accountability; participatory democracy; economic growth

Online: 11 April 2022 (10:37:51 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

This article aims to create the nexus between sustainable development and the quality of the political regime. The current social and political context is characterized by a series of crises generated by COVID-19 pandemic, economic imbalances and regional conflicts. In this context, sustainable development is affected by the economic dynamics and the “democratic recession”. The study aims to respond to the following research questions: “how could influence the quality of the democracy the dynamics of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 17)?” and “what are the premises for sustainable development in the new political context, characterized by democratic recession?” The purpose of the study is to underline the fact that democratic regimes are inclined to create both participative and deliberative frames for achieving the SDGs in accordance with UN 2030 Agenda. The research methodology used in this study is based on descriptive and inferential statistics. The research data are collected from secondary sources in the years between 2015 and 2021, from 193 countries covering all the geographical areas. The empirical results suggest two models of development: the Asian model of sustainable development characterized by economic growth and the Western democratic model based on democratic institutions, fair justice and mechanisms for preserving peace. We noticed that the key-variables for explaining the dynamics of sustainability in correlation with democratic index are represented by the functioning of the governments and the political participation. Through civic engagement and political ac-countability, democracy could be seen as a pre-requisite for achieving an optimal level of the SDGs. All these empirical results could prove valuable for the scholars interested in the relation between democracy and sustainability and for the political decision makers involved in shaping strategies for social, economic and environmental development.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202108.0375.v1

Dual Cellular-Path (MIHP) Healthy Urbanism － Justifying, Peacebuilding Surveillance at Borderlands / Kinmen

Li-Yen Hsu

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: availability; cipher coding; clogged water; honeycomb tori; maintainability; mutually independent Hamiltonian paths (MIHP); interference; privacy; reliability; wicked problems

Online: 18 August 2021 (11:22:39 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201810.0427.v1

Upscaling Urban Recycled Water Schemes: an Analysis of the Presence of Required Governance Conditions in the City of Sabadell (Spain)

Josep Pinyol Alberich, Farhad Mukhtarov, Carel Dieperink, Peter Driessen, Annelies Broekman

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Water recycle; upscaling; water governance; water availability; climate change adaptation

Online: 18 October 2018 (16:34:29 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202307.1539.v1

The Transformation Flower Approach for Leveraging Change Towards Multiple Value Creation and Institutional Change

Patrick Huntjens, Adrian Rinscheid, Rene Kemp, Bram Van Helvoirt, Noelle Aarts, Ingrid Visseren-Hamakers, Anne van Veen, Jan Hassink

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Transformation Flower Approach; Transformative Governance; Co-evolutionary Governance; Power; Values; Multiple Value Creation; Institutional Change; Stakeholder Analysis; Power Mapping; Leverage points; Justice; Equity; Sustainability; IPBES Transformative Change Assessment; Natural Social Contract, Eco-Social Contract; Food System Transitions

Online: 22 July 2023 (11:08:07 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201811.0393.v1

Is There a Need to Conduct Water Rights Transactions in the Water-Rich Areas of China? A Case Study of the Taihu Basin

Fengping Wu, Min Zhu, Shang Luo, Junyuan Shen, Xia Xu, Fang Li

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: water-rich area; water rights transaction; trading need; Taihu Basin

Online: 16 November 2018 (09:24:58 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202206.0265.v1

Socioeconomic-Related Inequalities in COVID-19 Vulnerability in South Africa

Muna Shifa, David Gordon, Murray Leibbrandt, Mary Zhang

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: COVID-19 prevention; vulnerability index; inequality; concentration index; South Africa

Online: 20 June 2022 (09:56:12 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ESSAY | doi:10.20944/preprints202301.0517.v1

Healthcare Challenges due to Global Conflict Escalation Amid the Pandemic, Climate, and Economic Dilemmas

Abdul Mohiuddin

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: catastrophes; COVID-19; civil unrests; inflation; public health; Health safety; Health crisis

Online: 28 January 2023 (04:52:49 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints201810.0365.v3

Potential European Emissions Trajectories within the Global Carbon Budget

Ilaria Perissi, Falsini Sara, Ugo Bardi, Davide Natalini, Michael Green, Aled Jones, Jordi Solé

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: carbon budget, greenhouse gases, decarbonization, climate change

Online: 16 November 2018 (14:23:30 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202302.0111.v1

Public Health Needs the Public Trust: A Pandemic Retrospective

Matthew Halma, Joshua Guetzkow

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Public Health; Public Trust; Science Communication; Pedagogy; Citizen Science; Stakeholders; Informed Consent; Uncertainty Communication

Online: 7 February 2023 (02:39:30 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202109.0523.v1

Stability in Open Society from Social Fröhlich Condensation

Andrei Khrennikov

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Social Fröhlich condensate; Societal stability; Order preserving; Quantum-like modeling; High social temperature; Information field; Information reservoir; Bose-Einstein statistics; Planck formula; Information overload; Indistinguishability

Online: 30 September 2021 (15:12:19 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202211.0131.v1

The Review Article on Technonationalism

Seohee Ashley Park

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: technonationalism; high-tech industry; semiconductor; Northeast Asia; global value chain; state-business relations; economic statecraft; geoeconomics

Online: 8 November 2022 (01:23:54 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Working Paper ARTICLE

Entrepreneurial Strategies to Reduce Rural-Urban Climate-induced Vulnerabilities: Assessing Adaptation and Innovation Measures in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Jason Miklian, Kristian Hoelscher

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Climate change; rural-urban migration; innovation; Bangladesh; adaptation strategies; politicization of technology; Dhaka; urban climate solutions; informal settlements

Online: 29 October 2020 (09:14:33 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202303.0475.v2

Menstrual Attitudes in the U.S. and China: Insights from Mobile Menstrual Tracking Applications for Teenagers

Sisi Peng, Yuyin Yang, Martie G Haselton

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: adolescents; menstruation; sexual and reproductive health; informatics; mobile health

Online: 30 March 2023 (03:33:26 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202008.0547.v1

The Pink Tank in the Room: The Role of Religious Considerations in the discussion of Women’s Combat service – The Case of the Israel Defense Forces

Elisheva Rosman

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: military; IDF; female soldiers; religion and the military; religious considerations; religious women’s conscription

Online: 25 August 2020 (11:26:52 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202107.0008.v1

The Green Deal, National Energy and Climate Plans in Europe: Member States’ Compliance and Strategies

Georgios Maris, Floros Flouros

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: European Union; Energy; Environment; Compliance; Green Deal; NECP; Strategy

Online: 1 July 2021 (10:53:10 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202207.0147.v1

A Critical Analysis of Decentralizing the Portuguese Public Healthcare Provision Services

Alexandre Morais Nunes, Diogo Cunha Ferreira

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Decentralization; National Health Service; Regional Health Administration; Primary Health Care; Portugal

Online: 11 July 2022 (03:46:45 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202212.0106.v1

Data-Driven Assessment on the Brazilian Regulatory Framework for Biodiversity Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)

Diana Jungmann, Jorge de P.C. Avila

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Convention on Biological Diversity; Nagoya Protocol; ABS access and benefit sharing; Brazil ABS law; genetic resources; associated traditional knowledge.

Online: 7 December 2022 (01:52:23 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202307.1539.v2

The Transformation Flower Approach for Leveraging Change towards Multiple Value Creation and Institutional Change

Patrick Huntjens, Adrian Rinscheid, Rene Kemp, Bram Van Helvoirt, Noelle Aarts, Ingrid Visseren-Hamakers, Anne van Veen, Jan Hassink

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Transformation Flower Approach; Transformative Governance; Co-evolutionary Governance; Power; Values; Multiple Value Creation; Institutional Change; Stakeholder Analysis; Power Mapping; Leverage points; Justice; Equity; Sustainability; IPBES Transformative Change Assessment; Natural Social Contract, Eco-Social Contract; Food System Transitions

Online: 27 November 2023 (11:25:18 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202306.1474.v1

Satisfaction Level of Slum Dwellers with the Assistance of the City Corporation during COVID 19: the Bangladesh Context

Md. Assraf Seddiky, Nuzhat Madeha Chowdhury, Esmat Ara

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: satisfaction; slum dwellers; assistance; city corporation; Covid19; Bangladesh

Online: 21 June 2023 (03:46:10 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202404.0851.v1

BWC Confidence‐Building Measures: Increasing BWC Assurance through Transparency & Information Sharing

Matthew Shearer, Christina Potter, Rachel Vahey, Nicholas Munves, Gigi Gronvall

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention; Biological Weapons Convention; BWC; BTWC; biological weapons; verification; compliance; confidence-building measures; confidence building measures; CBM; CBMs; nonproliferation; nonproliferation policy; arms control; disarmament; weapons of mass destruction; WMD; biology

Online: 12 April 2024 (14:33:52 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202305.0158.v1

The Health Silk Road: A Double-Edged Sword? Assessing the Implications of China's Health Diplomacy under Covid-19

Shaoyu Yuan

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: China; Covid-19; Health Silk Road; Case Study; Global Heath

Online: 3 May 2023 (13:08:37 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202302.0487.v1

Propaganda Analysis of Independent Papua Organizations: Preventive Efforts for Nation Disintegration

Tito Wira Eka Suryawijaya

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Indonesia; propaganda; discourse; Papua; separatists

Online: 28 February 2023 (02:24:01 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202210.0370.v1

From Panarchy to World-Ecology: Combining the Adaptive Cycle Heuristic with Historical-Geographical Approaches to Explore Socio-Ecological Systems’ Sustainability

Stefano Menegat

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: socio-ecological systems; sustainability; adaptive cycle; panarchy; commodity frontiers; world-ecology.

Online: 25 October 2022 (02:03:32 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202305.2091.v2

Culture, Mindset and Functionality in Regional Organisations – A Study on ASEAN and the European Union

Tuomo Rautakivi, Maurice Yolles

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Regional organisations; Gemeinschaft-Gesellschaft; Collectivism-Individualism; Cultural Agency Theory; metacybernetics; political development; social psychology; Mindset Agency Theory; normative personality; EU; ASEAN

Online: 5 June 2023 (09:00:10 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202303.0298.v1

Insecurity and Electoral Administration in Nigeria

Daniel F. Atidoga Esq, Akubo Aduku

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Election management body; election administration; insecurity; democratisation process; electoral security

Online: 16 March 2023 (06:21:49 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

This study is centred on Insecurity and Electoral Administration in Nigeria. Elections are the leading mechanism for selecting governments and a cardinal feature of democratisation. The quest for fair representation, development, good governance, inclusiveness and a true sense of belonging has been the driving force for election. The conduct of credible elections remains one of the thorny and fundamental issues in a democracy. The trajectory of electoral administration in Nigeria is long and tortuous; it precedes independence and is punctuated by the elite's scheming and cunning, electoral fraud, gimmicks and violence. Nigeria has had its fair share of insecurity from diverse sources such as banditry, insurgency, recurring violent religious crises, ethnic, resource and poverty-induced militancy, and crises occasioned by the clamour for self-determination. This has left the electoral management body in a quandary and has undoubtedly imperilled the administration of elections in Nigeria and equally accentuated the temerity for a holistic approach in reversing the trend and engendering the right atmosphere for the administration of elections. This study depends mainly on secondary sources and uses qualitative means in data analysis. It is revealed in this study that violence and various degrees of interruptions have taken the front burner in the democratisation process and are one of the dangerous dimensions in electoral administration; electoral politics remains one of the remarkable principal bases of clashes, political failure and social dislocation, Elections and their administration are some of the most complicated, time-sensitive activities undertaken by any country which will be exacerbated by insecurity. Democratic elections are successful when the electorate can make informed decisions; when faith in the process is sustained; when fraud is disincentivised, detected and punished. When insecurity is whittled down, mitigated or eradicated. The need for electoral security can never be overemphasised.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202401.0943.v1

Making Rivers, Producing Futures. The Rise of an Eco‐Modern River Imaginary in Dutch Climate Change Adaptation

Lotte De Jong, Gert Jan Veldwisch, Lieke Anna Melsen, Rutgerd Boelens

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: climate change adaptation; futures; river imaginary; water management; Border Meuse project

Online: 11 January 2024 (14:55:49 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202301.0504.v1

The Role of Technology Maturity Level in the Occurrence of University Technology Transfer

Malcolm Townes

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: science policy; technology policy; technology; technology maturity level; technology readiness level; technology commercialization; technology transfer; university technology transfer

Online: 27 January 2023 (10:45:25 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202301.0498.v1

The Conceptualization of Technology in Scholarly Research and Public Policy Regarding University Technology Transfer

Malcolm Townes

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: public policy; science policy; technology; technology commercialization; technology transfer; university technology transfer

Online: 27 January 2023 (09:33:38 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202304.0802.v1

Mapping Policy Actors Using Social Network Analysis on Integrated Urban Farming in Bandung City

Yanne Yuniarti Widayat, Mas Dadang Enjat Munajat, Nina Karlina

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: urban farming; actors; policy network; social network analysis

Online: 23 April 2023 (13:36:34 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202312.1251.v1

The Effectiveness of International Humanitarian Intervention in Conflict Zones

Mohammed Saaida

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Humanitarian intervention; Conflict zones; International actors; Conflict resolution; Post-conflict reconstruction; Effectiveness

Online: 18 December 2023 (10:31:45 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202211.0180.v1

Measuring Democratic Voice

Denis Falvey

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: democracy; electoral systems; ballot split by type; legislative empowerment measure (LEM); ac-countable local representation measure (ALRM); single member district proportional representation (SMDPR)

Online: 10 November 2022 (01:15:52 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202308.0437.v1

Diagnosing ASEAN –Part 1: the Metacybernetic Theory

Tuomo Rautakivi, Maurice Yolles

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: regional organisation; ASEAN; configurations; metacybernetics; cultural agency theory; multiple identity theory, mindset agency theory; social organisation paradigm; social cognition paradigm; connective disposition; ASEAN

Online: 4 August 2023 (11:22:53 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

A regional organisation (RO) is a group of states that, through the formation of mutual relationships, work together for shared regional goals such as economic growth, social welfare, security, and democracy. The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) is one such organisation, of interest because of its operative paradoxes. However, current theory to study ROs is both fragmented across the field of study, and inadequate. Taking ROs to be complex adaptive systems, diagnosing ROs requires theory that can to explore their hidden aspects. The metacybernetics framework enables the creation of a critical realism configurative a-priori inquiry approach to theory building, the configurations providing coordinative schemas able to respond to predefined complex modelling needs. To analyse ROs using metacybernetics, we offer a derivative schema, Cultural Agency Theory (CAT). Currently this is limited to exploring modes of information acquisition processes through cognitive style, and until now has had no inherent mechanism to explore social relationships as is required to explore ROs. To enable CAT to explore such relationships, we configure the Tönnies social organisation paradigm for CAT. Mindset Agency Theory (MAT) is a specific elaboration of CAT, and creates an empirical setting for the set of formative traits that de-fine an RO character. A related derivative of CAT is that of Multiple Identity Theory (MIT) which enables organisational pathologies to be explored in terms of identity conflicts. This multifaceted paradigm provides a relatively simple approach to the RO diagnosis, in particular in terms of stability/coherence. This paper is in two parts. In this part 1, the CAT theory will be further developed through the joint configuration of Tönnies social organisation paradigm allowing its pathologies to be diagnosed. In part 2 of the paper, the theory will be applied to ASEAN and the diagnosis will show that it is an inherently incoherent organisation.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202401.1392.v1

Migratory Securitization and the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil during 2020

Jean Samuel Rosier

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Brazil; pandemic; migration; securitization

Online: 18 January 2024 (14:00:35 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202212.0053.v1

E-Petitions and Mobilisation Dynamics: The Importance of Local Anchoring. An Environmental Case Study

Martine Legris, Régis Matuszewicz

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: e democracy; e petition; public engagement; environmental movements; digital mobilization; sustainability; participation format

Online: 2 December 2022 (14:46:53 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202308.0378.v1

Diagnosing ASEAN – Part 2: Theory Application

Tuomo Rautakivi, Maurice Yolles

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: regional organisation; ASEAN, configurations, metacybernetics; cultural agency theory; multiple identity theory, mindset agency theory; social organisation paradigm; social cognition paradigm; connective disposition; ASEAN

Online: 4 August 2023 (10:58:23 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

A regional organisation (RO) is a group of states that, through the formation of mutual relation-ships, work together for shared regional goals such as economic growth, social welfare, security, and democracy. The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) is one such organisation, of interest because of its operative paradoxes. However, current theory to study ROs is both fragmented across the field of study, and inadequate. Taking ROs to be complex adaptive systems, diagnosing ROs requires theory that can to explore their hidden aspects. The metacybernetics framework enables the creation of a critical realism configurative a-priori inquiry approach to theory building, the configurations providing coordinative schemas able to respond to predefined complex modelling needs. To analyse ROs using metacybernetics, we offer a derivative schema, Cultural Agency Theory (CAT). Currently this is limited to exploring modes of information acquisition processes through cognitive style, and until now has had no inherent mechanism to explore social relationships as is required to explore ROs. To enable CAT to explore such relationships, we configure the Tönnies social organisation paradigm for CAT. Mindset Agency Theory (MAT) is a specific elaboration of CAT, and creates an empirical setting for the set of formative traits that de-fine an RO character. A related derivative of CAT is that of Multiple Identity Theory (MIT) which enables organisational pathologies to be explored in terms of identity conflicts. Thes multifaceted paradigm provides a relatively simple approach to the RO diagnosis, in particular in terms of stability/coherence. This paper is in two parts. In this part 1, the CAT theory will be further developed through the joint configuration of Tönnies social organisation paradigm allowing its pathologies to be diagnosed. In part 2 of the paper, the theory will be applied to ASEAN and the diagnosis will show that it is an inherently incoherent organisation

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202401.1657.v1

The Striking Delicate Balance between Sovereignty and Interventionism

Mohammed Saaida

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: National Sovereignty; International Intervention; Human Rights Abuses; Global Peace; Self-Governance; Moral Imperatives

Online: 23 January 2024 (07:28:10 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202305.1299.v1

Could Deep-sea Fisheries Contribute to the Food Security of Our Planet? Pros and Cons

Elkhan Richard Sadik-Zada, Mattia Ferrari, Alicia Gonzalez

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: undernourishment; food security; deep-sea fisheries; uncertainties

Online: 18 May 2023 (08:21:58 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202209.0092.v1

Asessing the Accuracy of Google Trends for Predicting Presidential Elections: The Case of Chile 2006-2021

Francisco Vergara-Perucich

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: elections; time series; forecasting; Chile; ARIMA

Online: 6 September 2022 (12:40:50 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202211.0326.v1

Tolerance for Housing Unaffordability of High-skilled Young Migrants: Evidence from Zhejiang province of China

Xizan Jin, Hongfei Yu, Fangxin Yi, Lili Chen, Song Wang

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: housing unaffordability; migration; the high-skilled young migrants; land provision

Online: 17 November 2022 (04:22:42 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202305.2091.v1

Culture, Mindset and Functionality in Regional Organisations – A Study on ASEAN and the European Union.

Tuomo Rautakivi, Maurice Yolles

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Regional organisations; Gemeinschaft-Gesellschaft; Collectivism-Individualism; Cultural Agency Theory; metacybernetics, political development, social psychology, Mindset Agency Theory, normative personality, EU, ASEAN

Online: 30 May 2023 (08:53:14 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202212.0269.v1

Information Pluralism and Political Pluralism: Study of the Digital Ecosystem from the Perspective of a New Constitution in Chile

Cristóbal Balbontin, Sergio Contreras, Rodrigo Browne

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Digital media; Pluralism; Freedom of expression; New Constitution; web scrapping; Sentiment Analysis

Online: 15 December 2022 (06:48:44 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202312.0435.v1

Mineral Resources Policy for a Circular Flow of Critical Minerals

Kotaro Shimizu, Shuji Owada

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: mineral resource; policymaking; critical mineral; input-output analysis; circular economy

Online: 7 December 2023 (03:05:51 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202301.0503.v1

On the Legitimacy of Government Intervention in Technology Transfer

Malcolm Townes

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: political legitimacy; science policy; technology policy, technology transfer

Online: 27 January 2023 (10:44:44 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202309.1453.v1

The Roles of Four Important Contexts in Japan’s Carbon Neutrality Policy and Politics, 1990–2020

Christo Odeyemi, Takashi Sekiyama

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: carbon neutrality; climate policy; climate politics; fairness under the Kyoto Protocol; Keidanren; Japan

Online: 21 September 2023 (07:24:15 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint BRIEF REPORT | doi:10.20944/preprints202310.0778.v1

The Ballot Measure Wars

Kentiya Orange, Carrie Olson-Manning, Emma Olson Skarkey

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: ballot measure legislation; ballot initiatives

Online: 12 October 2023 (05:46:54 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

In the United States, the ballot measure power was born during the 1990s Progressive Era, ushered in by populists, socialists, and labor activists. Early on, activists used the measure to curb political corruption through campaign finance and other election reforms. Those early efforts also sought to improve labor conditions, minimize the influence of wealthy special interests, and require powerful corporate interests to pay more taxes. While the measure has been used by conservatives and progressives alike, the legacy of the process as a vehicle for progressive change is undeniable. However, the ballot measure landscape of the last two decades is marked by politicians growing increasingly hostile to its use. From requiring supermajorities to pass measures to refusing to implement measures approved by voters, lawmakers have made every attempt to restrict voters’ access to the measure power. In particular, Republican state legislators have become increasingly hostile to the ballot measure process, crafting creative ways to prevent measures from making it to the ballot or to stop voters from approving progressive measures. To fully understand how the measure process has been manipulated in recent years, we examined how legislators have attempted to change the process. Here, we examined a series of hypotheses to determine whether the political party affiliation of the sponsor of proposed ballot measure legislation is a predictor of whether the legislation restricts the ballot measure process. We tested these hypotheses by analyzing data from 2010 to 2022 and conducting empirical tests to determine the relationship between political party affiliation and the restrictiveness of proposed ballot measure legislation. We also analyzed how the patterns of ballot measure legislation affected states where the state government is under unified and split control. In reviewing this legislation, we found that Democrats initially attempted to restrict the ballot measure process. However, as progressives successfully passed more progressive ballot measures, Republicans – and particularly when Republicans held a trifecta in state government – attempted to restrict the ballot measure process far more extensively than any attempts by Democrats. We can draw three significant conclusions from our analysis. First, Democrats are willing to restrict the ballot measure process in some circumstances. This is evident based on conservative attempts to restrict gay marriage and other conservative policy through the ballot measure in the 2000s and Democratic efforts to stop those attacks. Second, Republican attempts to restrict the ballot measure process far outpace any initial attempts by Democrats during the period we studied, especially when Republicans have a trifecta in the state government. This speaks to the long-term Republican strategy of power-grabbing seen not only here, but throughout the political process in recent years. Lastly, our research indicates that as progressives continue to see success with ballot measures, Republican efforts to restrict the ballot measure process are expected to continue.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0618.v1

King Carol II’s Authoritarian Regime as a Precursor of the Communist Totalitarian Regime in Romania

Grecu Florin

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Romania, National Renaissance Front, The Country’s Sentinel, cult of personality, authoritarian regime, Carol II, corporations

Online: 11 March 2024 (11:03:42 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202309.1716.v1

Policy Proposal for Elderly Government Officials Employment in Public Sector Organizations

Nisachon Chatthong, Somsak Amornsiriphong, Somboon Sirisunhirun, Krish Rugchatjaroen, Buraskorn Torut

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Policy proposal, elderly government officials, the employment, public sector organizations.

Online: 27 September 2023 (16:01:19 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.0191.v1

Anticipating Future Skills and Internal Potential of Entrepreneurs – the Perspective of Mining Transformation

Ryszard Marszowski, Robert Hildebrandt

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: skills. anticipation, enterprise, transformation

Online: 5 February 2024 (09:53:17 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202308.1510.v1

Environmental Regulation and Spatial Spillover Effect of Green Technology Innovation: An Empirical Study on Spatial Durbin Model Based on 284 Cities

Zhang Xin, Xu Feng

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Environmental regulation; Green technology innovation; Spatial spillovers

Online: 22 August 2023 (07:14:32 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202307.0023.v1

Multi-Agent Evolutionary Game Analysis of Group Panic Buying in China during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Xunqing Wang, Xinpeng Huang, Hang Zhou, Nan Zhang, Rundong Luo

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: group panic buying incidents; evolutionary mechanisms; evolutionary game; strategy equilib-rium; simulation

Online: 3 July 2023 (08:40:03 CEST)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

With the global outbreak of COVID-19, the panic buying incidents triggered by the variants of the Omicron strain have severely affected the normal social order. This paper considers the complex interest game and interactive relationship among multiple subjects in the mass panic buying event caused by rumors and constructs a three-party evolution game model of local government, rumor-monger, and public. Based on the theory of evolution game, the evolutionary process of the strategy selection of game subjects is studied, and the strategy selection of the three-game subjects under different scenarios is compared and analyzed. Taking the example of the montmorillonite powder panic buying caused by the XBB virus strain rumor in China, the evolutionary game model constructed in this study is simulated and analyzed. The study shows that: the evolution process of the mass panic buying event is characterized by six stages: the initial stage E1(0,0,0); the outbreak stage E3(0,1,0);the spread stage E7(0,1,1);the climax stage E8(1,1,1);the relief stage E5(1,1,0);and the recovery stage E4(1,0,0); there are four stable points in the evolutionary game of the three game subjects, namely (no intervention, no rumor, no panic buying), (no intervention, rumor, no panic buying), (intervention, no rumor, no panic buying), and (intervention, rumor, no panic buying), and the strategy of government intervention will be adjusted according to the strategy selection of the public and the rumor-monger; under the mechanism of reward and punishment of the higher-level government, increasing the punishment and reward intensity of the higher-level government will promote the local government to intervene in the rumor-mongering event faster, but increasing the reward intensity has a more significant impact on the intervention behavior of the local government than punishment, and increasing punishment intensity has a more significant impact on the non-rumor-mongering behavior of the rumor-monger than reward; the parameters of social risk-bearing cost, risk transmission coefficient, rumor-mongering income and cost, and public drug purchase cost have different degrees of influence on the evolutionary behavior of game subjects. This study provides new ideas for effectively responding to mass panic buying events in the context of public emergencies.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0948.v1

Criticism of the Liberal Theory of International Politics

Mohammed Saaida

Subject: Social Sciences, Political Science Keywords: Liberal IR Theory; power dynamics; economic interdependence; human rights; nationalism; security dilemmas

Online: 18 March 2024 (12:07:04 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share