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The Dis-United States Of Liminality: The Trump Campaign Spectacle, Joan Davison
The Dis-United States Of Liminality: The Trump Campaign Spectacle, Joan Davison
Faculty Publications
Americans are experiencing difficult challenges during the US transition away from decades of relative primacy and prosperity. The fact is that globalization, technology, and waning unipolarity differentially impact people, with certain groups disproportionately disadvantaged. These individuals encounter diminishing likelihood of upward mobility and flagging social status. The situation and its consequences can be understood as a liminal condition in which individuals and groups transition to another identity. During this precarious time, people often embrace manipulative politicians, or tricksters, who theatricalize the circumstances, distort the real source of difficulties, and offer fixes that demonize others. Donald Trump now performs as the …
Sarajevo Heart Of Europe? Global Politics, Symbol(Ism) & Liminality In The Centenary Of Ww1, Joan Davison
Sarajevo Heart Of Europe? Global Politics, Symbol(Ism) & Liminality In The Centenary Of Ww1, Joan Davison
Faculty Publications
The analysis highlights the inter-connection and intra-connection between societal facts (mythology, symbols, and religion), socio-anthropological concepts (imitation, liminality), and psychological factors (human will and “I will”) with global politics. The approach identifies dynamics and “repetitions” which can affect individuals and societies, perpetuate tension and violence, and constrain certain political outcomes. Thus follows the particular shortcoming of International Relations theory as the product of rational choice, which strives to separate the unconscious from the conscious, to understand and remedy certain socio-political conflicts. Conversely, this analysis employs the theory on mimesis, imitation, hence, memory “me willed” (as the distillate of modernity). The …
What Matters To Social Democratic Party Voters? Liberal And Economic Interests Trump Ethnoreligious Identity In Bosnia And Herzegovina, Joan Davison
Faculty Publications
Bosnia and Herzegovina possesses both a history marked by ethnic differences and a tradition of tolerance and coexistence among religious groups. The millet system of Ottoman times depended upon the authority of confessional communities. With the rise of nationalism in the 1800’s, religious identity and organization became complicated by ethnicity. Later, the authoritarianism of Tito enabled the state to accommodate this multinational, multi-religious character, uniting people as socialist Yugoslavs. Thus, the collapse of the socialist, Yugoslavian ideals and structures created new and sometimes polarizing choices for the population. Previously authoritarian government mediated religious and ethnic relations, but now coexistence depended …
The Beauty And The Beast: Civil Society And Nationalisms In Bosnia And Herzegovina, Joan Davison
The Beauty And The Beast: Civil Society And Nationalisms In Bosnia And Herzegovina, Joan Davison
Faculty Publications
Both ethnic nationalism and liberal civic nationalism exist with historical precedents in BosniaHerzegovina. Many elected elites privilege extremist ethnic nationalism. The power-sharing structure of the Dayton Peace Accords institutionalizes their influence and permits the current political stalemate. Further, a legacy of authoritarianism vitiates a political culture supportive of elite accountability and mass responsibility. Yet a nascent civil society witnesses to the past and potential future of liberal cosmopolitanism. This research includes interviews with leaders and members of civil society organizations to assess the impediments to and strength of civil society as a vehicle to promote civic nationalism. While interviewees acknowledge …
Bosnia And Herzegovina's Foreign Policy: A Multi-Level Game, Joan Davison
Bosnia And Herzegovina's Foreign Policy: A Multi-Level Game, Joan Davison
Faculty Publications
Bosnia and Herzegovina's foreign policy is extraordinarily complex and a source of both contention and opportunity. The government negotiates policy with the Office of the High Representative, the EU, its Balkan neighbors, its parliamentary parties, its entities and its ethnic groups. All actors perceive EU integration as essential to future stability and development but the constitutional reform necessary for membership creates conflict. European integration runs contrary to ethnic segregation. Economic interests collide with nationalist sentiments founded in the very real wars and atrocities of the past decades. The prerequisite of reform prior to accession talks delays B&H's membership in the …
Th Politics Of Hate: Ultranationalist And Fundamentalist Tactics And Goals, Joan Davison
Th Politics Of Hate: Ultranationalist And Fundamentalist Tactics And Goals, Joan Davison
Faculty Publications
Ultranationalist and religious fundamentalist movements frequently use hate to mobilize people. These groups possess a sophisticated understanding of the importance of appealing to the emotions. Leaders often employ xenophobic language intended to inspire fear and justify a defensive reaction. The movements also rely heavily upon symbols, myths, and public events to simplify and communicate the "truths" of their ideologies. The leaders convey messages with tremendous affective appeal. Yet, measures exist to counter and contain the politics of hate. The development of civil society, group rights, a free media, and integrated institutions can contribute to a durable solution in cases of …