International and Area Studies Commons^™

Deconstruction Of A Dialogue: Creative Interpretation In Comparative Philosophy, Steven Burik

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

It is common knowledge that Martin Heidegger’s attempts at engaging non-Western philosophy are very much a construct of his own making. This article in no way seeks to disagree with those observations, but argues two things: first, that Heidegger’s “dialogue” with his two main other sources of inspiration, the ancient Greek thinkers and the German poets, is not different in kind or in principle from his engagement with East Asia. One can of course quite easily argue that Heidegger’s main interest was the ancient Greek thinkers, and then the poets, and only lastly Asia. But this hierarchy in preference does …

Nigerian Media: A Comparative Media Analysis, Temilade Inumidun Adeeko

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The comparative media analysis of Nigeria using Hallin and Mancini's model provides an insightful examination of the country's media system. Hallin and Mancini's model analyzes four dimensions: the degree of state intervention, the degree of political parallelism, the level of journalistic professionalism, and the role of the state. They offer three models of media and politics: The Liberal model, the Democratic Corporatist, and the Polarized Pluralist. Nigeria’s media system is characterized by high state intervention and political parallelism, significant control over media content by the state, a close relationship between the media and political parties, and a low level of …

China’S "Greek Gift" To Africa: A Myth Or Reality, Chibuzo Uchechukwu Victor Obasi

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Two differing perceptions have dominated explanations of the relationship between China and Africa. The first is often held in the West and sees China as an exploitative force that has latched onto Africa's quest for development partnerships to exploit the continent economically. The second considers the China-Africa partnership more positively and views China as a trustworthy ally. Advocates argue that China has no history of colonial ambitions in Africa. Instead, China intervened in Africa to fill the financing gap and tackle the development challenges in Africa with no political strings attached. Perception of which view is mainly correct depends on …

Finnish Response To Nato - Views From The Evangelical Lutheran Church And Christians In Finnish Politics, Miro Leporanta

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

Excerpt:

Finland placed an application for NATO in May of 2022, together with Sweden, with whom Finland’s foreign policy goals had been aligned for years.

Finnish Christianity and Finnish Churches have offered a variety of responses to the end of Finland’s non-military alignment. Of historical institutions in Finland, the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church (hereafter FELC) has a prominent social influence and is regarded as an institution that represents that country's values. This applies to Finnish defense policy as well. The church is a prominent player in the Finnish army and conscript service. On the FELC website, the Church states that: …

Christian Denominations On The Territory Of Ukraine In The First Half Of The 20th Century (1900-1939), Fedir Prodanyuk

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

The article examines the state of Christian denominations in the territory of Ukraine in the first half of the 20th century. It has been established that the Christian religion occupied an important place in the life of Ukrainian society. However, the period of prosperity and oppression simultaneously fell in the first 40 years of the 20th century. The confessional policy of the Soviet Union, which came to replace the tsarist authorities, gave a limited privileged position for some Christian churches while creating harsh conditions for other denominations. As a rule, these were Protestant movements, but the Orthodox Church also experienced …

Hope Channel Ukraine As "The Spiritual Front": Mediatization Of Religion In The War Against Ukraine, Maksym Balaklytskyi

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

Hope Channel Ukraine (Nadiia TV in Ukrainian) claims to be “the first Christian TV channel in Ukraine.” During the Russian invasion of 2022, its main innovation was the “All-Ukrainian HOPE Marathon” program. It is a live program that is being aired from February 28 to June 22 in morning and evening blocks of one and a half hours. For the first months, the Marathon was broadcast daily without a day off. Since September, it has been aired twice a week under the title “Spiritual Front.” “All-Ukrainian HOPE Marathon ”became the largest live project of Hope Channel Ukraine during its conventional …

On The Phenomenon Of Populism And Extremism In The Balkans, Mustafa Cerić

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

This paper is based on my personal experience of war and peace in Bosnia. The basic notion is that it is easier to start a war than to stop it. Thus, postwar recovery or peacebuilding is not easy. But thanks to open-minded people who have been all along against a mythical populism that caused the bloody war against Bosnia and its autochthon people, the peace, although unjust, was reached after all. The focus here is on the idea of pluralism in Bosnia as an opposite to "populism" and "extremism." For a positive narrative like pluralism is a good way to …

Gender-Based Pay Inequality In The Canadian Insurance Companies, Mostafa Shayangogani

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThe problem in this study was gender-based pay inequality among women at Canadian insurance companies. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand gender-based pay inequality for women at Canadian insurance companies. Aigner's, Cain's, Arrow's, and Phelps' statistical discrimination theory guided the study. The theoretical foundation also included the human capital theory by Becker and Schultz. The research questions focused on understanding C-suite and V-level executives’ lived experiences of gender-based pay inequality and identifying effective strategies that should be adopted to overcome the problem at Canadian insurance companies. This study used purposeful sampling to recruit 15 C-suite and …

Utilization-Focused Evaluation On The Impact Of A Sports-Based Youth Development On Unaccompanied Youth Students, Eric Cortez

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Unaccompanied immigrant youth (UIY) face obstacles that can hinder their education in their host countries. Given that educational attainment can help interrupt intergenerational cycles of poverty, the examination of support systems for UIY is critical. This study examined the role of sports-based youth development (SBYD) programs in supporting UIY students using a utilization-focused evaluation. To do this, two groups’ high school graduation rates were compared: (a) UIY participating in an SBYD program and (b) UIY not participating in a SYBD program. In addition to this quantitative analysis, UIY were surveyed and interviewed to contextualize the results of the graduation rate …

The Demands Of (Dis)Placement, The Micro-Aggressions Of Multiculturalism: Performing An Idea Of "Indianness" In Singapore, Orlando Woods, Lily Kong

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

This paper explores the ways in which state-defined discourses of multiculturalism can unintentionally create a framework through which micro-aggressions are enacted against those interpreted as “other”. These definitions cascade down from the state to majority and then minority ethno- national groups, who leverage positions of relative dominance to establish the terms of acceptance and integration into society. By negotiating these terms, ethnicity becomes a performative construct through which difference is asserted and reified. We illustrate these ideas through an empirical analysis of Singapore’s minority Indian community, and how Singaporean Indians perform an idea of “Indianness” in response to their Singaporean …

China’S Global Strategy As Science Fiction, William A. Callahan

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

Xi Jinping is leading China in a new direction, but how are we to understand the PRC’s global strategy? To understand domestic and international politics in most countries, we would look for clues in authoritative sources—leaders’ speeches, official documents and statistics, elite interviews and essays, and public opinion surveys. In the 2000s this method worked well to probe Chinese politics. But since civil society and independent thought have been severely restricted over the past decade under Xi, it’s necessary to go beyond such “factual” sources. To understand China’s global strategy, it’s best to read fiction, especially Chinese science fiction.

The Lived Experiences Of Esl Nontraditional Rrts While Preparing To Challenge The National Board For Respiratory Care Clinical Simulation Exam, Jose A. Lammoglia

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to provide information to respiratory therapy graduates from two-year associate in science programs, faculty, and administrators about the cognitive and noncognitive strategies employed by graduates to prepare and pass the CSE. To date, no available information on the role played by the lived experiences of Rt graduates while preparing to challenge the CSE. The researcher developed a questionnaire to conduct a qualitative phenomenological descriptive lived experience survey of ESL Hispanic nontraditional graduates from associate of science programs in South Florida who took the NBRC national board examinations between January 2015 and March 2022. An analysis …

Editor’S Note, Deepak Shimkhada

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

This special issue of Monsoon is dedicated to the studies honoring the goddess traditions in South Asia. The onset of the Monsoon Season in South Asia typically commences in June and continues until late August and early September. The publication of this issue, therefore, has been strategically timed to coincide with that season, which is a vital source of sustenance for millions of individuals in this part of the world. This anthology consisting of five papers—written by scholars with expertise in the field of goddess and women studies—speak unequivocally about the goddesses or women for their strength, beauty, wisdom, and …

Constructing Jain Goddess Padmavātī In Gujarati Literature, Venu Mehta

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

Worship of the goddess Padmāvatī emerged more than a thousand years ago. This article explores three songs about her in Gujarati by Paṇḍit Vīrvijayajī (1773-1852). By analyzing the style and form of his work, one learns a great deal about devotional liturgies that commemorate goddess Padmāvatī’s protection of the Jina Pārśvanātha and, in turn, his protection of her.

Women’S Voices From History: Gond Rani Durgawati And Rani Lakshmibhai, Nandini Sengupta, Moupia Basu

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

Two strong women are compared and contrasted in this article. Gond Rani Durgawati (1524-1564) led a resistance movement in Jabalpur against the Mughal rule of Akbar. Rani Lakshmibai (1828-1858) organized the people of Jhansi against Sir Hugh Rose, an officer defending the interests of the British East India Company. Both women continue to be remembered for their bravery and their loyalty to the people they ruled.

The Jaina Goddess Padmāvati In Karnataka, Robert Zydenbos

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

Stories about Padmāvati played an important role in the founding of the Ganga Dynasty (ca. 350-1000 C.E.) and the Hoysala Dynasty (ca. 950-1350 C.E.) in what is now the modern state of Karnataka. Although not without its critics, goddess worship has been integral to Jainism as practiced in south India for more than a millennium. This article surveys primary and secondary literature written about Padmāvati and describes worship at the main shrine dedicated to her, located in Hombuja in central Karnataka.

Mai Bhago And Amrita Devi Bishnoi: Women Of Strength, Sowmya Ayyar

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

Mai Bhago (1670-1720), also known as Bhag Kaur, distinguished herself on the battlefield to defend the Sikh faith. Amrita Devi Bishnoi (d. 1730) is said to have sacrificed her life with 362 others to protect the Khejari trees in the Rajasthan desert. Both women continue to inspire social justice and ecological activism.

An Examination Of Gandhian Economic And Political Thought And Its Relevance To The Empowerment Of Women, Purnima Mehta Bhatt

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) sought to alleviate poverty and empower women. His commitment to nonviolence and the economic ideal of “small is beautiful” continue to inspire grassroots movements around the globe. This article discusses the Chipko movement of northern India, the protection of rain forests in Kerala’s Silent Valley, the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), and Medha Patkar’s valiant though ultimately futile attempt to save the Narmada River from a massive government damming project. The ongoing legacy of these movements can be found in AWAG, the Ahmedabad Women’s Action Group and Women’s Shanti Sena (Peace Force).

Indigenous Stitch-Arts Of India: Tradition And Revival In A Global Age, Punam Madhok

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

Stitch art allows for the creative expression and economic support of countless women throughout India. This article examines four notable styles: chikankari, flora and fauna stitched in white thread on fine white cotton, rabari, the stitching of mirrors into colorful cloth, phulkari, resplendent flowery motifs sewn into shawls in Punjab, and kantha, Bengali patch work yielding quilts and seating mats. In addition to describing each technique, this article discusses how women have been economically empowered through this art by such organizations as Self-Help Enterprise (SHE) in Kolkata and Adithi, a women’s cooperative, in Bihar.

The Role Of The United States In Advancing Democracy In Developing Countries: The Case Of Bangladesh, 2008-2020, Abdul Halim

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The United States has been working in close collaboration with the government of Bangladesh (GoB) to promote democratic norms and practices in the country. Over the past five decades, various US agencies have provided about $8 billion in foreign aid to Bangladesh (U.S. Department of State, 2022) with a significant percentage of these funds devoted to promoting democratic governance in the recipient nation. This study seeks to investigate the impact of US aid on democratization in Bangladesh from 2008 to 2020. Utilizing bi-variate statistical models, this essay analyzes four distinct measures of US-funded projects that directly promote democracy and their …

Frontmatter (Volume 43, Issue 4), Paul B. Mojzes

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

No abstract provided.

Thailand's Tourist Destination Image And Their Intentions To Revisit, Juxin Mou

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

The robust expansion of global tourism, compounded by the pivotal role of modern technology, has intensified competition within the tourism market. This dynamic landscape has prompted nations to focus keenly on the development of tourism and the cultivation of a positive destination image. A strong, appealing image is crucial—it not only draws tourists but also amplifies the destination's competitive edge. Indeed, a favorable destination image can enhance visitors' perceptions, boost their satisfaction, and increase their likelihood to return. In the context of China's soaring economy and rising living standards, the appetite for outbound tourism among Chinese citizens has surged, propelling …

Food Tourism As A Means Of Promoting Food Sustainability: A Case Study Of Street Food In Bangkok, Marissa Soltoff

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

In 2002, the Thai government lauched two gastrodiplomacy initiatives to promote cultural awareness, increase export revenue, and boost tourism by increasing the number and quality of Thai restaurants abroad. These iniatives have been vastly successful and have since been emulated by other countries. This paper builds on the gastrodiplomacy initiatives' success by exploring the possibility of the same methods being applied to promotion of food sustainability. This research addresses the questions surrounding the factors that both enable and risk food sustainability, the sustainability projects currently being pursued in Thailand, any possible link between food sustainability and gastrodiplomacy with regards to …

Bad Genius: An Analysis Of Filmic Representations Of Thailand’S Social Issues And Chinese Viewers’ Perspectives, Shuwen Sun

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Bad Genius is a thought-provoking Thai movie that profoundly reflects the modern side of society by telling the story of examination malpractice and social class issues. The purpose of this article is to analyze the social issues involved in the film and explore the criticism of the education system and social injustice. At the same time, the article will introduce the Chinese audience's evaluation of the movie in order to analyze the reasons for its high box office in the Chinese market. By comparing the educational background and social values of Thailand and China, we can better understand why Bad …

Thailand's Role In Asean's Preventive Diplomacy, Usaimeen Waenalai

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This research delves into Thailand's pivotal role in the context of ASEAN's preventive diplomacy efforts, aiming to provide a nuanced understanding of the nation's contributions and challenges in maintaining regional stability and conflict prevention. As a key member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Thailand's diplomatic engagements have significant implications for the collective security of the region. The study employs a multidimensional approach, combining historical analysis, policy evaluation, and case studies to elucidate the evolution of Thailand's preventive diplomacy strategies within the ASEAN framework. The research begins by examining the foundational principles and historical antecedents of preventive diplomacy, …

Assessing The Level Of Participation Of Small Stakeholders In International Water Management Projects For Food Security In Lower Mekong Basin: The Case Of Rice Production In The Khong-Loei-Chi-Mun Project, Pauline Essouri

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

The Khong-Chi-Mun was a partially realized irrigation project in Northeast Thailand under the “Greening Isaan” plan of development. Afterward, the Thai government revived it in 2012 under the new name “Khong-Loei-Chi-Mun” (KLCM) This new mega-project aimed to improve water access to the region to increase agricultural rice production and answer to a rising worldwide food demand. However, the suitability of such a plan for the region was criticized for the lack of integration of local context and knowledge, a situation that could be avoided with the participation of local representation in the decision-making process. This study aimed to assess if …

Unity In Diversity: Exploring Central Thai Speaker’S Attitudes Towards Thai Dialects Through A Linguistic Approach, Tristan Aidan Pennell

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

At least 60.9% of people in Thailand speak a minority language natively. Despite a history of political nationalism suppressing dialects and minority languages, Thais seem to accept this linguistic diversity. This study explored attitudes of Central Thai speakers towards the main dialects, generally and by comparing two age groups: 18-30 and 45+. A Verbal-Guise technique-based survey gaining 145 respondents was conducted, with 76 of the younger age group and 69 of the older age group. The survey asked Central Thai people to evaluate recordings of three Thai dialects: Northern, North-eastern and Southern. Using Symbolic Domination, a theory analysing power relations …

The Popularity Of Thai Y Series In Japan, Taiki Yamamoto

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

The burgeoning popularity of the Thai Y series within Japan presents a captivating case study of cultural diffusion and media influence in the contemporary era. This paper explores the underlying dynamics behind this phenomenon, focusing on the interplay between social media's role in content propagation, the narrative appeal of the series to Japanese audiences, and the unique charm of Thai actors that captivates the same demographic. The research employs a multifaceted approach which incorporates examination of key media platforms, storytelling analysis, interview, and analysis of actors’ appeal. The findings reveal insights into the cultural, and social impact of the Thai …

Impacts Of The Social Media On Thailand's Tourism Industry: Impacts Of User-Generated Contents In The Social Media On Tourists' Behavior And Motivations, Shu Jin

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This study explores the significant transformation of the global tourism industry in today's digital era, especially for prominent tourist destinations like Thailand, due to social media. As one of Thailand's primary sources of revenue, the tourism industry has embraced social media as a major channel for information dissemination, shaping travelers' experiences and behaviors. The traditional methods of promotion and information delivery are evolving, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, where tourism recovery efforts focus on digital marketing and social media interaction to attract and retain travelers. The increased usage of social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, …

Moken Engagement With Tourism In The Surin Islands, Robert Louis Brandon Jr

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

The Andaman coast is home to the Moken who are traditionally sea nomads. In Thailand, they have undergone changes to their traditional life as they deal with the state policy and the tourism industry, where they contend with obstacles to their wellbeing as a people via marginalization and insecurity. This research paper focuses on the situation in the Surin Islands, a national park since 1981 and home to the Moken Village with around 300 residents. The residents receive hundreds of tourists daily, and this paper describes the engagement between Moken and visiting tourists. The researcher gathered data from field observation …