This volume examines the complex interplay of geopolitics, electoral politics, and representative governance across South, Southeast, West, and Central Asia through an intersectional lens. Analyzing electoral developments in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Uzbekistan, it explores diverse political systems ranging from consolidated democracies to hybrid regimes and entrenched authoritarian states. With many of these countries having held national elections in 2024, the volume offers timely insights into how majoritarian, proportional and hybrid electoral systems mediate governance, legitimacy and citizen participation. It interrogates the role of elections in enabling democratic representation while exposing how identity politics, majoritarianism, and systemic exclusion continue to shape outcomes. Combining macro and micro perspectives, the volume provides grounded, comparative analyses of Asia's political trajectories and will be of interest to scholars and students of political science, international relations, area studies, and electoral politics.

What does it mean to be human in an age of rapid technological advancement? Are we on the brink of transcending our biological limitations, or are we losing touch with the essence of what it means to be human? Emerging technologies challenge our understanding of identity, ethics, and existence.

Bringing together leading voices from history, philosophy, science, and ethics, this volume delves into the intricate intersections of transhumanism and posthumanism, offering a thought-provoking exploration of historical and philosophical debates from the Renaissance to the present. It examines how transhumanist thought envisions the enhancement of human capabilities through science and technology, while posthumanism questions the very boundaries that define what it means to be human. A must-read for scholars, students, and anyone intrigued by the future of humanity, this volume is an essential guide to the debates shaping our technological era.

This book chronicles the pivotal transformations in the United States from 2001 to 2021, with a particular focus on its evolving global image, internal political dynamics, and economic landscape. The phrase "the long two decades" describes a period characterized by a succession of four major crises that profoundly impacted American society and politics: the 9/11 attacks, the invasion of Iraq, the Great Recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Intriguingly, these contemporary crises parallel four significant events of the 20th century?Pearl Harbor, the Vietnam War, the Great Depression, and the Spanish Flu?that similarly reshaped the nation’s political and social landscape. The book provides historical contexts, examines the duration of these crises, and explores their aftermath effects on American society, while also underscoring the unique differences among them.

This book examines the relationship between artificial intelligence and public policy in Africa. Bringing together academics and experts from multiple governance sectors, it assesses the ways in which AI is being utilised to achieve policy goals, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and how it is being governed. The book adopts a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from political science, law, economics, data science, linguistics and engineering, to explore how national AI strategies are being adapted in different governance sectors across the continent. These include areas such as public safety, economic growth, electoral administration and public accountability. Attention is also given to feminist approaches to AI, and the likelihood of realising responsible AI for future public policy and governance in Africa. Practical policy recommendations are also highlighted, making this an important book for both practitioners and academics interested in African governance, public policy and AI.

This book offers a distinctive approach to policy analysis and a refreshing and politically engaged way of thinking about policy. It clearly articulates a Foucault-influenced poststructural perspective on policy and policy analysis for researchers, students and policy makers. As a "guide to practice", the book introduces a critical analytical approach to policy analysis called ‘What’s the Problem Represented to be?’ (WPR). Instead of treating policy as simply the government’s best efforts to address?problems, this analytic strategy highlights how policies produce ‘problems’ as particular sorts of problem and how governing takes place through these problematisations. First published in 2016, the book describes the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of the WPR approach to policy analysis in a detailed and accessible manner.? It features examples of application of the approach with topics as diverse as obesity, economic policy, migration, drug and alcohol policy, and gender equality.

?In this second edition, the authors centralise a complementary analytic strategy for poststructural policy analysis?poststructural interview analysis (PIA). This edition integrates this material as a new chapter which sets out PIA as a novel approach to poststructural interview analysis and includes examples of PIA applications. The new chapter provides excellent guidance to undertake interview analysis in a manner congruent with the poststructural precepts set out in the book.?

Drawing upon extensive nationwide research in Hungary, this volume investigates how social media platforms operate as new spaces for local political interaction, community-building, and public discourse, and assesses their implications for democratic practices. At its core, this work seeks to answer fundamental questions about the nature, scale, and impact of local political engagement online. Our analysis spans micro-level interactions among individuals, meso-level storytelling agents such as community pages and political figures, and the broader context in which these dynamics unfold. Particular attention is paid to the role of political considerations, especially to how the interests of national political actors are reflected in and serve to energize local, social media-based publics. By offering detailed insights into Hungary's local social media landscape, it provides a broader understanding of the evolving role digital platforms play in shaping contemporary civic life, ultimately informing discussions about the future of community and political engagement in an increasingly digital world.

This comprehensive volume examines how artificial intelligence (AI) can either strengthen or undermine democratic society. It introduces groundbreaking frameworks including "AI-Enhanced Reflexive Control" (AIRC), and categorizes vulnerable democracies into three types - underdeveloped, strained, and stressed - each of which facing unique AI-related challenges.

Drawing on extensive case studies including Romania's 2024 election annulment, Bulgaria's disinformation networks, and democratic innovations in Kenya and the Philippines, contributors analyze AI's impact across electoral processes, legal systems, and public discourse. The book systematically examines five critical categories of unethical AI applications - disinformation, electoral interference, human rights manipulation, cultural exploitation, and privacy invasion - while exploring AI's potential as a democratic equalizer.

Featuring accessible introductions to AI topics, real-world case studies, and actionable policy recommendations, this volume serves as an essential guide for policymakers, technologists, and those studying AI's complex relationship with democratic governance.

This book unlocks the transformative potential of Micro Human Efforts (MHE) in the domain of disaster resilience through an interwoven narrative of human resilience, grounded in insights from the influential special issue of the International Journal of Mass Emergencies and Disasters.

This work delves into the critical, often neglected, role of individual, intuitive initiatives in the wake of catastrophic events. By illuminating how these efforts can significantly reshape post-disaster recovery strategies, this book underscores the importance of local knowledge and community ingenuity. It posits that MHE has the capability to amplify grassroots movements into impactful agents of change. Readers will embark on a comprehensive exploration that redefines disaster management through a human-centred lens and highlights the essential contributions of individuals in fostering resilience.

The volume serves as an invaluable resource for academics, practitioners, and all stakeholders committed to advancing sustainable and adaptive responses in the face of climate-induced challenges.

Collecting the ideas of a dozen young scholars, this book investigates the symbiotic relationships among globalization, diaspora, foreign policy, sustainability, and the profound psychological effects that ensue. This synthesis of diverse disciplines paints a vivid portrait of our interconnected world, offering a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities including sustainability and climate issues. Readers are taken on a journey through the complex shade of diaspora, unravelling the significant role played by global communities in bridging cultural divides and fostering international networks. The examination of foreign policy dynamics provides insights into how nations navigate the evolving global terrain, responding to the interconnected challenges of the 21st century. This book will be of interest to scholars of globalization, diaspora, and those seeking visions of the future.

This is an open access book. This volume critically examines challenges in the field of current and future military technology from a transdisciplinary lens. It helps objectify the debate around the development of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS). The volume offers a differentiated, informed and open approach to military artificial intelligence (AI) applications in the public realm, in politics and in the military itself. The contributions weigh the risks that artificially intelligent automation, like any new technology, brings, against technological innovation and progress. They address the issues of testing new technologies, implementing them socially and reflecting on their use, along with questions of unintended consequences of such technologies. The volume is divided into three parts. The first discusses perspectives on AI; how AI systems are understood by the public, by soldiers, and in cultural discourses. The focus is on (but not limited to) military applications. The second part focuses on the challenges and changes posed by the use of AI in military conflicts and addresses issues of how to deal with them. The third part examines the communication challenges posed by the implementation of AI in the military and the associated opportunities and risks.

This highly topical and timely volume is for researchers and students across disciplines who have an interest in military technology and those interested in AI and new technology.

This book explores the little known root cause and nature of the Cyprus conflict;fills the huge gaps that have been, over time, airbrushed out of Cyprus’s postcolonial
history; traces the UN led settlement process from 1964 to 2025, sharing Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot positions at the talks; evaluates the performance?of the UN in Cyprus; identifies the key reasons that have contributed to the failure of the talks; and sheds light on the needs of an equality-based, fair and sustainable?settlement in the critical/strategic geography that Cyprus finds itself.

This Handbook offers a state-of-the-art overview and comprehensive analysis of the emerging field of cyber diplomacy. During the last twenty years a complex cyber ecosystem has been emerging that is increasingly challenged at various levels, in different domains and by a variety of actors. Core issues range from cyber (dis)- information warfare and frequent cyberattacks on critical infrastructure to sophisticated cybercriminals penetrating systems for income or simply securing rights online. Such challenges are not only of a strictly technical nature, but have also important social, economic, legal and geopolitical implications. This broad policy agenda can neither simply be addressed by states alone nor by traditional diplomats that practice or engage in negotiations over securing cyberspace, whether this is in relation to regulations, norms, rules or indeed technologies that can provide security and preserve fundamental rights and freedoms on the Internet. Developments in practice and in theory require more complex conceptualisation and understanding of cyber diplomacy: of what it is, of who practices it where and how? The Handbook seeks to contribute to the wider question on how cyber diplomacy might have affected and changed the tools and approaches of diplomacy itself and might influence the study of diplomacy in the future.

This book provides a useful framework for addressing the various aspects of current Asia-Europe relations, including examinations of power transitions and geopolitics, values, and pragmatism, climate change and sustainability, technology and innovation, and infrastructure and connectivity. It discusses the current state of affairs, the future of these relations, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the two regions. In modern times, developments in infrastructure, such as transportation and communication technologies, have enhanced these regions' connectivity. Yet, other geopolitical forces and power transitions are also influencing the stability of European-Asian alliances, sometimes in uncertain directions, particularly as competition between China and the United States disrupts the global order. The book also considers the impact of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict, in relation to Europe-Asia diplomacy. The book pivots on two fundamental questions: How can the two regions bridge their differences and cooperate to meet common challenges? And what opportunities-and challenges-arise for deeper political and economic integration in doing so? A valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and those interested in future of Asia-Europe relations, this book is a novel resource for researchers in political science and international relations, sustainability studies, sociocultural studies, and all areas relating to Asian and European regionalism.

China and the Global South in a Contested World Order is a timely and thought-provoking exploration of China’s growing influence across the Global South. From the Belt and Road Initiative to China’s rising power in Africa and Southeast Asia, this book explores China’s vision of a new world order and its unique approach to “true ?multilateralism”. Through compelling case studies and fresh insights such as China’s underexplored provincial diplomacy, it reveals the shared challenges, opportunities, competition, cooperation and untapped potential between China and the Global South. The author calls for deeper collaboration between China and the Global South to harness their collective potential in an era of global crises and shifting power dynamics. This book offers essential understanding of how this relationship is shaping the future of global change.

This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the European Union's trade policy and its external perception, incorporating a post-colonial perspective and utilizing a hermeneutic analysis of an extensive media dataset. It responds to the scholarly, educational, and practical demands for a deeper grasp of the intricate dynamics at the crossroads of trade, sustainable development, and identity development.

The research delves into the EU's identity as a global normative trading entity, examining systemic, identity-related, and specific-issue dimensions. By focusing on bilateral trading connections with former European colonies, the study advances a fresh decentering agenda within the realm of EU foreign policy and international relations. This agenda incisively questions the EU's Eurocentric standpoint, communications, and behaviours in its external interactions, notably with past colonies of EU member states, particularly in the context of global trade. This is timely giventhe new geopolitical context, with increased ideological rivalries while urgently demanding international cooperation to channel the effects of climate change.

Leveraging the concept of perceptions and framing, the research presents innovative insights substantiated by meticulous empirical observations. Consequently, this study enriches our comprehension of the EU's function and challenges as a trading entity and illuminates the intricacies of its interaction with Southeast Asian nations, contributing valuable wisdom to the domain of international relations.

This comprehensive survey of the countries of East and South-East Asia, Australia and New Zealand, along with 22 Pacific islands, fully revised to reflect current economic and political developments, is an essential resource for the Asia-Pacific region. Calendar of Political Events A calendar of events provides a convenient reference guide to the year's main political developments. General Survey Written by leading experts, this collection of essays provides incisive analysis of regional issues. Country Surveys Individual chapters on each country containing: ? essays on geography, history and the economy ? an economic and demographic survey of the latest available statistics on population, health and welfare, agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, industry, finance, trade, transport, tourism, communications and education ? a comprehensive directory of names and contact details covering the most significant political, financial and commercial institutions ? a country-specific bibliography. An entire section is dedicated to the Pacific islands, including specially commissioned essays examining the contemporary politics of the islands, their economies, security concerns and the environmental issues confronting them. Regional Information ? includes all major international organizations active in the region, their aims, activities, publications and principal personnel ? a detailed survey of major commodities in Asia and the Pacific ? a directory of research institutes specializing in the region ? select bibliographies of books and periodicals covering the Asia-Pacific region ? an index of regional organizations

Addressing Climate Risk in Coastal Urban Areas of East and Southeast Asia provides an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted challenges posed by climate hazards in coastal urban areas of East and Southeast Asia. It addresses interconnections between climate science, physical climate threats, engineering solutions, financial impacts and strategies for resilience. With contributions from leading experts, the book presents a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach for tackling physical climate risk, combining scientific knowledge with practical solutions.

The book is divided into three parts, covering:

• analysis of key issues and pain points in tackling physical climate risk from the perspectives of meteorological, engineering and financial sectors
• a methodology integrating principles of resilience, climate change science and financial risk assessment to provide a comprehensive framework for enhancing resilience
• a range of case studies that offer practical examples of state-of-the-art approaches, demonstrating how theoretical concepts can be applied in real-world situations.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding and tackling the complex challenges posed by climate hazards in East and Southeast Asia's coastal urban areas. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners and decision-makers in each sector, helping them to plan, design, operate, and manage their assets under uncertainty.

This book, written from a practice-oriented perspective, examines whether and how questioning from the Bench actually achieves its objective, i.e. to assist the Court. Particular circumstances such as incidental proceedings and the time factor have an impact on the act of questioning, while the provisional relevance of issues raised?perceived as such by both the Court and the parties?may later turn out to be effective and rather important. Judicial actors have raised both conceptual and contextual questions, as well as procedural and substantive, and even hypothetical ones. The subject-matter of questions depends on the Court’s?champ operatoire, while the parties’ litigation strategy and their co-operational duties provide the framework to respond to the Court and to comment on the other party’s replies.?

A survey of this practice?by both the judicial actors and the parties?well-established now after almost eight decades, constitutes the groundwork for the qualitative analysis of the manner in which questions, replies and comments have found their way into the judicial reasoning of the Court and of individual judges. In the overwhelming majority of judgments and individual opinions this judicial engagement has been co-decisive.

This is the first, in-depth, and comprehensive monograph providing a functional analysis of this managerial tool at the Court’s disposal, making it essential reading for both scholars and practitioners, studying and involved with the Court’s jurisprudence.

Karel Wellens is Emeritus Professor of International Law at the Radboud University Nijmegen in The Netherlands.

Fusing critical social theory to critical and political phenomenology, Political Poverty?presents a substantial contribution to current discussions on democratic inequality, political agency, political exclusion, and the role of experience in critical theorizing. Political Poverty puts forward an experiential account of political agency that can untangle theoretical knots of the discussion on the inequality of political participation. It also delivers a set of thinking tools that enable political theorists to better understand the motivational aspect of political agency, as well as suggestions on how even seemingly hopeless situations can be addressed by determined bottom-up efforts. Readers will come away from the book with a new perspective on political agency and the problems of encouraging democratic participation.

This volume of primary sources examines electric power, politics and culture in Victorian Britain. The materials review the formalization of electric power infrastructures or "grids" as they took shape on a local, national, and imperial scale, and explore how citizens, novelists, doctors, politicians, and electrical engineers imagined electric power networks impacting the present and future.