Innovations: A Journal of Politics
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Innovations: A Journal of Politics was an interdisciplinary journal committed to publishing the best student work in the study of politics, especially articles that make an original contribution to the field. We encourage submissions from students regardless of their institutional affiliation or perspective.
The journal serves three primary groups. For political scientists, it is a showcase for the ideas of the emerging scholars to whom the future of the discipline belongs. For graduate and undergraduate students of politics, it offers a unique opportunity to publish the best of their work. Finally, for students at the University of Calgary in particular, the journal also offers an opportunity to develop experience in the publishing process.
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Item Open Access Innovations: A Journal of Politics, Volume 1: Abstracts and Notes on Contributors(1998-01) DeWiel, BorisPlease Note: These are the abstracts of the articles that appear in Volume 1 of Innovations: A Journal of PoliticsItem Open Access Innovations: A Journal of Politics, Volume 2 (1999)(1999-01) Wilson, LenEditor’s Foreword It is arguably a sign of the health of a discipline when a new generation of scholars challenges its orthodoxies and suggests new approaches. The four articles in this issue of Innovations are examples of this. First, Andres Kahar’s discussion of the Latvian citizenship crisis of 1998 provides the basis for an analysis of the way in which traditional realist security paradigms are inadequate to deal with many of the complexities of the post-Cold War world. The Latvian situation does not fit neatly into a state vs. state understanding of security. Domestic ethno-political factors and the influence of regional actors such as the EU and the OSCE greatly complicate the situation. Kahar suggests that while traditional considerations of relative state power remain important, future security issues must be understood at global, regional, and domestic as well as interstate levels. The recent events in Kosovo would seem to support this view. In recent years, especially in Canada and the U.S., it has become widely accepted that traditional modes of welfare provision have proven to be failures, in that they perpetuate the problems that they were intended to alleviate. Welfare, we are told, perpetuates dependence and discourages the development of the work ethic. Reform is necessary to emphasize reintegration into the workforce. Ryan Miske examines the results of two such programs in the U.S., and argues that their long-term effects have been minimal. Debates over welfare reform, he argues, have more to do with the needs of politicians to be seen to be doing something about the welfare problem than with any real concern with the actual needs of welfare recipients. Miske’s pessimism about the possibility of effective reform is debatable, but this article is a useful examination of the reality behind the rhetoric. Darryl Crawford uses an examination of the political economy of the Maghreb region of North Africa as the basis for a critique of the neo-liberal approach to development. He argues that the domestic adjustments required by neo-liberal forces have encouraged interstate competition at the expense of regional cooperation. It is the latter, based on cultural affinities within the region, which Crawford argues offers the best hope for regional stability and development. Such a thesis is difficult to prove conclusively, but Crawford’s discussion does provide a worthwhile reassessment of neo-liberal orthodoxy. Finally, James Pasley’s article is an attempt to apply current research on the effects of circadian rhythms on individual capabilities and behaviour to the analysis of political decision-making. Important events often hinge on the decisions of individuals, and Pasley suggests that such variables as the time of day can have an effect on the types of decisions made. The findings are suggestive rather than conclusive, but Pasley does show a relationship between the time of day and level of aggressiveness for some people, which suggests that further research in this area may prove fruitful. A journal such as this is necessarily a cooperative endeavour. We would like to thank the anonymous reviewers who generously gave their time, those who contributed articles, published or not, and all the students who helped at all stages of the journal’s preparation.Item Open Access To Globalize or Not to Globalize? The Effects of Economic Integration on the Domestic Political Stability of Developing Countries, 1985-1992(2000) Walker, Scott; Ang, Adrian; Jobin, Kari; Hülsemeyer, AxelAre countries risking dire political consequences by succumbing to the pressures of the globalization phenomenon? This study attempts to explain the effects of trade and financial liberalization in developing countries on the level of domestic political stability. Using a sample of 65 countries from the developing world from the time period of 1985-1992, this paper uses a pooled-cross-sectional time series design to explain variations in the instability across space and time. The analysis finds that trade and financial openness exhibit downward pressure on the level of political instability. The model also finds evidence that higher levels of economic development are linked to higher levels of stability. The link between economic openness and domestic stability may show the path by which developing countries may achieve the stability of their developed counterparts.Item Open Access Regionalism and Integration in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review of Experiences, Issues and Realities at the Close of the Twentieth Century(2000) Manboah-Rockson, Joseph K.; Ang, Adrian; Jobin, Kari; Hülsemeyer, AxelGlobalization, the ‘border-less world’ or the ‘end of geography’ is an important theme of the post-Cold War discussion of the nature of international order. Although rarely tied to any clearly articulated theory, it has become a powerful metaphor in the sense that a number of universal processes are at work generating increased interconnection and interdependence between both states and societies. Increasingly common are images of a global flood of money, people, values, and ideas overflowing the old system of national barriers seeking to preserve state autonomy. Two areas are discernible in this regard: First, territorial boundaries are becoming less important. Second, traditional understandings of sovereignty are being undermined and individual regions are being viewed within a broader global context. This paper investigates the impact of the changing global conditions on regional integration efforts in SubSaharan Africa. The underlying argument in this paper is that there are a number of ways in which globalization works against the emergence of regionalism in sub-Saharan Africa. Changes in the global economy such as technology and productive systems, and especially the impact of information technologies have meant that regional industrial policies and the promotion of regional champions are no longer considered adequate. Therefore, the assertion of this paper is that globalization is undermining the sustainability of integration efforts within Sub-Sahara Africa. Globalization works against regionalism where states are increasingly facing powerful pressures toward the homogenization of economic policies solely to attract foreign investment and technology and to compete in a closely-knit market arena. Consequently, regionalism in Sub-Saharan Africa is being deemphasized due to the emerging centripetal forces of globalization.Item Open Access Globalization and Structures of Power: A Weberian Inquiry(2000) Churchill, Christian J.; Ang, Adrian; Jobin, Kari; Hülsemeyer, AxelThis paper examines globalization through the framework of Max Weber’s essay 'Structures of Power.' The paper argues that globalization is characterized by political and economic entities using debt, the nation-state, and organizational networks as the means to maximize profit and power. It suggests that an examination of globalization through this framework provides a clear idea of what globalization is and how to solve its structural problems. Among a plurality of co-existing polities, some, the Great Powers, usually ascribe to themselves and usurp an interest in political and economic processes over a wide orbit. Today such orbits encompass the whole surface of the planet. - Max Weber, 'Structures of Power'Item Open Access Globalization and the Political Loyalties of Individuals: Europe in Transition(2000) Vähä-Sipilä, Mikko; Ang, Adrian; Jobin, Kari; Hülsemeyer, AxelThis paper deals with certain aspects of how political loyalties in a globalizing Europe are being exposed to pressures for change. The viewpoint is that of a ‘displaced’ individual political actor, and the aim is to locate those sociopolitical signals that are relevant to the formation process of political loyalties. The central argument is that as the legalistic conception of national citizenship is losing some of its significance, the individual experience of instant political influence becomes important.Item Open Access Innovations: A Journal of Politics Order Form(2000) Ang, Adrian; Jobin, Kari; Hülsemeyer, AxelItem Open Access Globalization at the Level of the Nation-State: The Case of Canada’ Third Sector(2000) Jiwani, Izzat; Ang, Adrian; Jobin, Kari; Hülsemeyer, AxelThis paper examines how globalization-inspired policy and institutional changes bring about a redefinition of citizenship and a reconstitution of modalities of political and collective action. By examining the case of Canada's third sector, it is argued that the combined forces of globalization and neoliberal ideology are resulting in the mercerization and co-optation of the third sector into a quasi-autonomous government body to deliver public services. In the process, social citizenship rights of Canadians are being redefined. As well, the state’s concern for freeing itself of interest group politics in order to push its market-oriented policies is resulting in restricted avenues of democratic participation for Canadian citizens. In an era of market hegemony, it is imperative to strengthen the third sector’s role as intermediary between the market, state and citizens to ensure that globalization works for people and not for profit alone. An alternative to the existing welfare and labour market approaches is needed which would embody the principles of social responsibility, democracy, and transparency, and yet be innovative enough to meet the challenges of the new global order.Item Open Access Introductory Essay: 'Globalization 2000' - From Planning to Fruition(2000) Hülsemeyer, Axel; Ang, Adrian; Jobin, Kari; Hülsemeyer, AxelIn September 1999, an international conference took place at the University of Calgary, entitled Globalization 2000: Convergence or Divergence? The articles contained in this issue of Innovations are revised versions of some of the papers presented at the conference. In this introductory essay I wish to outline briefly the rationale underlying the G2000 conference. It seems to me that what made the project different from similar events can be cast in both substantive and organizational terms. I will reflect on both aspects in turn.Item Open Access Innovations: A Journal of Politics, Volume 3 (2000)(2000-01) Ang, Adrian; Jobin, Kari; Hülsemeyer, AxelOn behalf of the Editorial and Management Board of Innovations: A Journal of Politics, we are pleased to welcome readers to our year 2000 edition. In this issue we present the work of up-andcoming young scholars writing on the theme of globalization. We decided to commemorate the new millennium by focusing on the very salient and timely theme of globalization, which occupies the attention of so many political and social scientists.Item Open Access Metaxy and the Unrest of Existence in Saint Augustine's Confessions(2002) Azerrad, David; Brown, SherriThe structure and meaning of St. Augustine's Confessions have long puzzled interpreters. By reading the Confessions in light of Eric Voegelin's thought, the question of unity and meaning no longer poses itself. The 13 books form a coherent symbolization of one man's struggle with the In-Between (metaxy) structure of Being, his noetic insight into this structure and the subsequent attempt to express his newfound understanding of reality. Thus understood, the Confessions become a powerful account of a soul's turning around (periag_g_). This approach not only illuminates the nature of Augustine's participation in reality, but also brings Voegelin's symbolization to life, while revealing its full significance and more importantly, its subtleties and limitations.Item Open Access Innovations: A Journal of Politics Front Matter(2002) Brown, SherriItem Open Access Cinema and Television as a Gauge for Race Politics(2002) Kendrick, James A.; Brown, SherriThe salience of race in American society is a topic of current debate among some scholars of political science. Some research suggests that race is more influential than class in determining the political behavior of African Americans. Other research argues that bridging the racial divide require?? a movement from confrontation and blaming to a more positive view uf the successes of race relations. In other words, the construct of race is not as important in the U.S. as it was during Reconstruction. This study examines the influence of exposure to black cinema and black television on an individual's sense of linked fate. In summary, exposure to black cinema is related to levels of racial group consciousness for some African Americans. Broader implications from this study call for the inclusion of additional concepts (i.e., cultural concepts like cinema) along with survey data and feeling thermometers to examine issues related to race.Item Open Access Liberal/Democracy(2002) McFaul, David; Brown, SherriThroughout recent history, the political ideologies of I iberal ism and democracy have been closely associated with each other. Despite this common association, there is a continuing tension between the two sy stems. The cause of this tension can be best summarized as the distinction between negative and positive liberty, made famous by Isaiah Berlin. Liberalism, with its emphasis on individualism and support of restrictions on state intervention in personal and economic affairs, comes to represent negative liberty. On the other hand, democracy comes to represent positive liberty by its emphasis on communitarian ism and its articulation for the need of group consensus to realize a shared understanding of the public good. As a result of this tension, liberals and democrats are forced to argue whether political discourse should focus on the distribution of individual rights (liberal view) or answer the question posed by democrats of, 'what is the ideal way of life?' Over the last twenty years, individuals in affluent western societies are becoming more concerned about quality of life issues and less concerned about material gain or scarcity of resources. Because of this new postmaterialism, individuals are increasingly preferring the positive libertyoriented solutions that democracy has to offer over the negative liberty of liberalism that is firmly entrenched in western culture by the political and business elite.Item Open Access The Role of Organized Labour in Latin American Democratization Processes(2002) Hilgers, Tina; Brown, SherriThe comparative literature dealing with regime transItIon in Latin America since the 1970s has viewed critically the role of civil society, particularly organized labour, in promoting democracy. While seen as positive for furthering democratization and liberalization during early transitional stages, subsequent mass popular action has been considered an endangerment to the stability of democratization. The time is ripe to reconsider the value of a dynamic civil society -exemplified by organized labour - in achieving quality democracy in Latin America. Specifically, since socioeconomic equality and inclusiveness are key aspects of quality democracy, it is not feasible to assume that this can be achieved without concerted efforts from those sectors that have been immobilized and excluded in current low quality Latin American democracies.Item Open Access Innovations: A Journal of Politics Back Matter(2002) Brown, SherriItem Open Access Are the Risks Real? Contemporary Opposition to the ICC(2002) Reid, Holly; Chapnick, Adam; Brown, SherriIn spite of the overwhelming global support for the international criminal court (ICC) upon its inception in July 1998, a significant number of states, led by the US, have hesitated in ratifying the Rome Statute. After reviewing the benefits and drawbacks of a fullyfunctioning ICC, this paper addresses the implications of the ICC in the context of global power politics. We conclude that, while accession to the ICC indeed affects state sovereignty, on the whole, the risks articulated by opponents in the US and elsewhere are more perceived than real. Accepting the ICC will have little to no impact on Great Power security or influence in the international arena.Item Open Access Political Friendship and the Second Self in Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics(2004) Vander Valk, Francis; Fitzsimmons, Scott; Singh, AnitaThe difficulty that academics have faced in resolving the tensions between competing interpretations of Aristotelian political friendship can be traced to a lack of attention paid to Aristotle’s understanding of the self. The friend, Aristotle tells us, is a 'second self,' but it is not clear what he means by this phrase. One group of contemporary commentators (to whom I give the name Strong Integrationists) suggests that Aristotle calls for an intimate connection between moral and political forms of friendship. Strong Integrationists, in making their arguments, tacitly assume a more-or-less Cartesian understanding of the self. I suggest that this assumption is in error. The Aristotelian self is generally unstable, fractured, and only rarely capable of the sustained virtue that characterizes the highest form of friendship. By reexamining the nature of the Aristotelian self I hope to provide a reading of political friendship that is more faithful to Aristotle’s text, and more in line with his own philosophical assumptions.Item Open Access Composite Diplomacy: Canadian Innovation Amidst Global Uncertainty(2004) Barrett, Robert S.; Fitzsimmons, Scott; Singh, AnitaThis condensed paper is the culmination of a one-year research effort – an investigation addressing two issue areas: the first being the West’s apparent and disturbing inability to address and ameliorate emerging forms of global intrastate war, and second, Canada’s dire need to resurrect its foreign policy in order to actively participate on the world stage. In answering both of these problems, the paper proposes that Canada adopt, as a policy focus, a newly formed diplomatic strategy termed Composite Diplomacy.Item Open Access Mexican Labour Politics at a Critical Juncture(2004) Hilgers, Tina; Fitzsimmons, Scott; Singh, AnitaThis article reviews the current political situation of Mexican organized labour and the academic debate regarding unions’ relevance to Mexican democracy, drawing attention to the importance of Federal Labour Law reform. With the 1997 parliamentary elections, Mexico entered a critical juncture of regime change. Civil society’s – particularly labour’s – participation in policy-making is crucial to the establishment of inclusive political structures beyond the electoral arena, to stabilize this fledgling democracy. Given labour’s political weakness leading up to, and potential representational importance at, this critical juncture, I suggest that the participation of both official and independent labour in the mesa working to craft Federal Labour Code reform provides an important reference point for studies of the quality of Mexican democracy.
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