Journal of Liberty and International Affairs
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THE STRATEGIC ADJUSTMENTS OF CHINA, INDIA, AND THE US IN THE INDO-PACIFIC GEOPOLITICAL CONTEXT
Full text linkSince the beginning of the XXI century, the Indo-Pacific region has become the “focus” of strategic competition between the world’s great powers. This area included many “choke points” on sea routes that are strategically important for the development of international trade, playing an important role in transporting oil, gas, and goods around the world from the Middle East to Australia and East Asia. The article analyzed the geostrategic position of the Indo-Pacific region and the strategic adjustments in foreign affairs of some major powers in this region, specifically the US, China, and India. To achieve this goal, the authors used research methods in international relations to analyze the main issues of the study. In addition to reviewing previous scholarly research and reviews, the authors used a comparative approach to assess the interactions between theory and data. The authors believed that these data are important for accurately assessing the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region, and this area was an important trigger for the US, China, and India to make adjustments to its foreign policy. If the US proposed a strategy called “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP), India’s strategy was called the Indo-Pacific Initiative. China’s Indo-Pacific strategy was clearly expressed through the “String of Pearls” strategy and the “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI). As a result, in the geopolitical context of the Indo-Pacific region, the competition between major powers (the US, China, India...) is also becoming fiercer and more complex. It has a significant impact on other countries in the region
Exploring the Effectiveness of the Human Rights Court in Indonesia: A Call for Humanitarian Action
Full text linkIndonesia’s Human Rights Court, established under Law No. 26/2000, has faced criticism due to persistent unresolved cases, highlighting flaws in its legal foundation. The Court’s performance revealed that Indonesia has been ineffective in resolving serious human rights violation cases. This research emphasizes two main points: 1) exploring human rights enforcement in Indonesia based on the effectiveness of the Human Rights Court’s performance, and 2) scrutinizing the context of humanitarian intervention in cases of gross human rights violations in Indonesia. The article utilized a normative juridical research approach, followed by a descriptive analysis through a literature study. The research illustrated that human rights enforcement in Indonesia was inadequate, often stalling at the inquiry stage. Trials for the 1984 Tanjung Priok massacre, East Timor, and Abepura resulted in acquittals, raising doubts about the effectiveness of the Human Rights Court’s Law (No. 26/2000). Furthermore, humanitarian intervention was deemed necessary to address these unresolved violations, viewed not as a violation of sovereignty but as a means to enhance human rights protection. This requires national and international cooperation, focusing on resolving cases rather than debating jurisdiction.
Democratic Culture and Digital Ecosystems: Women’s Political Participation in Latin America
Full text linkThis article investigated the increase of online hate speech practices in Latin America against women social leaders and political candidates during electoral campaigns and social rights activism. A qualitative approach was used to study this research problem (case study and secondary data analysis) to demonstrate that the growth of online hate speech limits the sociopolitical participation and enjoyment of fundamental rights of Latin American women social leaders and political candidates. The main results of the case study demonstrated that critical digital media education represents a possibility of intervention to counterbalance these discriminatory online practices. In this sense, the conclusions proposed Latin American educomunicación as a methodology for constructing ethical, social, and political alternatives because it promotes the development of critical collective consciousness and strengthens the effectiveness of normative actions.
Iron Brothers: The Strategic Bond between China and Pakistan
Full text linkChina and Pakistan have established a robust strategic partnership driven by shared geopolitical and geoeconomic interests. Often referred to as the “Iron Brothers”, their relationship has demonstrated remarkable resilience, enduring misunderstandings and differences even under challenging circumstances. China’s strategic and security priorities in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region align closely with Pakistan’s military and economic objectives, forming a strong basis for sustained cooperation. Additionally, their shared rivalry with India and the perceived threats from India and its allies further reinforce their alliance. This article examines the Sino-Pakistani partnership through the lens of balance of power and security dilemma theories, highlighting the key factors underpinning their enduring relationship. It concludes that, despite potential challenges, both nations are poised to strengthen their collaboration in pursuit of mutual military, geopolitical, and economic objectives.
FASHIONABLE POLITICS: HOW ITALIAN LEADERS TRANSFORM INTO SUCCESSFUL BRANDS IN CONTEMPORARY COMMUNICATION
Full text linkPolitical communication is inherently intertwined with social dynamics and cannot be considered a separate field of study. Symbolic elements, slogans, and the leadership of political figures have permeated human history, influencing and often determining political action. This study has analyzed the phenomenon of personalization as compelling evidence in the field of contemporary political communication. The analysis is based on a study of Italian cases, aiming to provide an in-depth insight into the strategies adopted by political parties to personalize their leaders’ image and engage voters. In particular, the focus has primarily been on party symbols incorporating the leader’s name. The research was conducted to identify party personalization mechanisms and their impact on public opinion. The result highlighted the role of political communication in asserting the individual as a brand at the expense of the party organization, with significant implications for democracy and political participation
BETWEEN TRADITION AND TRANSFORMATION: THE IMPACT OF ILLIBERAL POPULISM ON GEORGIA’S DEMOCRATIC ASPIRATIONS
Full text linkThe article examines the role of Georgian far-right illiberal populist groups in Georgian politics and their influence on Georgia’s foreign policy and the ongoing democratization process, emphasizing Euroscepticism, liberal institutional development, and the pro-Russian narrative. Using qualitative research methodology, we analyzed the programs, manifestos, and public speeches of well-known groups active in Georgian politics, such as People's Power, Georgian March, Georgian Idea, Unity, Essence, Hope (ERI), and Alliance of Patriots of Georgia. Analysis of the mentioned material, as well as various scientific studies, shows that the discourse of these groups is dominated by xenophobic, nationalist, populist, and racist rhetoric, which represents a significant challenge to Georgia’s European integration path and in the direction of democratization of its governance system. In the long term, we concluded that the existence and development of these illiberal populist actors threaten Georgia’s aspirations for European integration and democratic development. This study contributes to a broader discourse about populism and illiberal views in the Georgian reality, focusing on the influence of these ideologies on the formation of the country’s foreign policy and orientation
ONLY RAPE! HUMAN RIGHTS AND GENDER EQUALITY FOR REFUGEE WOMEN: FROM REFUGEE CAMPS TO THE UNITED NATIONS: Authors: Eileen Pittaway and Linda Albina Bartolomei (Springer, Palgrave Macmillan Singapore 2022)
Full text linkIn their groundbreaking book titled “Only Rape! Human Rights and Gender Equality for Refugee Women: From Refugee Camps to the United Nations”, the authors Eileen Pittaway and Linda Albina Bartolomei bring to the forefront the pressing and frequently disregarded issue of sexual violence confronted by women seeking refuge. Released in the year 2022, this extensively investigated piece of literature delves deep into the firsthand accounts and experiences of women who find themselves in the often intricate and multi-faceted network of refugee camps, providing an all-encompassing examination of the numerous obstacles they face while simultaneously highlighting their unwavering struggle for both justice and equality
Potential Effects and Concerns of the Agreement Between Italy and Albania on Managing Migratory Flows
Full text linkThe recent Memorandum of Understanding concluded between Italy and Albania for cooperation in the migration field has caused strong criticism. This agreement has raised many doubts regarding its compliance with the Albanian Constitution, specifically concerning the procedure required for concluding international agreements relating to the concession of the territory to foreign powers and the protection of human rights. Recently, the Albanian Constitutional Court decided that the Protocol does not violate the Constitution. This study aims to highlight the critical issues related to fundamental rights protection, particularly regarding the issue of which state will be responsible for human rights protection according to the ECHR. Another profile to consider is the determination of Albania as a safe place, considering that the agreement aims to transfer people rescued in international waters by Italian military vessels into Albanian territory. 
The Impact of Liberalized Concealed Carry Laws on State Homicide Rates
Full text linkLiberalized concealed carry laws test how firearm legislation affects crime in the US. This study analyzes the relationship between these laws, total homicide, and firearm homicide using panel data from 1980 to 2018 across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The analysis uses multivariate regression with state and time-fixed effects and applies a general-to-specific procedure to select control variables. Robustness checks, including a generalized synthetic control model, confirm the findings. The results show no statistically significant relationship between shall-issue or permitless carry laws and homicide rates, even at the 10% level. The findings remain consistent across alternative model specifications. If these effects are truly null, liberalized concealed carry laws may have positive social implications, offering valuable insights for policymakers. 
Cover Page and Table of Contents
No full textJournal of Liberty and International Affairs is a triannual (3 regular issues per year), international, open-access, and peer-reviewed journal published by the Institute for Research and European Studies. This journal follows a regular publishing schedule with the occasional addition of a special issue. The journal aims to provide an active international forum for analysis, research, and debate in a broad range of fields. It welcomes submissions primarily from the fields of political sciences, international relations, and law. Additionally, contributions from economics and related fields are also encouraged. The journal embraces multi- and interdisciplinary scholarship and comparative approaches