8411 research outputs found
Sort by
Khet खेत: Board Game Development as a Knowledge Producing Mechanism for Agroecological Development in Nepal
Get PDFSustainable agriculture is a frequently weaponized phrase with a varying degree of intentions and applications world-wide. For Nepal, true sustainability lies within cultivating traditional indigenous agricultural practices in favor of imported western methods which are ill suited for the unique geography of Nepal and the longevity of the people and place they call home. Agroecology, or the focus on the importance of biodiversity conservation and attention to the greater natural balance lies at the heart of agricultural development and community building efforts which sustain Nepali agriculture at its core. By using board game play as a facilitator of cooperative knowledge production, ‘Khet’ was created to illustrate the facets of traditional agricultural development as well as the challenges facing many farmers in the status-quo. Gameplay allows players to see extensions of themselves on not just the board but within the learning space created. Interactive gameplay allows for true accessible immersion with the material and other players, fostering community which lies at the center of traditional agricultural development in Nepal. Each component of the game design and play mechanism relates to an important analysis or concept within Nepal’s complex agricultural development landscape. The board design utilizes step field topography as an homage to geography as the defining factor of Nepal’s development, self-developed swirl theory of agroecological development as the hierarchy of board movement, and a game-scale community seed bank as a structure for gameplay as well as the largest progressive points system for advancement within the game. Both positive and consequential factors effecting sustainable agriculture development within Nepal are represented through card prompts. This culmination of visual and conceptual analyses comes together to form Khet, a forward demonstration that alternative forms of analysis, especially ones that center physical cooperation with others, are viable and important forms of research with potentials to unite and educate many people from a variety of backgrounds and associations to the material presented
Homecoming: Perspectives and Experiences on Return Migration in Gandaki Province, Nepal.
Get PDFThe dominant scholarly conversation pertaining to the topic of migration in Nepal has framed this complex process of human movement as an in-out binary. The existing literature has proposed that Nepalis are either migrating into the urban centers of the country or out to countries abroad. This paper hopes to challenge these binaries by focusing on the under- researched area of return migration. Professor Sienna Craig, author of the The Ends of Kinship, posits that migration can better be understood through a cyclical lens as humans travel from one place to another and back again. This project focuses on the act of returning, in doing so it highlights the stories and experiences of returnees. Curated in a creative non-fiction approach these conversations will focus on the push and pull factors of returnees’ original departure but more importantly, the return of such emigrants, their experiences of transitioning back to the life they left and their perspectives on the future. The accounts collected are from 17 individuals who live or grew up in the Tsum Valley, the upper section of the Gorkha district and Pokhara, Nepal’s second largest city. The following pages center the perspectives of both returnees and people who stayed, as these individual’s oral histories shed light onto the experiences of those who left, returned and the life lived in between. In doing so this paper explores themes of a sense of abandonment in those that remained, a familial and communal responsibility to return and addressing the question of the future of the Tsum Valley
Socially-Engaged Buddhism in Vietnam: Theory, History, and their Impacts on Contemporary Practices
Get PDFIn 1963, Thích Quảng Đức, and subsequently several other Buddhist monks, self- immolated in protest as part of the Buddhist Crisis, a momentous, strong social movement against the American War and South Vietnam’s harsh anti-Buddhist policies. A few short years later, world-renowned Vietnamese Buddhist teacher and peace activist Thích Nhất Hạnh coined the term “engaged Buddhism” to describe his innovative school of thought that argues intentional, nonviolent conflict resolution and active work against injustice, both in Vietnam and abroad, ought to be as central to Buddhist practice as traditional mindfulness and teachings. While there is notable existing research on the radical Buddhist political history and theory of this time period, there appears to be hardly any (at least not available in English) research that studies how this legacy of Buddhism as both intensely engaged with social movements and thinking deeply about intentionally making the wider world a better place has impacted the current Vietnamese Buddhist community’s social engagement practices. Through the review of existing literature on the subjects and the collection and analysis of a set of six qualitative, personal narrative-style interviews, this study aims to fill this perceived hole in the English- language literary canon. Ultimately, it became clear that contemporary engagement practices are not at all rooted in the teachings of “engaged Buddhism” or historical legacy of Thích Quảng Đức and the Buddhist Crisis movement. While contemporary Buddhists practices intentionally keep Buddhists entirely nonpolitical while addressing symptomatic issues in their local communities through charity efforts and need-based problem-solving, Buddhists of the 1960s worked to eradicate underlying societal inequities and injustices to make society as a whole more equitable. The results of this study offer a new understanding of the relationship between contemporary and recent historical Buddhist social engagement practices, as well as solid, foundational work for future, more extensive research on the topic
Percepciones de la Migración: Corredor Interoceánico del Istmo de Tehuantepec
No full textEl megaproyecto del Corredor Interoceánico del Istmo de Tehuantepec ha sido planteado como una estrategia clave para impulsar el desarrollo económico y la integración regional en el sur de México. Ubicado en la región del Istmo, el proyecto se ha convertido en un punto de interés nacional e internacional. Mientras que el discurso oficial presenta el Corredor como una “cortina de desarrollo” que generará empleo y reducirá la migración hacia el norte, la realidad es muy distinta. La llegada de este megaproyecto al Istmo ha aumentado las tensiones y debates sobre las implicaciones sociales, ambientales y culturales que atraería a la región. Este estudio se propuso a comprender las percepciones locales de los impactos potenciales en la migración debido a la construcción y operación del Corredor Transístmico. Mediante una revisión de literatura y entrevistas semi-estructuradas con estudiantes de la Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca se obtuvieron perspectivas sobre los desafíos. Los resultados de las entrevistas reflejan una compresión local compleja y diversa. El caso del Corredor Transístmico demuestra como grandes proyectos de infraestructura puede reconfigurar las dinámicas migratorias y las percepciones en el sur de México. Más allá de las cifras y el discurso oficial, este caso refleja la necesidad de entender las implicaciones sociales, culturales y económicas de los megaproyectos. Contribuyendo al mismo tiempo un análisis más de los procesos de globalización y cambio social en el contexto de pueblos indígenas.
Palabras claves: Migración, Megaproyectos, Infraestructura, Desarrollo, Istmo, Oaxaca, Indígenas, Globalización, Percepciones
The Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec is a megaproject that has been proposed as a key strategy to promote economic development and regional integration in southern Mexico. Located in the Isthmus region, the project has become a point of national and international interest. While the official discourse presents the Corridor as a “curtain of development” that will generate employment and reduce migration to the north, the reality is very different. The arrival of this megaproject to the Isthmus has increased tensions and debates about the social, environmental, and cultural implications that it will attract to the region. This study sets out to understand the local perceptions of the potential migratory impacts due to the construction and operation of the Interoceanic Corridor. Perspectives on the challenges were obtained through a literature review and semi-structured interviews with students from the Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca. The results of the interviews reflect a complex and diverse local comprehension. The case of the Interoceanic Corridor demonstrates how large infrastructural projects can reconfigure migratory dynamics and perceptions in southern Mexico. Beyond the figures and official discourse, this case reflects the need to understand the social, cultural, and economic implications of megaprojects. Contributing at the same time to a further analysis of the processes of globalization and social change in the context of Indigenous communities.
Keywords: Migration, Megaprojects, Infrastructure, Development, Isthmus, Oaxaca, Indigenous, Globalization, Perception
Power Politics and Nuclear Weapons: A Geopolitical Analysis of Iran’s Nuclear Program
Get PDFIran\u27s nuclear program has long been a central concern in global security, influencing both regional power dynamics and international relations. This paper examines how geopolitical factors shape Iran\u27s pursuit of nuclear technology, particularly in relation to its national security, regional dominance, and diplomatic leverage. While Iran’s nuclear ambitions are often analyzed in isolation, this study situates them within the context of the evolving global power landscape, particularly the rise of China and the perceived decline of U.S. influence. The paper argues that Iran’s nuclear program functions as both a defensive measure and a strategic tool in power politics, serving to bolster its sovereignty, deter external threats, and assert itself as a key regional player. By exploring the historical motivations, security concerns, and interactions with global powers such as the U.S., Israel, Russia, and China, the study highlights the multifaceted role of Iran\u27s nuclear ambitions in shaping its foreign policy. Through qualitative analysis, including historical review and expert interviews, the paper provides a comprehensive understanding of how Iran’s nuclear strategy is intertwined with broader geopolitical goals. It further explores the implications for international security, nuclear proliferation, and the shifting geopolitical order. This research contributes to the literature on Middle Eastern geopolitics by offering insights into the strategic calculus behind Iran’s nuclear pursuits and the broader ramifications for global power dynamics and diplomacy
Assessing Geospatial Modeling in Determining Optimal Afforestation Locations for Carbon Sequestration in the Isafjord Region
Get PDFIceland was once a country with large forests that covered over a third of the island\u27s total landmass. Over the course of the past thousand years of settlement, the percentage of the country covered in forest dwindled, at some points dropping to less than one percent. Based on this deforestation history, and the potential of reforesting the land to help reduce the impact of carbon emissions, afforestation efforts in Iceland have been underway for the better half of a century. Despite the many years of effort, a lack of data and mapping exists on ideal planting locations, and the factors that impact tree growth, therefore potentially limiting the ability of these planted forests to sequester carbon. A literature review was performed that yielded two sets of factors, growth and exclusionary, important for afforestation with a specific focus on the Isafjord region. Data corresponding to these factors was acquired from a variety of sources of both national and international origin. This data was then combined in ArcGIS 3.1 Pro to produce a model highlighting the ability of the region to be successful for afforestation. Two locations within the study region were then selected as potential afforestation sites. The first of these sites could be useful as an SIT Iceland: Climate Change and the Arctic planting location to help offset program emissions. The second site is far larger and could be useful to the forest service as they plan to plant more trees in the near future. Data was collected to test the accuracy of the model in determining current biomass accumulation in forest plots, but the results were inconclusive due to the lack of accuracy in pre-existing datasets. These findings illuminate the potential for Isafjord to harbor more afforestation projects, as well as the complexities of performing research, and the lack of accurate data, in the region
Regional Integration and Social Cohesion in Africa: The Roles of Multilevel Development Initiatives
Get PDFThis study examines the interplay between regional integration and social cohesion in Africa, highlighting the roles of intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), specifically the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN). Using the New Regionalism Approach (NRA) as a theoretical framework, the paper explores how the AU and UN, through initiatives like Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) respectively, seek to address Africa’s development challenges. However, the analysis underscores that structural barriers rooted in colonial fragmentation, socio-economic inequalities, and governance deficits continue to impede progress. By juxtaposing case studies from various African countries, the research demonstrates how sub-regional and domestic social cohesion initiatives influence regional integration outcomes, revealing both the successes and limitations of IGO-led efforts. Findings suggest that while IGOs are critical facilitators of regional integration and social cohesion, their impact is contingent upon strong domestic policies that prioritize equitable resource distribution, institutional capacity building, and inclusive governance. Ultimately, this study underscores the importance of aligning IGO initiatives with sub-regional and domestic efforts to address Africa\u27s historical and structural challenges, creating a sustainable foundation for regional integration and social cohesion
Lisbon’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Fleet: A Cost-Benefit Analysis of a Mass Adoption of EVs in Lisbon by 2050
Get PDFAs the impacts of climate change increase, the EU and its member countries are attempting to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The adoption of electric vehicles is proving to be a promising solution to achieve this goal, and specifically, reductions in the transport sector emissions. This study analyzes the potential costs and benefits resulting from a mass adoption of electric vehicles in Lisbon by 2050. Through a cost-benefit analysis, this study aims to quantify the major costs and benefits associated with electric vehicles. The results display the potential monetary benefits of a city-wide shift to electric vehicles in addition to environmental benefits. This report recommends government incentives to subsidize the diffusion of electric vehicles and emphasizes the importance of a simultaneous shift to renewable energy. These actions will promote sustainable mobility in Lisbon and set the city on a path to carbon neutrality
Assessing the Progress and Effects of Exotic Plant Invasions in a Sustainably Used Littoral Forest Fragment in Southeastern Madagascar
Get PDFWhile it is important to conserve Madagascar’s unique natural forest environments and the biodiversity they contain, it is also essential that populations reliant on these ecosystems for their income and survival have access to the resources they provide. Sustainable use forests, designated by the IUCN as category VI protected areas, are the solution to meeting both of these conditions. At the same time, it is often the case that the use of forests invites disturbance, which in turn encourages the introduction and establishment of nonnative or invasive plant species. This study examines the degree to which the intensity of use in a sustainable use forest in southeastern Madagascar encourages plant invasions and the relationship between nonnative plant cover and biodiversity. Plots were established in zones exhibiting different degrees of use within the forest, a botanical inventory was conducted, and nonnative plan coverage estimated. Results indicate no relationship between use intensity and nonnative coverage and no relationship between nonnative coverage and species richness. While nonnatives had not infiltrated into forested areas, the heterogeneity of vegetation and large presence of invasive species surrounding the forest could potentially pose future threats in the event of a large-scale disturbance
Keeping the Peace: From Bosnia to The Sahel
Get PDFThis research has looked to analysis both the evolution and nature of geopolitical conflicts over the past 30 years, and the parallel advancement of long-term humanitarian operations during that period. Long-term United Nations peacekeeping operations have evolved since the end of the Cold-War to be much more political and military in nature. The term humanitarian diplomat is a direct by-product of that evolution. In the first generation of UN peacekeepers, humanitarian actors on the ground were not called on to be political negotiators. However, in the post-Cold War era the role of peacekeeping has shifted to one of peacebuilding within still active conflict areas. This shift demanded that humanitarian missions take on a much more politized role as they were forced to directly negotiate with belligerents on the ground to get supplies and aid convoys to those desperately needing it. Therefore, the findings covered in this research have looked to define the term humanitarian diplomat within the larger political context of emerging multilateralism, geopolitics, and the increasingly multi-polar nature of conflicts in the twenty-first century