Space and Culture, India
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Adaptation of State Security to Modern Military Operations and Terrorist Risks in the World
Full text linkMilitary conflicts and terrorism are increasingly overlapping, creating complex threats that undermine both global and national security. Hostilities, terrorist attacks, cyberattacks, and radicalisation on the home front necessitate a rethinking of the functions of state security. The editorial analyses the ability of state security systems to adapt to the challenges of modern warfare and international terrorism. The relevance of the study is due to the aggravation of interstate conflicts— first of all, Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine and terrorism in the world. The goal is to comparatively assess the strategies of governments for prevention, response and long-term recovery in the face of threats, as well as to develop recommendations for improving institutional resilience. The methodology is based on an interdisciplinary approach that combines the analysis of national security doctrines, counterterrorism legislation, and indicators of institutional capacity in Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Türkiye. The theoretical significance of the work lies in the conceptualisation of “adaptive security” as a complex state process, and the practical value lies in the proposed recommendations for updating doctrines, crisis management procedures and interagency coordination
Collective Flourishing and Community Well-being: A Conceptual Paper
Full text linkWe coexist in an interdependent world where all are connected, and every action has both visible and silent ripples. We are in a world of change, and if there is one thing we can say for sure, it is the highly disruptive age with moving goalposts, more so regarding uncertainty. This disruption has caused significant damage to our families, relationships, jobs, communities, and economy, as well as political discourses or intercultural/ international relations, thereby affecting the health of individual people and safety, severely affecting the well-being of individuals besides societies. These are indeed challenging times. However, this situation also presents an opportunity for transformational breakthroughs and the birth of new paradigms that can help us better deal with societal issues. So, how does one become someone who flourishes regardless of what life throws one’s way? How can we foster a culture of care, compassion, and hope in our communities? What does it take to unite our communities and build their resilience despite external threats or opportunities? Well, as scientific evidence suggests, humans can flourish. Thus emerges the fundamental question of what stops us from moving forward. This paper is based on critical reflection, a literature review, and extensive practice experiences of working in the community sector, which has provided the impetus to find an alternative lens to look at the challenges of the current technologically advanced, fast-paced society
Elderly Men at Tapgol Park: Psychological Motives, Cultural Influences, and Spatial Exclusion/Segregation in South Korea
Full text linkTapgol Park and its nearby downtown area in Seoul, South Korea, have attracted a large number of elderly visitors over the past several decades despite a series of urban redevelopment projects that aimed at relocating them to so-called more elder-friendly recreational spaces. In this article, I analysed the sociocultural phenomena and issues surrounding Tapgol Park and its elderly visitors, which have long attracted national attention and debate. I introduced basic information about Tapgol Park, including its history, geography, and current condition. Then I analysed the psychological motivations of elderly visitors to find out why they visit the park so frequently. In conclusion, it appears that these elders visit the park and its surrounding areas to alleviate the psychological distress common in old age. The sacralisation project, however, has driven many elders away from the park, and this can be seen as spatial discrimination against the elderly seeking psychological well-being in public spaces. Although the urban elderly community centred around the park has some positive aspects, it is also an example of the age-segregation in South Korea reinforced by Confucian values. Referring to one local park in Incheon as an example, I suggest that the problem of age-segregation may also be addressed through the way architectural spaces are structured
Analysis of Solid Waste Management Scenarios in India: A Comparative Case Study of Indore and Varanasi with Special Emphasis on Policy Gaps and Interventions
Full text linkVaranasi, the spiritual capital of India, is prominent in the country. It drastically improved its waste management capacity after 2014, when it became the constituency of the prime minister of India. At the same time, Indore established itself as a role model for sanitation in general and solid waste management in particular by securing the title of the cleanest city in India for the fifth consecutive year.
Solid waste management is the biggest challenge in India, and it is growing continuously. A comparison between Indore and Varanasi will reveal the gaps in solid waste management in India\u27s two-tier towns. Comparative data analysis of the solid waste composition, chemical composition, cleaning, collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal facilities will provide insight into waste management shortcomings. Analysing waste generation in different states and cities with varying population densities will reveal the patterns responsible for better or worse waste management in specific areas. We have analysed data and recognised patterns of waste generation with regard to economic prosperity. This study analyses the policy framework for waste and sanitation in India in comparison to the global context. Many successful policy frameworks are designed by international organisations like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the World Bank. We have compared the Indian waste management policy and status with the World Bank\u27s policy framework, as it is the most comprehensive policy framework currently available. We have primarily focused on Indore and compared it with Varanasi regarding policy frameworks and enforcement strategies. This study identifies potential gaps by analysing patterns in waste management and proposes improved ideas for waste-related policies and sustainable development
Animal Cremation Based on Ritual in Banjar Nyelati Kuwum Village, Mengwi Badung
Full text linkThis study aims to describe the implementation of ritual-based animal cremation at Bali Animal Cremation in Banjar Nyelati, Desa Kuwum, Mengwi District, Badung Regency. The research uses a qualitative approach, drawing from both primary and secondary data. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and document study. The data were then analysed descriptively, qualitatively, and interpretatively, followed by the presentation of the research findings. The results show that the ideology behind this ritual-based animal cremation practice is based on spiritual respect for animals, belief in the laws of karma and reincarnation, and love and compassion. The cremation process starts with the preparation of offerings and burning equipment, the identification of the animal, the ritual of mapekeling (purification), the ritual of bathing the animal, and, after which, the cremation/burning takes place. Finally, the ashes are collected and placed in a container prepared by the client. We reckon the research findings will provide a deeper understanding of the relationships among tradition, religion, and culture in Balinese society, as well as their contributions to the preservation of local culture
Analysis of Traditional Values and Social Dynamics in Modern Society
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This research examines the perceptions of traditional values among ethnic minorities of southern Kazakhstan, the changes these values undergo, and the societal challenges and tensions associated with cultural values. It explores stable understandings of cultural values, analysing their influence on social attitudes and institutions. In doing so, the research examines the socio-economic, cultural, and institutional dimensions of traditional values, identifying key issues and mechanisms that influence their development. Additionally, it examines the influence of traditional values on the social dynamics of contemporary society, providing a nuanced understanding of their intricate interrelationships.
The study explains how traditional values shape the formation of social institutions by analysing theoretical frameworks and empirical data. A scholarly literature review provides the theoretical basis, while empirical data were gathered through an online survey. The findings reveal a close relationship between traditional values and societal customs.
In southern Kazakhstan, traditional values are shown to strengthen social stability, even as the country undergoes transformations influenced by globalisation, technology, and media. While the younger generation embraces innovation, older generations emphasise preserving traditional practices. Although certain emerging traditions are deemed unnecessary, core traditional values are vital for reinforcing national identity.
The study concludes that preserving traditional values is essential for maintaining cultural identity and social stability while embracing modern innovations. This balanced approach fosters a resilient and harmonious society that respects its heritage while adapting to the challenges of the contemporary world.
This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of traditional values in modern society
International Terrorism as a Threat to the National Security of the Countries of Central Asia
Full text linkThe study is highly relevant due to the conjugation with the phenomenon of globalisation of regional integration processes. Because of the processes of regional integration and loosening of the state structure of many countries in general and countries of Central Asia in particular, there has also been an increased threat of international terrorism undermining global security. This study aims to analyse the prerequisites for forming international terrorism and extremism in the region. For this, the study deployed several methods, such as the theoretical method, the method of logical analysis, the method of deduction, the method of induction, the dogmatic method, and others. The study revealed that Central Asia\u27s states have a rather crucial geopolitical significance due to the availability of energy resources and geographical location, particularly for participation in international integration projects. But at the same time, the development of countries is hindered by terrorist threats stemming from the large number of internal problems that provoke this phenomenon. It was noted that international terrorism is a serious challenge to the functional development of Eurasian integration. The main prerequisites and directions for the development of terrorist activity were identified, and, importantly, an analysis of the identified factors on the regional security of the Central Asian states was carried out. It was also revealed that at the present stage, there is a prospect of increasing the activity of terrorist, extremist, and separatist groups in the region. To counteract the spread of these phenomena, an integrated approach of a global orientation was proposed, which will provide an opportunity to increase the level of national and international security
Socialisation Problems of Orphanage Children in the Republic of Kazakhstan
Full text linkThe study aims to address the socialisation process of children from orphanages in Kazakhstan to identify effective approaches to their adaptation and integration into society. The study examined various theoretical concepts of socialisation, including aspects of children’s adaptation to a new environment, personality development through social interaction, and the institutional environment\u27s impact on social skills development. The dynamics of children\u27s movement in Kazakhstan\u27s social protection system in 2013-2022 were also addressed. The study\u27s results included identifying key aspects of the socialisation of children from orphanages, namely adaptation to new social conditions, establishing trusting relationships, overcoming stigma and quality education. The study determined that to ensure the effective and equitable development of all the identified aspects, it is necessary to apply several approaches that, in interaction, can ensure the harmonious development of the child’s personality in all spheres of life. For this purpose, psychological, pedagogical and sociological approaches were chosen; their essence and desired effects on the orphans\u27 socialisation process were revealed. The statistical information presented in the study on the movement of children from organisations for orphans and children without parental care in 2013-2022 showed a significant decrease in the number of children entering the protection system but also revealed a disproportionate decrease in the number of children leaving the system due to enrolment in higher education or other educational institutions. To address the problems of socialisation of children in orphanages, recommendations that include modern methods of working with orphans were developed. The results indicate the importance of using innovative programmes for the socialisation of children in orphanages and the need to consider the psychological consequences of depriving children of parental care
Intersecting Oppressions: The Lived Realities of Dom Women in Banaras, India
Full text linkThis research presents a theory-driven, qualitative account of how caste and gender work together to shape structural oppression in the lives of Dom women in Banaras (Varanasi), India. Based on fifteen in-depth interviews and approximately eighty hours of participant observation in the cremation settlements adjacent to the Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats, the research adopts an intersectional lens rooted in feminist standpoint epistemology. Inductive coding of verbatim transcripts identifies three mutually reinforcing mechanisms—affective discipline (gendered coercion through gratitude and fear), spatial stigma (postal-code proxies for ritual pollution), and metabolic inequality (unequal exposure to toxic ash, bleach, and smoke) — that lock Dom women into hazardous, low-wage niches of the informal economy. Compared with both upper-caste women and Dom men, participants experience significantly higher rates of occupational injury, wage theft and everyday humiliation, confirming that caste-gender oppression is not additive but synergistic. The findings refine intersectionality theory by specifying how “purity” logics operate as a caste-gender gearbox in a South-Asian urban context. By foregrounding the voices of one of India’s most marginalised constituencies, the study demonstrates why adequate social protection must address caste and gender simultaneously, rather than in parallel
Repercussions of Self-censorship in Storytelling: A Study of Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar’s Jwala Kumar and the Gift of Fire: Adventures in Champakbagh
Full text linkStorytelling is a form of communication for authors to express their ingenuity and engage a wider audience with pertinent social concerns. Censorship, on the other hand, is frequently enforced by state legislation to preserve societal harmony, and writers frequently face censorship issues from various authoritative groups or organisations. Writers confronted with censorship concerns have an internal ‘censor’ to prevent them from breaking religious and governmental laws. As a result, the author blurs the lines within the texts and draws parallels between self-censorship and free expression. While censorship concerns are readily apparent in the world of literature, the covert conflict of self-censorship remains unacknowledged. The impact of self-censorship on writers’ creativity and narrative process warrants further investigation. The study attempts to examine the challenges faced by the novelist Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar and the instances of self-censorship in the novel Jwala Kumar and the Gift of Fire: Adventures in Champakbagh (2018), which was written immediately following the censorship issues in The Adivasi Will Not Dance (2015). Shekhar’s contributions to Indian literature are noteworthy. His book The Adivasi Will Not Dance (2015) has been contested because of the alleged negative portrayal of Santhal tribal women. Despite facing criticism, allegations, and censorship challenges, the author persevered and successfully published the novel Jwala Kumar and the Gift of Fire: Adventures in Champakbagh (2018)