The Cause of Positivism’s Dominance
This essay will critically analyse the notion that there is a fundamental difference between the tasks of ‘explaining’ (comprehending ‘causes’) and ‘understanding’ (comprehending ‘reasons’). First, the essay will examine the emergence of the sharp division, which has come to be accepted as existent between ‘explaining’ (which is advocated by positivists) and ‘understanding’ (which is advocated by post-positivists). Second, one important consequence of the division will be demonstrated by showing how the intellectual battles between positivists and post-positivists, as well as the occasional attempts at reconciliation between them, have been instrumental in positivism’s dominance. Finally, the work of Milja Kurki will be drawn upon to argue that the concept of causation should be broadened, thereby exposing the interrelated nature of ‘explaining’ and ‘understanding’ without reducing one to the other. This will allow for positivism’s dominance to be effectively challenged.
The Intensification of US Efforts to Build an Atomic Bomb
The mushroom cloud has retrospectively obscured the context in which American leaders took the decision to build and use the atomic bomb. The principle rationale behind the intensification of the Manhattan Project in the first half of 1945 was the desire of the US bureaucracy to end the war in the Pacific before the planned invasion of the Japanese mainland in November 1945.
Private Military Companies and Sacrifice: Reshaping State Sovereignty
The use of private military companies by states fundamentally alters a crucial tenant of sovereign power during war with regard to national sacrifice.
Justified Alarmism? Assessing the Claim of a Contemporary ‘Authoritarian Wave’
Contrary to alarmist claims of a crisis of democracy, the ‘authoritarian wave’ is more likely to affect hybrid regimes over consolidated democracies.
The Rigidity of the Russian Partial Reform Equilibrium
The Russian partial reform equilibrium is sustained by an executive seeking stability, a group of transient winners taking advantage of concentrated streams of rent and a rent-neutral sector of public and business life.
The Generational Diversity of Religious Orientations of Muslims in Britain
There are generational differences between first generation and subsequent generations of British Mulims in regards to the interplay between culture and religion.
The Treaty of Lisbon: An Analysis
The Lisbon Treaty has not brought a revolutionary reform. The democratic deficit, though slightly improved, still has a long way to go, in terms of transparency, openness and public awareness of EU politics. It can be criticized for the tremendous complexity in itself, which doesn’t succeed in bringing the idea of a united Europe and what it entails closer to the people. In a nutshell, the Union is still far from reaching finalité politique.
Social Media in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election
The traditional news media’s efforts to produce constant coverage of the events from the 2016 US election campaign have left it exposed to growing social media trends.
Arab Exceptionalism? Tunisia’s Islamist Movement
The notion of “Arab exceptionalism” has become a popular explanation for the notable lack of democratic governance in the Arab world. Written before the recent revolution, this paper explores whether or not the Tunisian Islamist movement is committed to a true democratic transition.
How Does Proportional Representation Influence Government Composition?
Results indicate a robust positive relationship between the use of proportional representation systems and the number of government parties.
