Current Issue

Language, Identity & Politics

Editors’ Note:

Language determines, to a large extent, who we are and how we relate to others. Clay Shirky has claimed that the way in which we communicate, and thus interact with others, is currently undergoing the most dramatic revolution in history. The nature of communication networks is shifting from a one-way method of convey- ing policy to a dialogue among governments, non-state actors, and any individual who is eloquent enough to portray compelling messages. Joseph Nye believes that power is the ability to achieve desired outcomes, and for this definition, language that inspires intended action is power. Diplomatic practitioners convey mean- ing through careful selection of words, but in engaging more entities than ever before, they must ensure that their words effectively support their national inter- ests. Language and the subtlety of effective communication have never been more important for international actors.

The domestic politics of language carry profound international implications. The Forum considers how the rapid disintegration of powerful governments throughout the Middle East has demonstrated the political potency of people who do not simply receive government messages, but possess the ability to speak back and engage each other with relative impunity. Historical dialogue over the poli- tics of language in India, Belgium, and the United Kingdom has shaped national character and the priorities that diplomats place on their interactions with other nations. The importance of language and usage of words to carry out diplomacy is also emphasized in other articles beyond the Forum. Dahal and Ghimire explain how a model of ethnic federation may not be feasible in Nepal, where language plays a critical role in the fragmentation of the population. Senator Hagel, com- menting on tough U.S. foreign policy challenges, hints at the importance of responsible dialogue in the context of fragile U.S.-Pakistan relations.

This issue of the Journal covers a range of topics with lasting importance to these tense times in international relations. Zielonka suggests that, in Europe, the Westphalia system itself may hang in the balance as new, complex political and economic relationships emerge from the euro zone crisis. Ciorciari and Weiss focus on the South China Sea as a key to the future of international influence in Asia, and one which requires the leadership of a skilled mediator. Wadhwa describes the difficult decisions the United States must face as it seeks to balance political opinions on immigration with the need to attract and retain innovative, energetic people who can contribute to the country’s global competitiveness.

We hope that this issue of the Journal entertains and informs our readership. We have undertaken a number of initiatives this year to supplement the Journal’s print issue. Readers can now enjoy reading up to five articles from previous issues online. Further, through our blog and various online sections on the revamped website, we hope to provide a constant platform for timely analyses and discussion on issues that shape our world.

– Sikander Kiani & Michael Brannagan

Forum: Language, Identity & Politics

• Introduction by Eric Langenbacher | Buy

The relationship between language and international affairs is crucial and operates on several levels. This issue’s Forum investigates the intersection between language, culture, identity and politics.

• Orwell and the Diction of War: Language, Rhetoric and the Linguistic Properties of Violence by Andrew N. Rubin | Buy
• The Welsh Language: Devolution and International Relations by Diarmait Mac Giolla Chríost | Buy
• The Flemish Movement: On the Intersection of Language and Politics in the Dutch-Speaking Part of Belgium by Jeroen Dewulf | Buy
• The Arab Digital Vanguard: How a Decade of Blogging Contributed to a Year of Revolution by Jillian York | Read More
• The Effectiveness of Establishing Hindi as a National Language by Lakhan Gusain | Buy

Politics & Diplomacy

• Disintegration Theory by Jan Zielonka| Buy

In the midst of crisis, the EU stands at a pivotal moment in its brief history. With both abrupt disintegration and a transition into federalism on the table, a third path—one embracing a new medievalism – potentially provides a cure for that which ails Europe.

Conflict & Security

• The Sino-Vietnamese Standoff in the South China Sea by John D. Ciorciari and Jessica Chen Weiss | Read More

 Recent flare-ups in tension between China and Vietnam have brought territorial disputes in the South China Sea to renewed prominence. The fragile situation could escalate into further confrontation and conflict in the absence of multiparty talks and stronger codes of conduct.

Culture & Society

• Ethnic Federalism in Nepal: Risks and Opportunities by Dev Raj Dahal and Yubaraj Ghimire | Buy

Some groups within Nepal have advocated for a federal system of governance based on ethnic divisions. The authors argue that ethnic federalism is not a suitable solution for the country. Instead, they recommend a model of federalism based on inclusiveness and cooperation that would guarantee the mutually beneficial coexistence of Nepalis.

Law & Ethics

• NGOs, IGOs and International Law: Gaining Credibility and Legitimacy through Lobbying and Results by Sigfrido Burgos Cáceres | Buy

In an age of fragmented normative governance, NGOs have come to play an increasingly important role in the determinations of more traditional legal authorities. By working in conjunction with states and IGOs, they continue to gain legitimacy as global actors and redefine the standards for international law and operation.

Business & Economics

• The First Brain Drain in the United States by Vivek Wadhwa | Read More

The United States is experiencing its first brain drain. American policymakers need to reform U.S. immigration policies to allow greater numbers of high-skilled immigrants to live and work in the United States, to stem an increasing flow of American-educated returnees to China, India, and other swiftly growing competitors.

Science & Technology

• Seeing Like a Slum: Towards Open, Deliberative Development by Kevin P. Donovan | Buy

Making information more transparent in international development initiatives is most promising when accompanied by changes in the institutional arrangements of power, such as those supported by theorists of deliberative development.

Books

• Wallerstein’s Eurocentric World-System by J. R. McNeill | Buy

A review of The Modern World-System. IV. Centrist Liberalism Triumphant, 1789-1914 by Immanuel Wallerstein.

View from the Ground

• Thanksgiving in a Place Called Chiapas by Michael Meaney | Read  

   Enlightened by his research work and travel in Chiapas, Mexico, Mike Meaney explores the consequences of free trade agreements such as NAFTA on cultural identity. Highlighting the unique identity of Mexican indigenous groups, Meaney wrestles with the complex relationship between free trade and the preservation of native ways of life.

• American Aid and Human Rights in the Philippines by Christian Pangilinan | Read  

The Philippines suffers from continued systemic human rights violations. The author, who has worked for a non-governmental organization in the Philippines, argues that the United States should use its leverage to compel the Philippine government to combat human rights abuses.

A Look Back

•  On Political Virtue: A Discussion of Prudence and Fortitude in U.S. Governance Interview with Chuck Hagel | Read More

The Journal sits down with former Senator Chuck Hagel to listen to his perspective on a number of the current pressing issues of U.S. foreign policy: the 2012 presidential elections, engage- ment in the Middle East, and the ongoing debate regarding the obligation of the United States to protect civilians across the globe.

• A Changing Game: Politics and Foreign Affairs Interview with Madeleine Albright | Buy             

 The Journal talks with former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright about her views on the present progression of U.S. foreign policy and the understanding her career has brought about therein.