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Research Article
A Sociopolitical Approach to Disinformation and AI: Concerns, Responses and Challenges
Pascaline Gaborit*
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
75-88
Received:
2 October 2024
Accepted:
17 October 2024
Published:
31 October 2024
Abstract: International organizations classify disinformation as one of the main threats to democracy and institutions for more than a decade. Digital technologies reinvent and profoundly transform modern lifestyles, citizens’ and business environments. AI is bringing a new disruption in the way we access knowledge and create, spread and understand information. It can also blur the lines between real information and manipulated information with the emergence of ‘Fake News’, automatic networks’ cross referencing, and ‘Deep Fakes’. AI systems enhance the potential for creating realistic fake content and targeted disinformation campaigns. Disinformation goes beyond simple rumors to deliberately deceive and distort evidence-based information through fabricated data. European institutions have also recently focused on the identification of disinformation linked to FIMI: Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference. The article identifies trends and concerns related to disinformation and AI. It explores the perception of disinformation, its impacts, and responses including the EU AI Act and online Platforms’ policies. It provides a first analytical approach to the topic based on the current debates by researchers, the first findings of our 2024 surveys, interviews and the analysis of hundreds of online fake news items. It attempts to understand how citizens and stakeholders perceive disinformation and identifies possible impacts. It also analyzes the current challenges and constraints, opportunities and limitations to tackle manipulation and interference. The article considers the current processes, and impacts of disinformation (2), the presentation of the main findings of our online survey on the perceptions of disinformation (3), the current EU regulatory responses (4) and the Discussion Points (5). We argue in this article that there is a gigantic change in the way that we access information, but that the responses to disinformation are still at an early stage. The article also demonstrates that there is an increased awareness in European countries about the impacts of disinformation, but also a gap between the ability to identify "fake news" and disinformation, and a limited understanding of the processes, threats, and actors involved in spreading disinformation.
Abstract: International organizations classify disinformation as one of the main threats to democracy and institutions for more than a decade. Digital technologies reinvent and profoundly transform modern lifestyles, citizens’ and business environments. AI is bringing a new disruption in the way we access knowledge and create, spread and understand informati...
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Research Article
Road to Malawi Defence Force International Peacekeeping and Other Expeditionary Deployments: Multiple Players with Multiple Interests
Thokozani Andrew Chazema*,
John Stanley Chaika
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
89-94
Received:
29 September 2024
Accepted:
21 October 2024
Published:
13 November 2024
Abstract: Misconceptions about the powers and procedures to deploy the military have lingered in the public domain owing to the secretive nature of military operations albeit in many countries such procedures and powers are enshrined in the Constitution; a public document of the basic principles and laws of a nation or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and that guarantee certain rights to the people in it. Such misconceptions have not left out Malawi in her deployment of the Malawi Defence Forces. This paper seeks to explain the sources of power for the Malawi Defence Force deployments for international peacekeeping operations. The paper endeavours to enlighten many who posit that the Malawi Defence Force deployments do not go through democratic processes. Doctrinal analysis research methodology was employed to deep dive into documents such as the Constitution, the United Nations, the African Union, Southern Africa Development Community Charters and the Malawi Defence Force Act. The three-level analyses at macro, meso and macro domains and stakeholder holders’ analysis were considered. The three-level and stakeholder analyses were reinforced by the type of government that informs procedures and powers of the government in handling national instruments of power. The findings revealed that the powers to deploy the Malawi Defence Force for peacekeeping operations are drawn from the international and national instruments with the executive branch playing a crucial role in such deployments. The study recommends the operationalization of the National Security Policy and a review of the current deployment process flow to chart a hybrid process fusing the presidential and parliamentary processes as well as blending the objective and subjective civilian control of the defence forces.
Abstract: Misconceptions about the powers and procedures to deploy the military have lingered in the public domain owing to the secretive nature of military operations albeit in many countries such procedures and powers are enshrined in the Constitution; a public document of the basic principles and laws of a nation or social group that determine the powers ...
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Research Article
The Effectiveness of United Kingdom Policies in Supporting the Mental Health Needs of Young Refugees
Anne Uchenna Ibobo*
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
95-113
Received:
30 September 2024
Accepted:
18 October 2024
Published:
13 November 2024
Abstract: Young refugees in the United Kingdom (UK) can be considered a population vulnerable to mental health issues that deserve urgent and regular attention from all stakeholders, such as the UK government, UNHCR, WHO, and NGOs/charities. This study considers the mental health needs of young refugees (between the ages of 13 and 25) in the UK and investigates the effectiveness of UK policies in supporting these individuals. This work uses qualitative research analysis and secondary data collection methods to explore the following objectives: The first objective is to evaluate the factors that contribute to the mental health needs of young refugees in the UK. Second, identify UK policies designed to support the mental health needs of young refugees, as well as their effectiveness. Third, explore the barriers to effective policy implementation. Fourth, examine the roles and contributions of International Organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations in collaboration with the UK government. This study employs constructivism and liberalism theory to address the identified literature gaps and explain how to manage the mental health needs of young refugees in the UK. This study is significant as it identifies and offers workable recommendations for the mental health issue confronting young refugees in the UK. Furthermore, the implementation of the findings from this study would support these young refugees in their new country.
Abstract: Young refugees in the United Kingdom (UK) can be considered a population vulnerable to mental health issues that deserve urgent and regular attention from all stakeholders, such as the UK government, UNHCR, WHO, and NGOs/charities. This study considers the mental health needs of young refugees (between the ages of 13 and 25) in the UK and investiga...
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Review Article
Review of Opportunities and Challenges in China-Afghanistan Relations Post-U.S. Withdrawal
Abdul Salaam Acxir*,
Shams Rahman RahmanZai
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
114-127
Received:
8 October 2024
Accepted:
31 October 2024
Published:
26 November 2024
Abstract: The relationship between China and Afghanistan has witnessed significant changes over the years, encompassing various political, economic, and security dimensions. Afghanistan's strategic location as a bridge between Central and South Asia holds particular significance for China, serving as a key transit route for infrastructure projects like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and others. Additionally, Afghanistan's rich mineral reserves, including copper, oil, and lithium, are particularly attractive to China, especially for its technology and electronics manufacturing industries. Therefore, despite these attractions, China seeks to establish peace and stability in Afghanistan to enable the country to serve as a reliable economic and trade partner. However, despite the opportunities present in bilateral relations, the unstable security situation in Afghanistan, especially after the withdrawal of international forces, the presence of regional powers like India, Pakistan, and Iran, and their competition for influence in Afghanistan, along with security concerns, represent significant challenges that could impact bilateral relations. This article uses a descriptive library-based method to address the question: What opportunities and challenges exist in China-Afghanistan relations, and how can both countries manage these challenges to capitalize on opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation? It is assumed that China and Afghanistan, by leveraging economic opportunities stemming from Afghanistan's natural resources and joint infrastructure projects, can strengthen their relations, provided both countries manage security challenges and regional competition wisely to ensure the necessary stability for such cooperation.
Abstract: The relationship between China and Afghanistan has witnessed significant changes over the years, encompassing various political, economic, and security dimensions. Afghanistan's strategic location as a bridge between Central and South Asia holds particular significance for China, serving as a key transit route for infrastructure projects like the B...
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Research Article
Reflections on Zimbabwe-Zambia Relations in the 21st Century
Dorothy Goredema,
Joseph Muwanzi*
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
128-134
Received:
1 November 2024
Accepted:
18 November 2024
Published:
13 December 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.jpsir.20240704.15
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: The article explores the changing relationship between Zimbabwe and Zambia in the 21st century, focusing on the intrinsic synergy of political and socio-economic factors. Historically, the diplomatic relationship was hinged in shared colonial experiences and liberation struggles, the bilateral ties between these neighboring countries have been significantly influenced by contemporary governance challenges, economic fluctuations, and regional integration efforts. Dual Theoretical Framework of Realism and Constructivism was adopted as a tool for analysing the interplay between power, interests, norms, and ideas in shaping bilateral relations between the two nations. By analysing key events from the early 2000s, a document review methodology was used to illustrate how Zimbabwe and Zambia navigated their shared interests and challenges in a rapidly changing global landscape. The findings revealed that while historical legacies and domestic issues continue to impact relations, there exists a significant potential for enhanced cooperation through strategic partnerships and regional initiatives. The role of organizations such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU) is critical in shaping these dynamics. Ultimately, this article contributes to a deeper understanding of Zimbabwe-Zambia relations, offering insights that are essential for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to foster stability and collaboration in Southern Africa Region.
Abstract: The article explores the changing relationship between Zimbabwe and Zambia in the 21st century, focusing on the intrinsic synergy of political and socio-economic factors. Historically, the diplomatic relationship was hinged in shared colonial experiences and liberation struggles, the bilateral ties between these neighboring countries have been sign...
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