Shadow peacebuilders and diplomatic counterinsurgencies: informal networks,knowledge production and the art of policy-shaping

ABSTRACT

This article explores the role of informal networks in producing strategic knowledge and influencing policy responses to the 2011 post-election crisis in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The analytical focus is on networks of shadow peacebuilders, defined as actors who are often not visible to the public and who promote a mix of altruistic and personal interests of their broader network by generating strategic narratives and influencing peacebuilding policy. As this article shows, shadow peacebuilders engage in diplomatic counterinsurgencies waged by means of diplomacy, politics, public relations and legal means. Strategic narratives are instrumental in legitimizing diplomatic counterinsurgency, inducing internal cohesion within the network and delegitimizing alternative narratives and policy solutions. Yet the production of strategic knowledge by shadow peacebuilders has its limitations. When the gap between strategic narrative and actions becomes too big, the network risks fragmentation and defeat by other networks that promote alternative strategic narratives and paths of action in the battle over control of peacebuilding policy.     

Lessons Learned from Public and Private Contract Managers for Effective Local Government Contracting Out: The Case of New Jersey

To date, very few studies have explored practical strategies for exercising effective financial management of local government contracts through two main stakeholders’ perspectives of the contracting system at the same time. Employing a series of semi-structured interviews with public officials and private contractors in New Jersey, this study attempts to fill this gap in the scholarship. The finding of this study suggests that government agencies should pay greater attention to competitive bids without favoritism, contract specificity, a statewide performance database, sufficient staffing with well-trained personnel, strong leadership, team-based structures, two-way communication, and evaluation based on both qualitative and quantitative values.     

Assessing the G77: 50 years after unctad and 40 years after the nieo

This article views the history of the Group of 77 through the lens of its relations with unctad’s establishment in 1964, its unsuccessful struggle for the nieo in the 1970s, and the subsequent loosening of ties. The debt crisis of the 1980s, the Uruguay Round negotiations, and the arrival of the wto are seen as crucial forces unravelling the previously close links. Growing differentiation among developing countries and the changing leadership of the G77 are also cited as important influences on its current relationship with unctad.     

Chapter 10. Patterns of Career Development in Child and Youth Care

Abstract

Patterns of career development in the field of child and youth care are reexamined in relation to roles that involve working directly with children in specific settings as well as in relation to roles that involve working indirectly in support of children through working with other adults, be these parents, other caregivers or professionals. Other career roles involve working in support of human service systems that impact on the care of children and young people and influence family welfare. Finally, some career roles involve working at the macro level to formulate policies that shape the culture of caring communities to support the health and well-being of children. Each career role presents important challenges and offers valuable opportunities for influencing the lives of children, young people and their families.     

群体性事件的心理原因及预防处置对策探析

当前,群体性事件已成为影响社会和谐稳定的突出问题。如何正确认识、积极预防、妥善处置群体性事件,是政法战线乃至各级党委、政府必须认真面对的重要课题。本文从群体性事件的社会心理原因着手进行分析,进而提出相应的预防和处置对策,以增强相关部门有效预防处置群体性事件的能力。     

承包地利用的守成与突破——以土地经营权法律定位的检讨为中心

农地家庭承包带来的分散经营的弊端,可通过在农户的土地承包经营权上为新型经营主体设立土地经营权而得到克服。新《农村土地承包法》创设的土地经营权,摆脱了集体成员身份对土地承包经营权的束缚,有助于更大程度释放农地的财产价值。“以其他方式承包取得的权利”应为物权性质的土地承包经营权,而非土地经营权。承包地因物权性利用和债权性利用之不同,各自法律效果存在明显差异。在三权分置的结构下,土地经营权的性质应属于债权。明确土地经营权性质,不仅有利于促进土地有效利用,还能够解决农地权利群的逻辑冲突。     

关于格式条款的若干问题研究

格式条款于现代商业往来中运用范围非常广泛,在繁荣经济方面发挥着重要的作用。然而,经营者往往从自身利益出发来设计格式条款的内容,较少考虑相对人的利益,因此容易造成不公平现象。格式条款的价值和缺陷并存,必须对其进行合理规制。     

青年研究中的热点、趋势及核心作者群分析——基于CSSCI(1998—2008)的研究

王沛沛对CSSCI关键词标引次数和论文被引频数两组数据的分析表明:1998-2008年间青年研究的研究热点主要包括青少年内各种群体的研究,青少年人的教育问题,青年人的心理、行为、性别与人际关系研究以及青年群体中的文化与价值观研究等。而从关键词标引变化表明,青年研究热点与社会变迁尤其是政策演变紧密相关,而且还与社会热点相联系。另外,对《青年研究》中的作者进行分析,展示青年研究中的核心作者群。     

还历史本来面目——重新审视日本明治维新

发生在日本近代的明治维新,一开始并不是所谓主张进步的维新志士企图推翻落后保守的幕府政权的革命,而是一场围绕着开国与锁国的政治斗争。对立双方的主角,一方是主张对外开放的幕府政权,另一方则是部分主张复古排外的雄藩武士。这批武士与大权旁落很久的朝廷结盟,最终逼迫幕府“奉还大政”,建立起中央集权的明治政权。由于没有治国经验,新政权建立后不久即派出级别很高的岩仓使节团对欧美各先进国家进行全面考察。使节团回国后,日本政府迅速调整政策,全面学习西方,终于走上了近代资本主义道路。     

实施劳动合同法后劳资关系的新情况和新问题探索——以宁波民营企业为例

新的<劳动合同法>,旨在打破长期以来"资强劳弱"的格局,构建"和谐稳定的劳资关系".通过调查与统计资料显示,宁波民营企业劳资关系的发展在<劳动合同法>实施前后,出现许多新情况和新问题.为了更好地贯彻新法的立法精神与主旨,宁波应该从制度细则、第三方的积极参与和劳资双方互动三方面入手,推动劳资关系趋于和谐.