Mystum Politics & Policy Category Page List All Articles

Politics & Policy

Symbolic image of the European Union undergoing transformative change, representing the concept of destituent power.

Can 'Destituent Power' Dismantle Democracy? Rethinking Protest Movements in the EU

Can movements that aim to dismantle existing political structures ever truly build something better? We delve into the concept of 'destituent power' and its role in shaping democracy within the EU, questioning the fine line between disruption and destruction.

Surreal illustration of social connections to political power.

Decoding Social Connections: How Vertical Ties Shape Political Participation

Explore how connections to politicians and community leaders influence political participation, especially in developing democracies. Learn about vertical ties and their surprising effects on voter turnout, clientelism, and social inequality.

A surreal illustration of the Bolsa Família program's impact on food security and education.

Bolsa Família: Is Brazil's Conditional Cash Transfer Program Truly Effective?

Explore the effectiveness and challenges of Brazil's Bolsa Família program, a conditional cash transfer initiative, with a focus on its impact on food security, social inclusion, and the lives of vulnerable families.

Diverse Brazilians access transparent government information.

Decoding Data: Who's Really Asking for Government Info in Brazil?

Uncover the trends in public information requests in Brazil: Explore who's asking, what they want, and what this means for open government.

Resilient bamboo in Manila symbolizes the enduring spirit of Filipinos.

The Philippines: Why Democracy Struggles Despite People Power Revolutions

Explore the paradoxical journey of the Philippines, a nation marked by 'People Power' revolutions yet still grappling with weak democratic institutions and persistent elite dominance. This article dives into the historical, social, and political factors shaping its unique democratic challenges.

Fractured Nordic landscape restored by interconnected social safety nets.

Nordic Welfare States: Can Social Services Handle the Next Big Disaster?

Explore the disparities in how Nordic welfare states integrate social services into disaster management. Discover how these gaps could impact community resilience during crises and what improvements are needed to safeguard vulnerable populations.

Joseph Chamberlain's legacy: Birmingham's reformer, Empire's visionary.

Unpacking Joseph Chamberlain: Was He a True Statesman or Just a Divisive Figure?

Explore the multifaceted career of Joseph Chamberlain, from his Birmingham roots to his impact on British imperialism, and understand why his legacy remains a subject of intense discussion.

Diverse individuals connecting puzzle pieces to form a globe, symbolizing shared values.

The Ties That Bind: How Shared Values Shape Society

Discover how shared values and narratives shape our understanding of political belonging, influence social debates, and foster community bonds.

Abstract illustration of power dynamics in economic thought.

Decoding Disciplinary Politics: How Power Shapes Comparative Political Economy

Explore the impact of disciplinary politics on comparative political economy. Learn how academic norms and power dynamics shape research, influence economic thought, and affect the pursuit of knowledge.

Big data flowing into government for policy-making.

Big Data for Policymaking: Is It a Game Changer or Just Another Fad?

Dive into the evolving role of big data in government policymaking, examining its opportunities, challenges, and long-term impact on digital governance and public service delivery.

Newsletter Subscribe

Subscribe to get the latest articles and insights directly in your inbox.