CULTURE IMPACT JOURNAL

      

   Colophon: https://culture-impact.net/colophon-culture-impact-journal/

                                                                                             December 2023                

                                

                                                     

 

Editorial:

As a result of recent developments like Brexit, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the massacre committed by Hamas in Israel, and the different opinions about the subsequent reaction by Israel, the world is facing the risk of fragmentation.

This is very dangerous. In a recent thriller, “Never”, Ken Follett describes convincingly how this could inadvertently lead to the destruction of the globe.  To avert this, creating a new, consistent narrative is necessary. A narrative based on an awareness that in coping with an accumulation of global challenges like climate change and pandemics and wars, “we are in this together” and the trust that (cultural) preferences are taken into account and that despite different value systems, there is a willingness to work together.

To do so, it is necessary to understand the differences.

The articles in this special of the Culture Impact Journal aim to chart these differences. Done by eight authors with eight different nationalities.

The publishers do not necessarily share the opinions of the various authors.

 

H.W.

 

 

Prof. Anton Carpinschi: Culture, geopolitics, and captive thinking in Romanian society. Reflections of an Involved Observer

Synopsis: This essay uses an autobiographical narrative and participatory observation to explore the symptoms of thinking enslaved by errors, illusions, and prejudices under and after communism. Also, from a comprehensive reflexive perspective, the connections between geopolitical developments, the psycho-cultural profile of Romanian society, and the phenomenon of captive thinking are explored. Thus, at the meeting of the participatory observation with the comprehensive reflection, the reflections of the participant observer were born, an observer always aware of the precarious condition of the prisoner of captive thinking.

For full text, see: https://culture-impact.net/anton-carpinschiculture-geopolitics-and-captive-thinking-in-romanian-society-reflections-of-an-involved-observer/

 

Huib Wursten: Culture and Geo-politics. Are we diverging?

Synopsis: The combination of global warming, CO2, and immigration cannot wait to be solved.

The polarization of countries is undermining the will to develop joint efforts.

The real existing differences need a framing that creates room for the acceptance of diversity in approaches. The worst thing that can happen is if a wrong framing creates more tension.

For full text, see: https://culture-impact.net/culture-and-geopolitics-are-we-diverging/

 

Walter Jahn: India’s Balancing Act in Geopolitics seen through the Mirror of India’s National Cultural Values. 

Synopsis: India is praised as the biggest democracy. The electorate has repeatedly shown to change political power holders at the national and federal state level. This is remarkable considering that Indian national culture shows a strong deference to power holders.

Internationally, India traditionally tries to keep equidistance to most influential countries, be they democracies or autocracies seeing itself as a “soft power” upholding international law for maintaining peace. Hence, no surprise for India’s 2023 G20 presidency theme “One Earth One Family One Future”. Yet, the Indian Government has not condemned or criticized Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. How does the Indian Government communicate this apparent contradiction? 

Domestically, constitutional principles are under strain. A populist Hindu nationalist Government presides over discriminatory policies and a rise in persecution affecting the Muslim population. The constitution guarantees civil liberties, but harassment of journalists, NGOs, and other government critics has increased significantly under PM Modi reports this year’s “Freedom in the World Report”.

There are apparent contractions, and they may find an explanation in the cultural values of the country and the corresponding artful mode of communication of the power holders. Elaborating on this issue is the subject of this paper.

For full text: https://culture-impact.net/indias-balancing-act-in-geopolitics-seen-through-the-mirror-of-indias-national-values/

 

Fernando Lanzer: Geopolitics and Culture: What Is Driving the Power Games?

Synopsis: Geopolitics is all about nations trying to impose their world views and values upon others, in the firm belief that this will ensure their own survival in the short term and sustainability in the long term. In order to understand the playing field, we must come to know what the underlying values of the relevant global players are, how they affect the way the power games are played and how that all this affects us, the pawns in the planetary chess game. This paper will propose a values framework that might shed some light on what is driving the relevant players’ behavior and what can be expected to happen in the near future.

For full text: https://culture-impact.net/2848-2/

 

Amer Bitar: Narrating Change: Cinema’s Role in the Cultural Discourse during the Arab Spring. 

Synopsis: The Middle East’s recent history, marked by the Arab Spring, presents a rich tapestry of socio-political transformations. Yet, an essential, often overlooked aspect of this period is the role of cinema, both as a reflection of and an influence on these profound changes. This article ventures into the heart of this dynamic, investigating how the cinematic landscape has interwoven with national cultural contexts across the Middle East during this pivotal era.

Through an exploration of diverse films from various Middle Eastern nations, this study unveils how cinema has not merely mirrored society’s ambitions and dissent but has been intrinsically tied to the cultural ethos of each nation. Filmmakers, often working within or against traditional cultural frameworks, have crafted narratives that resonate deeply with local sensibilities while also touching on universal themes of revolution, freedom, and identity.

By analyzing thematic motifs, narrative structures, and cinematic techniques, this article delves into the intricate ways films have integrated or challenged cultural norms and how these artistic choices communicate subtle and overt political messages. It underscores cinema’s potency in shaping perceptions of both domestic and global audiences, bridging cultural gaps, and providing a multifaceted perspective on the Middle East’s geopolitical transformations against a backdrop of deeply rooted traditions and beliefs.

For full text: https://culture-impact.net/narrating-change-the-role-of-cinema-in-the-cultural-discourse-of-the-arab-spring/

 

Dr. Luc Zwaenepoel: The cultures of geopolitics in Africa.

Synopsis: This essay will research the shape of geopolitics in Africa over many decades. The evolution of colonial geopolitics (occupation) towards the ideas of equal partnership based on budget support and funding

For full text: https://culture-impact.net/the-cultures-of-geopolitics-in-africa-from-colonization-to-equal-partnership/

 

Prof. Hamid Doost:  A Multidisciplinary Exploration of Culture, Geopolitical Developments, Power Dynamics, and Influence in the Context of the New World Order: A 5th Wave Theory Framework Analysis of 7 Mental Images.

Synopsis: A nuanced understanding of the underlying mechanisms at work becomes imperative in the 21st century, characterized by rapid transformations and the realignment of power structures. This study explores how the 5th Wave Theory framework, a concept acknowledging the historical evolution of human societies through waves of innovation, correlates with the concept of “7 Mental Images,” which encapsulate the cognitive and cultural dimensions of societies. The study posits that comprehending the shifting preferences of individuals and the growing demand for sustainability is pivotal for shaping the future world order.

For full text: https://culture-impact.net/a-multidisciplinary-exploration-of-culture-geopolitical-developments-power-dynamics-and-influence-in-the-context-of-the-new-world-order-a-5th-wave-theory-framework-analysis-of-7-mental-images/

 

Marlond M. Antunez: China’s Today in the Geopolitical Arena.

Synopsis: In this article, the author will argue that China’s actual geopolitical position results from a combination of historical factors, economic reforms, spiritual paths, and global integration. The historical roots and main events that shaped the Chinese mind will be explored; their political configuration, Chinese capitalism, and their social behavior will be explained; and at last, a conclusion will be drafted with a big question: Has China achieved its expansion peak, or we should expect for more?

For full text: https://culture-impact.net/chinas-today-in-the-geopolitical-arena/