Journal of Research in Social Sciences

Changing Geopolitical Realities in Europe: The Case of Russia-Ukraine Conflict

2023-12-25T17:24:44+05:00

This article provides a comprehensive examination of the
different perspectives and the actions taken by Russia and United
States throughout the Ukrainian conflict, with an objective of
understanding the escalation of local hostilities in context of
global power struggle. It aims to cut through the prevalent biased,
self-serving narratives and offer an objective analysis of key
strategic maneuvers. U.S. is trying to extend NATO's influence
into Eastern Europe however Russia is endeavoring to reinforce
its sphere of influence in its neighboring territories. This study
seeks to clarify the complex network of interests and strategies
that have shaped the trajectory of the Ukraine conflict and to
consider how the involvement of these global powers has altered
its course and impact. By adopting a qualitative research
approach, this paper synthesizes data from an array of sources,
including books, academic journals, websites, and periodicals,
facilitating a clear understanding of the complex geopolitical
dynamics at play.

Pakistan in the Crosshairs and the Rising Stakes of Strategic Information Warfare

2023-11-28T04:02:39+05:00

Over the past two decades, information and communication technologies (ICTs) have reaped significant attention from security experts, computer scientists, intelligence agencies, and governments for their potential applications in conflict scenarios. Using ICTs for offensive or defensive purposes to instantly invade, disrupt, or control the opponent's resources is known as strategic information warfare (SIW). Although SIW is as ancient as military history, the communication sciences revolution has altered its character. It has evolved into a double-edged weapon that is equally crucial for strong nations, technically underdeveloped states, non-state entities, and individual software experts. Some nations, most notably the US, Russia, and China, have taken the SIW technology seriously and compared it to the danger posed by WMDs. In the south Asian context, Pakistan faces a direct threat from India, which collaborates closely with Israel, by the use of SIW. Additionally, the Western media portrays a highly negative picture of Pakistan's administration, law and order, and economy. The national media, suitably supported by foreign players, has begun a propaganda warfare effort against Pakistan's military forces and intelligence institutions. However, SIW is now a global danger, necessitating a worldwide response. Pakistan must create a proactive national strategy to prepare for the problems erupted from SIW strike on the communication network, which is crucial for the operation of its nuclear facilities.

The Rise of Militant Non-State Actors in the Middle East: Consequences for the Statehood

2023-11-16T10:45:56+05:00

In the great power rivalries, the state employs various tactics to enforce their agenda at the regional scale. It involves conducting the intelligence based operations, limited strikes or fostering partnerships with the non-state actors. However, by forming the alliance with the non-state actors, the great powers often neglects the statehood of the parent state which results in the empowering of non-state actors. In the contemporary global order, militant non-state actors have generated a lot of attention owing to their increasingly transnational objectives. However, these non-state actors have also managed to evade the label of terrorism by integrating into the state structure of their parent states. In certain cases, where the integration was not feasible, the militant non-state actors have developed their social base through the incentives of social services. Under such circumstances, the state’s integrity is compromised which have led to the new debates of conceptualizing the role of militant non-state actors around the globe. This study would debate on these factors by limiting the focus in the Middle East and would highlight the sponsorship of foreign states in the rise of militant non-state actors.

WhatsApp Communication in Tanzanian Organizations

2023-12-05T05:06:02+05:00

Public sector performance and service delivery is less than optimal in most countries of Africa including Tanzania. There are main issues that are attributed to such state of affairs. However, technological developments that are Information and Communication Technology related offer the opportunity to improve public sector performance. Among the social media platforms is WhatsApp that has gained popularity in Tanzania a head of other social media tools. This study assesses the extent to which WhatsApp is used in organizations in Tanzania and implications there from. The study deployed qualitative in-depth and analytical methodology through an electronic questionnaire administered through WhatsApp communication platforms of selected groups and interviews with CEOs of public sector organizations. The result shows WhatsApp is widely used due to its benefits including leading to possible positive contexts for performance improvements that is despite the lack of formal authorization for its use.

Developing a Research Design based on the distinction of History from the Social Sciences

2023-12-19T16:34:05+05:00

The issues of methodology are mainly associated with the concept of authenticity and verification of knowledge which is a key element of epistemology. Since antiquity, various solutions have been proposed and methods were evolved in order to ensure accuracy and truthfulness of the knowledge gained. As far as history was concerned, its methods were evolved in its own epistemological framework in ancient and medieval times. However after the development of philosophy of science in the west, the discipline of history had to face severe methodological crisis. Some major philosophers of history after an evolutionary process rejected the methods of sciences; however the discipline is still somehow related with the social sciences. The present research argues that history is even different, ancient and unique from the social sciences. Thus the methods of research in history are entirely different and building a research design in history is a completely different task. The present research has evaluated the evolution of development of methods in the social sciences as well as in history in order to draw a distinction of social sciences from history. The study further proposed a historical research design which is based on the traditional methods of research in history; and which also ensures maximum authenticity by using tools of reliability. The study will help the historians to highlight the actual methodological nature of their discipline and to justify the claims of their researches as authentic and different from the rest of the social sciences at the same time.

Iran-Saudi Arabia Diplomatic Relations and China's Role in Regional Politics

2023-12-27T20:28:14+05:00

This article examines the latest diplomatic developments between Saudi Arabia and Iran and China’s role in regional politics. The study explores the historical context of these nations’ harsh diplomatic relations and the different concerns that have pursued the latest diplomatic warmth. Moreover, it explores China’s enhancing engagement in the Middle East, specifically its growing financial and strategic relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran, and the impression of this on regional political order. This research is the result of an analysis of both primary and secondary sources, involving official data, and academic and media reports. The results suggest that the improvising relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran have the courage to incorporate stability into International Politics, while China’s contribution to regional order can give a new arena for support and development. This article yields with recommendations for relevant stakeholders and political actors in leading stability and peace in the Gulf.

Assessing the Vulnerabilities of Bioterrorism: Challenges and Prospects

2023-12-25T10:23:13+05:00

This study investigates the vulnerabilities and challenges exacerbated by bioterrorism empirically. Terrorists, organizations, and individuals deliberately use biological weapons to kill humans, animals, and plants. According to experts, the threats are multifaceted and have intensified in the modern world, such as 5th generation warfare and health crises. The study is exploratory, employing a qualitative approach to explore the literature, policy documents, and reports released by international and national organizations. In addition, the study integrates the most recent papers published during COVID-19 to investigate the difficulties and potential of bioterrorism. The findings provide a thorough understanding of the expected dangers of bioterrorism, such as threats of theft and attack, threats to utilize biological weapons, which are cost-effective, by terrorist groups, anarchic proliferation across the globe, biological agent manipulation, and so on. During the pandemic COVID-19, several countries, including Pakistan, experienced these risks. Given all of the looming concerns stated above, precautionary actions should be implemented to avoid these threats in the event of a new international bioterror strike in the future.