Vol. 8 No. 2 (2018): Dissolution

It is my pleasure to present to you our second issue of the 2017-2018 academic year: ‘Dissolution’. All over the world, political choices impact local communities, nations, and international networks. This can sometimes lead to alarmist discourses lamenting the dissolution of society’s foundation. Taking these discourses with a pinch of salt, writers in this issue have investigated current dynamics of construction and reconstruction of our systems.

Some writers focus on the effects of global economic and political changes on local communities. In the Asia & Pacific section, Ewan Forrest denounces the tragic impact of the Indian government’s investment in extractive industries on the lives of local Adivasi communities. When these same industries leave, the consequences can be detrimental too: Abigail Wise explains how the decline of coal-mining in Appalachia precipitated today’s opioid crisis.

Counter-movements from communities that were previously repressed can, in turn, impact overarching institutions. In Ireland, the influence of the Catholic Church has declined, and pro- choice movements have gained popular support. This, according to Seán Leonard, raises hope for the upcoming referendum on abortion in May 2018.

The Catholic Church still holds a traditionally important role in many parts of the world, and the impact of some individuals, like Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo, can be decisive in encouraging pro- democracy trends. Abrahim Assaily profiles him for the African section.

Sometimes, grassroots movements can escape their founder’s control. In 2017, Tarana Burke was the face of the #MeToo movement. Now, as Samuel Phillips writes, she fears that the movement has been turned into a witch-hunt, putting the spotlight on aggressors rather than creating a community of survivors of sexual assault.

Amid all these articles, some writers focused on broader political and economic dynamics. In the International section, Orson Gard shares his vision for a Holistic Development Strategy. Some writers took a more sceptical stance, arguing that the events we observe, far from being transformations, are merely part of a cyclical order. In the Middle East section, Michael Drax wonders whether or not Iraq will succeed in breaking free from an enduring cycle of violence.

This issue is the result of impressive teamwork, and I would sincerely like to thank the whole team. It has been a pleasure to work with you, and to see everyone improve together. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Copy Editors, whose meticulous reviews are invaluable.

This journal could not exist without the support of professors throughout the University of Edinburgh. We would like to the University of Edinburgh’s School of Social and Political Science for the continued support. Although we regret the absence of lectures this March, the team would like to express its support for the University staff. We hope they will be heard.

Finally, if you found this issue as inspiring as I did, I would like to encourage you to write for our last issue of the year, ‘Pride.’ I am thrilled about the theme, and cannot wait to read your submissions!

I enjoyed reading the diverse perspectives and ideas that students at the University of Edinburgh have to offer; and I hope you will as well.

Sincerely,

Barbara Wojazer