Papers by Wiriranai B Masara (Ph. D.)
Journal of African Union Studies, 2021
The Continental Early Warning System of the African Union was positioned within the African Peace... more The Continental Early Warning System of the African Union was positioned within the African Peace and Security Architecture as one of its five pillars responsible for generating early warning information for decision-makers. The gap between early warning and early action has been identified in previous studies, but it has not been given full attention and comprehensively discussed. Therefore, the overall aim of the article is to extensively examine the reasons behind the early warning and early action dichotomy and suggest operational and structural ways to close the gap. Data were qualitatively gathered through primary sources such as the African Union reports, communiqués and conference proceedings. Secondary data sources and interviews were used to accentuate the above. The article contributes to the existing literature fragments by documenting and advancing comprehensively, how the Continental Early Warning System faces a weak structural linkage between early warning, decision-makers, and early action. It outlines how the operational aperture between early warning and early action dwarfs and overlooks the contributions of the Continental Early Warning System to the African Peace and Security Architecture and suggests ways to connect early warning to early action in the Continental Early Warning System.
The notion of 'multilateral intervention is problematic. The controversy stems from an attempt to... more The notion of 'multilateral intervention is problematic. The controversy stems from an attempt to bridge two words that are instinctively incompatible, ' multilateral intervention' for 'humanitarian' reasons. The multilateral intervention controversy poses fundamental concerns regarding international law. Is the legality of humanitarian intervention sustained by the history of humanitarian intervention? There is no agreement on the lawfulness of intervention, in part because, more broadly, there is no consensus on the sources of international law. The issue of multilateral intervention is inseparable from the issues which have been at the center of international law for decades, and which can not be assumed to be resolved in order to reconcile the numerous opinions on humanitarian intervention. Consequently, the reasons for and against humanitarianism rely on one's theory of how the law functions and shifts. Multilateral interference is quickly connected to concrete images of a humanitarian catastrophe and forced military violence that elicit intense beliefs and emotional responses to the issue of justice or injustice in each person. This highly normative existence of multilateral intervention for humanitarian reasons complicates the theoretical discourse on the principle and prohibits the academic and international community from forming any agreement on the more fundamental aspects of its meaning, legality or legitimacy.
Transparency is a popular and contemporary organizational concept which is demanded by internatio... more Transparency is a popular and contemporary organizational concept which is demanded by international organizations, activists, stakeholders, civilians and politicians. It is usually operationalized as reporting and disclosure of matters relating to public policies. In this regard, transparency incorporates the release of essential public information critical to the satisfaction of citizens and their vital interests (Fung, 2013). In particular, all releasable material is required to be made widely accessible by corporate, governmental and administrative players in a way that is reliable, timely, balanced and unambiguous' (Rawlins, 2009, p. 75).
The United States of America's (USA) ability to retain influence in the region of the Middle East... more The United States of America's (USA) ability to retain influence in the region of the Middle East has been evident for half a century. Even now, the USA is the most dominant yet non-regional player in the Middle East. A comprehensive study of previous and current USA foreign policy shows the consistency of policies in the region since the conclusion of the Cold War. The dissolution of the rivalry and tension between the two major world powers, the USA and Russia, contributed to a profound shift in the overall international relations structure. As a result, the USA revised its key geopolitical objectives and strategies of implementing its dominance in the region. Nevertheless, amid various foreign policies adopted by Democratic and Republic administrations, the political vision, economic interest and security pursuit of the foreign policy of the USA in the Middle East have, arguably, remained constant and unchanged.
The feminist literature on social policy argues that feminist movements have had a
substantial im... more The feminist literature on social policy argues that feminist movements have had a
substantial impact on social policy outcomes (Brown,2010).They have contributed
important new thinking to paid and professional care work (Miller, 2003), and to the study
of poverty (Glendinning and Millar, 1989). They have rewritten the textbooks, with Social
Policy: A Critical Introduction (Payne, 1991) and Welfare and the State, and provided
distinctively feminist accounts of social policy. These actions have in a way influenced
social policy through legislature and practice
The assertion that the contribution of communal livestock to the rural economy has not been fully... more The assertion that the contribution of communal livestock to the rural economy has not been fully recognised is highly debatable and can be unravelled with specific references to different forms of livelihoods at household levels in different communal areas. Its recognition depends with the local setting hence not fully recognised but however, to a greater extent, its contributions has been fully recognised. Randolph et al. (2007) identified specific contributions of livestock to each type of capital. Animal manure can increase natural capital by increasing soil fertility. It also indicates a linkage between herd size and physical capital, because an increase in herd size results in an increase in physical capital. Animal products and proteins are important contributors to human nutrition and health status and therefore provide a means to empower human capital. Animal production is a means of income generation and therefore increases financial capital. The clear linkage between livestock keeping and social status indicates the positive implications livestock keeping has on social capital. This paper defines communal livestock as scattered smallholder livestock farming in the homestead or resettlement areas, in which income is very much secondary to meet nutritional needs, storing of wealth, providing security, and social and cultural functions. Rural economy encompasses a lot of things ranging from production and consumption of goods and services and the supply of money.The mere ownership of livestock in itself is a boost to the asset ownership, it diversifies capabilities and activities of communal farmers.
Soon after Zimbabwean independence, the dual agrarian economy (DAE) to a lesser extent might have... more Soon after Zimbabwean independence, the dual agrarian economy (DAE) to a lesser extent might have been an answer to rural development, in a number of ways, however its success was short lived. DAE is comprised of Large Scale Commercial Farms (LSCF) and subsistence small scale farmers’ .In relation to the success of the DAE as an answer to rural development, dates should be particular starting from 1980 stretching through times of Economic Structural Adjustment Policies (ESAP) onwards. Since DAE was not, looking at how the rural sector is still ‘undeveloped’ but wanted to juxtapose the existence of commercial and subsistence farmers, the author opines that to a greater extent it failed to be the solution for rural development. In a general sense, if it was an answer, then plausibly the whole of rural Zimbabwe would have developed by now since most of the rural population in arable land practice agriculture alongside LSCF. The discussion will be narrowed down contextually to Zimbabwe. It should be kept in mind that the dual agrarian economy was a brainchild of the colonial powers so as to force the African blacks into wage labour in agriculture, hence its use in a post-colonial Zimbabwe as an answer to rural development is unconvincing
Semi-arid implies partly prolonged dryness, and is used with respect to the climate itself, and t... more Semi-arid implies partly prolonged dryness, and is used with respect to the climate itself, and the land below it. Semi-arid regions in Zimbabwe are agro ecological region IV and V covering places such as Gwanda, Chiredzi, Binga, Middle Sabi, Beitbridge, Kariba and Hwange. The semi-arid tropics are characterized by unpredictable weather, limited and erratic rainfall and nutrient-poor soils and suffered from a host of agricultural constraints (Maqbool et al., 2001).Small grain crop production in semi-arid rural Zimbabwe were ‘reintroduced’ as they can adapt well to variations in climate and rainfall as well as thriving in poor soils with limited moisture. The essay below seeks to critique the contribution of small grain production in semi-arid Zimbabwe and evaluate whether if it reduces rural poverty or not.
Durkheim and Weber contributed to social science methodology in different ways, with the later im... more Durkheim and Weber contributed to social science methodology in different ways, with the later immensely contributing. Durkheim through social facts, observation, verification in sociology and statistical analysis (Radkau, 2009) distinguished sociology from philosophy through vivid scientific methods of inquiry still used in this day. Weber believed that history is composed of an inexhaustible array of specific phenomena. To study these phenomena, it was necessary to develop a variety of concepts designed to be useful for research on the real world. Thus, through the ideal type, verstehen, social action, value frees sociology as well as causality and probability, Weber contributed to social science methodology. The paper elucidate on how these two theorists contributed to social science methodology.
Marx and Durkheim’s ideas on the surface value appear to be similar through their articulation of... more Marx and Durkheim’s ideas on the surface value appear to be similar through their articulation of parallel ideas like religion, socialism, the division of labour, the state, the economy and capitalism. However, through a thorough scrutiny of their ideas, a major rift between these two theorists is evidenced hence making their ideas diverge profoundly. Similarities are noted only when discussing similar topics but however analysing them in different ways and forms. The paper below seeks to show how Marx and Durkheim appear to share the same mind but however diverging profoundly.
2016
The paper outlines the contention between positivism and constructivism cross referencing these t... more The paper outlines the contention between positivism and constructivism cross referencing these two to critical paradigm.
The study focused on identifying, measuring and assessing the nature and extent of impacts of urb... more The study focused on identifying, measuring and assessing the nature and extent of impacts of urban absolute poverty on young women in Epworth. This was made possible through documenting the meaning of poverty. To achieve its objectives, the study used interviews and questionnaires as research instruments in relation to the triangulation of qualitative and quantitative research methods respectively in this research. The Structural School of Thought and the Capability Approach were triangulated to synergise understanding of the concept of poverty. Results revealed significant impacts of absolute poverty including increased vulnerability, social exclusion, commercial sex working, separation of families and inherited generational poverty. Economic meltdown, unemployment, low levels of education, the decline of social support systems and marriage have been identified as factors influencing the conditions of absolute poverty.
Drafts by Wiriranai B Masara (Ph. D.)
The study addresses contemporary clashes between individual freedom and national security and it ... more The study addresses contemporary clashes between individual freedom and national security and it also unravels how the latter, through Intelligence Secret Services (ISS), affect society as a collective. Despite wide research done in Western countries regarding national security and individual freedom, less research has been done in Regional Africa. Through a qualitative research design, this study establishes a contextual understanding of the parameters of individual freedom in Zimbabwe, how ISS are negatively affecting society and if the gap between individual freedom and national security can be bridged. Regarding the limits to individual freedom the study establishes that, there is a discrepancy between theoretical and practical rights of the residents of Harare. Regardless of having an advanced Bill of Rights, the technical and practical implementation of these rights and freedoms have been problematic as a result of interference by ISS at the behest of the Executive of the State. Secondly, the study outlines how ISS affect society as it becomes apprehensive, passive and untrusting to these state security establishments. Lastly, the study establishes that the gap between national security and individual freedom can be bridged only if ‘national security’ is indeed authentic national security and not the interests of a few political elite. The study shows that there is need for a contextual redefinition of national security as it is being used to advance political interest of the Executive of the State and in a way disadvantaging the average residents of Harare. This study is part of a growing body of ISS in Africa. In using a large untapped source of the case of Harare, this study contributes to future research on this topic.
Book Reviews by Wiriranai B Masara (Ph. D.)
The book has ten chapters in which the variables that comprise the foreign policy decision-making... more The book has ten chapters in which the variables that comprise the foreign policy decision-making processes are analysed. Each of the chapters makes considerable use of contemporary examples that helps the audience to comprehend rather clearly how the author analyzes each of the variables that produce results in foreign policy formulation. Each of the chapters makes considerable use of contemporary examples that helps the audience to comprehend rather clearly how the author analyzes each of the variables that produce results in foreign policy formulation. The helpful thing about this strategy is that while the author starts her writing by pointing out that foreign policy is becoming increasingly complicated and tangled, so much so that the first instance she uses, relating to the situation in Tibet and the implications it has for the relationship between the United States and China. With this objective, the examples used by the author aid a lot, because it seems fundamental that one must be tied to contemporary world politics to understand foreign policy.
The book is a persuasive review of the theoretical foundations of international relations studies... more The book is a persuasive review of the theoretical foundations of international relations studies. It underlines the need to tie theoretical foundations together in daily politics with the practical problems that arise around us. International Relations (IR), which is nearly a century old, has become and appears to be interconnected with several other social science fields, enabling one to view today's multipolar society and pluralistic cultures in innovative ways. Each chapter of the book deals with a new group of IR theories and methods, and includes a historical narrative, explaining how IR theories have evolved over the last few decades. According to Lawson, the study of each of the key IR theories has also shown that they are primarily derived from political theory more broadly, with components of social theory and economic theory providing additional perspectives (p. 246). Lawson simply shows how one discipline integrates with another, while simultaneously showing that the philosophy of IR is indeed a question of normative reasoning.
The 811-paged book "The Globalization of World Politics" is divided into five sections which are ... more The 811-paged book "The Globalization of World Politics" is divided into five sections which are the Historical Context, Theories of World Politics, Ideas of World Politics, Structures and Processes, International Issues, and Globalization in the Future. Part one examines the historical context of social system integration and provides four historical perspectives on international relations: 1900 to 1945; 1945 to 1990; the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the genesis of the fight against terrorism. Part two of the book builds on this timeframe by presenting five major blocks for constructing the theoretical structure of International Relations. It begins with Realism, then Liberalism, before moving on to Neo-realism and Neo-liberalism to present contemporary mainstream theories. Following that, a chapter on Marxist theories of international relations is presented, as well as an additional new section on Social Constructivism, which presents recent issues of critical responses to conventional theory. Chapter two is concluded with a brief discussion of significant contributions to International Relations theory, including normative theory, postmodernism, historical sociology, feminist theory and postcolonialism.
The book details and evaluates England's foreign policies under Elizabeth I during the second hal... more The book details and evaluates England's foreign policies under Elizabeth I during the second half of the 16th century. It contains the analysis of Elizabeth's relations with foreign states, the influence of the renaissance on foreign policy, the achievements of Elizabeth I as a stateswoman, and the war with Spain. To layout bare the foreign policy of Elizabeth I, the author usefully divides the books into seven chronological sections where the initial three-section elucidates on the irregularities of the historical time. The other subsequent chapter detail thematic overview through historical and modern debates and the auspices of war.
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Papers by Wiriranai B Masara (Ph. D.)
substantial impact on social policy outcomes (Brown,2010).They have contributed
important new thinking to paid and professional care work (Miller, 2003), and to the study
of poverty (Glendinning and Millar, 1989). They have rewritten the textbooks, with Social
Policy: A Critical Introduction (Payne, 1991) and Welfare and the State, and provided
distinctively feminist accounts of social policy. These actions have in a way influenced
social policy through legislature and practice
Drafts by Wiriranai B Masara (Ph. D.)
Book Reviews by Wiriranai B Masara (Ph. D.)
substantial impact on social policy outcomes (Brown,2010).They have contributed
important new thinking to paid and professional care work (Miller, 2003), and to the study
of poverty (Glendinning and Millar, 1989). They have rewritten the textbooks, with Social
Policy: A Critical Introduction (Payne, 1991) and Welfare and the State, and provided
distinctively feminist accounts of social policy. These actions have in a way influenced
social policy through legislature and practice