Cosmopolitan Civil Societies: An Interdisciplinary Journal

Transcending Boundaries: Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS) as a Transnational Icon of Cosmopolitanism

Annisa Rizkyta — 2024-08-26

Cosmopolitanism studies regained popularity in the 1990s. Case studies on individuals are finally emerging, mainly on celebrities, but they are still dominated by Western actors and limited to charitable movements for the poor and the ill. To fill this gap, we bring the South Korean music group Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS) into the discourse. The research questions are, in what respects does BTS represent a cosmopolitan outlook? What kind of behaviours and actions do they demonstrate? How do their behaviours and actions influence others? We adopt cosmopolitanism and the transnational actor concept to answer these questions. We use a descriptive-qualitative approach through the use of primary and secondary sources. As a result, we found that anti-racism and anti-discrimination are the two main issues that represent BTS’ cosmopolitan views. Their practices are reflected in their daily conversations, music, donations, and advocacy. They spread their influence to large-scale fans through various media.

The Socio-economic Transformation in Makassar Tribe Gift-giving Tradition: Reconstructing Social Welfare Strategy

Fatjri Nur Tajuddin — 2024-08-26

The gift-giving tradition in Jeneponto, the land of the Makassar Tribe, has undergone significant transformation over time, reflecting changes in socio-economic ethics within societies. This study explores the evolution of this tradition and its profound impact on contemporary socio-economic values. It examines how gift-giving has transitioned from a simple act of goodwill and cultural exchange to a complex phenomenon influenced by consumerism, status, and economic disparities. Drawing from ethnographic research analysis, this research delves into the cultural and social significance of gift-giving in various contexts. It sheds light on how traditional values, such as reciprocity and generosity, have been reshaped by commercialization and global consumer culture. Furthermore, it investigates the consequences of these changes on individuals and communities. The study also discusses the ethical dilemmas arising from the commodification of gift-giving, including issues of authenticity, social inequality, and environmental sustainability. It highlights the need for a more conscious and responsible approach to gift-giving in the current situation.

Resistance Across Borders: Belarusian Civic Activism in Exile under (Trans-)National Repression

Vasil Navumau — 2024-08-26

The mass protests following the rigged 2020 presidential elections in Belarus led to unprecedented repression, resulting in the liquidation of over 1,600 NGOs, the imprisonment of hundreds of activists, and the displacement of thousands. After relocating, these activists continued to mobilize resources and use digital platforms to sustain and expand their support networks across borders. Urban activists played a pivotal role in this transformation, though they acutely felt the challenges of relocation due to their dependence on physical urban spaces and their ties to support networks and governmental bodies. This paper investigates the challenges faced by urban activists, post-relocation, as well as their resource mobilization strategies, utilizing surveys of 47 Belarusian NGOs and conducting 20 in-depth semi-structured interviews with urban development experts. It contributes to the understanding of civic activism in exile, emphasizing the strategic use of resources to reorganize activity and resist transnational repression of authoritarian regimes.

Cosmopolitanism over Ethnonationalism through Social Movement: The Case of Anti-CAA Movement in India

Terbi Loyi — 2024-11-13

Ethnonationalism based on religion has had a significant impact in the modern history of India. While celebrating its diversity as a democratic nation, the country has also witnessed numerous ethnic movements, tensions, violence as well as assertion of cultural and ideological values by one dominant group over another. The ‘State’ often gets involved in these conflicts directly or indirectly. The case of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019 is a recent example relating to issues of citizenship and discrimination based on religion that sparked a nationwide movement. The citizens condemned the enactment of CAA as anti-democratic and against the secularistic ideology of India. Drawing upon the case of Anti-CAA movement across India the paper argues that social movements serve as a platform to revisit and realize the ideologies of cosmopolitanism.

Involving Kyai and Thug Networks In Oil and Gas Company CSR Communication

Ahmed Taufiq — 2024-11-13

This paper explores local partners' communication strategies in the ExxonMobil Cepu Limited CSR program in Bojonegoro Regency, East Java. The research data comes from in-depth interviews with 25 informants. They consist of representatives of oil and gas companies, governments, journalists, NGOs, and Corporate Social Responsibility beneficiaries. The results show that the local partner's strategy in building symmetrical two-way communication with stakeholders can be understood at three levels. First, there is the process of social integration. The involvement of local elites, kyai, thug networks, and a grassroots approach in CSR communication is part of social integration. Second, there is social protection. The participatory communication network that has been built in the initial phase ultimately gives rise to a commitment to protect the program run by local partners. The depth of the relationship between local partners and stakeholders forms the third level, relations and social cohesion that give birth to a relationship of give and take.

Government Communication and Social Cohesion: A Contradiction of Words in Action?

Vasanthakokilam Naidoo — 2024-11-13

This article presents the findings of a 2022 doctoral study that examines the government's communication for social cohesion in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipal Area, also known as the city of Durban, in South Africa. The findings and recommendations are applicable to social cohesion globally as evidenced by news reports of violence against women in New York, anti-LGBTQIA+ laws in Uganda, anti-Moslem and anti-Christian sentiments. The study employing a Likert-type questionnaire and focus group discussions revealed that government communication, measured against the Social Cohesion Index, surreptitiously changes mindsets but is undermined by its actions. Participants perceive slow service delivery, corruption, unfair implementation of affirmative action, racism, homo- and trans-phobia, marginalization of the disability sector, tribalism and dearth of leaders, as hindrances. The LGBTQIA+ and disability sectors are victimised limiting their inclusion in the economy and access to services. Recommendations include appointing credible leaders as social cohesion ambassadors, fair implementation of affirmative action policies and communication substantiated by tangible public services.