American Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Sciences

HARD AND SOFT POWER IN DEMOCRATIC SYSTEMS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Shakhzodbek Makhmudov — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article examines the concepts of soft and hard power in international relations, with a focus on domestic institutions within the context of democratic systems. It relies on Joseph Nye’s seminal work and more recent empirical indexes to critique the classical dualism of statecraft’s coercive or persuasive nature. It compares the United States, France, Germany, and Japan to argue that political systems, whether presidential or parliamentary, federal or unitary, influence the projection and efficacy of power abroad. The article argues that power should not be conceptualized merely as an asset stock, but rather as a process situated within political institutions, the intersection of strategic alignment, and continuity in leadership. It offers a new approach with the “Smart Power Governance Matrix” to analyse how democracies apply soft and hard power through institutional integration, multilateralism, and enduring foreign policy. The results highlight the need to redefine the discourse on democracy and power in global politics by relocating analysis beyond fixed criteria to situationally defined frameworks of state capabilities within their governance systems.

THE LEBANESE CULTURAL ROLE IN THE ARAB RENAISSANCE: JOURNALISM AND EDUCATION AS A MODEL (1860–1914)

Assistant Lecturer: Alaa Khudhair Obaid — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the Lebanese cultural role in the Arab Renaissance during the period between 1860 and 1914, through an analysis of the historical and social factors that contributed to the development of renaissance thought. The research focuses on three main axes: the historical and social context of Lebanon in the nineteenth century, the role of Lebanese journalism in disseminating enlightenment ideas, and the contributions of educational institutions and cultural associations in reinforcing Arab identity.
The study highlights the influence of Lebanese journalism in promoting national and intellectual awareness and its connection to reformist movements across the Arab world. It also discusses the emergence of modern educational institutions and the spread of national schools, emphasizing their role in forming an educated class that played a vital part in the intellectual and political revival. Furthermore, the research explores the role of cultural associations in supporting education and spreading enlightenment thought, as well as the challenges they faced under Ottoman policies, culminating in the impact of World War I on Lebanon’s cultural and educational movement.
The study concludes that the Lebanese cultural renaissance was the result of both internal and external dynamics, and it laid a foundational platform for intellectual and political movements in the Arab world, despite the obstacles encountered.

THE STRAIN OF MEGA EVENTS ON LOCAL RESOURCES: A CASE STUDY OF 2023 AFCON HOSTED BY COTE D'IVOIRE

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper investigated the strain of mega events on local resources: A case study of 2023 AFCON in Cote d'ivoire. The research design adopted for this study is descriptive and survey-based, which enabled the systematic collection of primary data through the administration of a structured questionnaire. The study focused on a sample of 150 respondents, selected from various communities within the Local Government Area. Descriptive analysis was employed to analysis the data. Result from the study revealed that hosting the AFCON competition will positively impact on Nigeria's economy. It will increase local tourism and cultural exchange in Nigeria. Hosting the AFCON competition will increase creation of job opportunities for the locals. It will promote peace and unity through sports amongst Nigerians. Result also showed that hosting the AFCON competition has more benefits than concerns on Nigerians and Nigeria.

INFRASTRUCTURE OF HOUSEHOLD SERVICES IN VILLAGES OF SURKHANDARYA REGION

Kadirova Yakitzhan Buvabayevna — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

One of the most urgent tasks is to improve the lives of rural residents, whose role and importance in the development of the country are incomparable, to a level that meets modern standards. For this, housing construction, the provision of communal services and improving household services are of great importance in the socio-economic development of villages. The main part of the republican and local budgets was allocated for housing construction and improving communal services.

UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR ADDRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS

Azamova Sitora Ayonovna, Arolova Zarina Lochin qizi — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article provides a comprehensive overview of one of the global issues – environmental problems – and discusses the United Nations Development Programme aimed at addressing these issues. It also highlights how this system helps coordinate efforts to protect nature.