Proceedings of the 40th International RAIS Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities
Proceedings of the40th International RAIS Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities
Contributor(s): Nino Zarnadze (Editor), Ioan-Gheorghe Rotaru (Editor), Tigere Muringa (Editor), Karam Adibifar (Editor)
Subject(s): Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence, Business Economy / Management, Criminal Law, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, ICT Information and Communications Technologies
ISSN: 2578-8574
Published by: Scientia Moralitas Research Institute
Keywords: International Conference; SocialSciences; Humanities
Summary/Abstract: This publication presents the proceedings of the 40th International RAIS Conference on SocialSciences and Humanities held at American University in Washington, DC, USA, on June 5-6,2025. The Conference was organized by the Research Association for Interdisciplinary Studies.
- Page Count: 228
- Publication Year: 2025
- Language: English
Understanding the Cyberpsychology and Nature of Digital Empathy
Understanding the Cyberpsychology and Nature of Digital Empathy
(Understanding the Cyberpsychology and Nature of Digital Empathy)
- Author(s):Darrell Norman Burrell
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Media studies, ICT Information and Communications Technologies
- Page Range:1-14
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:Digital Empathy; Cyberpsychology; Online Communities; Psychological Safety; Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC); Digital Well-Being; Online Support Groups; Empathic Communication;
- Summary/Abstract:The growing prevalence of computer-mediated communication (CMC) has prompted critical inquiry into how core human experiences, such as empathy, are transformed in digital environments. Contrary to the widespread assumption that technology inherently diminishes empathy, this study examines the nuanced psychological processes by which empathy is constructed, expressed, and experienced in online interactions. Focusing on emotional exchanges within digital contexts such as online support groups, teletherapy, and peer-to-peer forums, this research applies established psychological frameworks of affective and cognitive empathy to examine the enabling and inhibiting conditions of "digital empathy." Drawing on theories from social and cyberpsychology, as well as perspective-taking theory, the study explores how empathy functions when traditional nonverbal cues are limited or reinterpreted through text, emojis, video, and asynchronous responses. This work makes an original contribution by moving beyond the deficit model of digital interaction, offering a more differentiated understanding of empathy's adaptability and resilience online. It demonstrates that under certain psychological and contextual conditions, digital environments can facilitate profound emotional attunement, peer solidarity, and affective regulation.
Management Practices and Policy Frameworks for Effective Special Economic Zones: A Comparative Content Analysis of South Africa and China
Management Practices and Policy Frameworks for Effective Special Economic Zones: A Comparative Content Analysis of South Africa and China
(Management Practices and Policy Frameworks for Effective Special Economic Zones: A Comparative Content Analysis of South Africa and China)
- Author(s):Tigere Muringa, ELVIN SHAVA
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Business Economy / Management, Economic development
- Page Range:15-24
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:Special Economic Zones; Management Practices; Policy Implementation; Institutional Governance; Comparative Case Analysis;
- Summary/Abstract:Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are crucial for industrialization, job creation, and regional development, especially in emerging economies. However, macroeconomic strategy, detailed managerial practices, and coherence in policy frameworks often determine their performance. This paper compares case studies of SEZs in South Africa and China to examine the institutional, managerial, and policy factors that influence the effectiveness of SEZs. The paper examines how project management models, leadership accountability structures, inter-governmental coordination, investor facilitation, and policy clarity influence SEZ performance by utilizing best practices, government reports, SEZ regulatory frameworks, and independent evaluations. China is recognized for its highly coordinated, centralized, and investment-driven SEZ governance, while South Africa's approach is decentralized, socioeconomically driven, and flexible. This study draws on legislative and operational experiences from both contexts to provide evidence-based recommendations for enhancing Special Economic Zone governance, institutional alignment, and management competence in South Africa. It contributes to advancing policy dialogue on adaptive and context-sensitive SEZ implementation models in the Global South.
Advantages of Using AI in the Criminal Prosecution Phase for Digital Evidence Analysis
Advantages of Using AI in the Criminal Prosecution Phase for Digital Evidence Analysis
(Advantages of Using AI in the Criminal Prosecution Phase for Digital Evidence Analysis)
- Author(s):Carmen Paraschiv
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Criminal Law, Criminology, ICT Information and Communications Technologies
- Page Range:25-31
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:Artificial Intelligence; Digital Evidence; Criminal Prosecution; Digital Forensics; Criminal Justice; Algorithmic Transparency; AI Audit;
- Summary/Abstract:The study analyzes the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the criminal prosecution phase, with a focus on the analysis of digital evidence. It presents the types of AI technologies used, their concrete applications in crimes investigation, as well as the benefits and the technical, legal, and ethical risks. Relevant international examples are highlighted and directions for regulation, professional training and standardization are proposed. The conclusion emphasizes the need for a balance between technological innovation and the guarantee of fundamental rights in a fair criminal trial.
Constructions of United States National Identity within United States Foreign Policy Approaches
Constructions of United States National Identity within United States Foreign Policy Approaches
(Constructions of United States National Identity within United States Foreign Policy Approaches)
- Author(s):Frederick Walter Tillman, Ireland Holman
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Governance, Nationalism Studies, Politics and Identity, Identity of Collectives
- Page Range:32-40
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:National Identity; United States Foreign Policy; Presidency; Identity Frames;
- Summary/Abstract:This paper investigates the use of national identity as a rhetorical and strategic tool in shaping foreign policy by focusing particularly on United States presidents during instances of international conflict. Four administrations (George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden) show the extent to which presidents were subjective or strategic by identifying the national identity narratives employed over a longitudinal design to two case studies: the War in Afghanistan and the evolving United States and China rivalry over Taiwan. Qualitative coding of presidential statements indicates that each president exhibits a high degree of subjectivity, consistently framing United States’ national identity in ways that align with their personal interpretations. These findings indicate that presidents show a predisposition towards reinforcing fixed narratives regardless of their foreign policy approach. The implications are that such rigid identity constructions limit the potential for inclusive or multifaceted policy approaches needed for nuanced diplomacy in a globalized world. Future research will examine pathways for leaders to incorporate broader and more diverse identity frames in foreign policy discourse.
Organizational Behavior and Technology Integration Dynamics of Artificial Intelligence in Sports
Organizational Behavior and Technology Integration Dynamics of Artificial Intelligence in Sports
(Organizational Behavior and Technology Integration Dynamics of Artificial Intelligence in Sports)
- Author(s):Neville Welch, Darrell Norman Burrell
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Business Economy / Management, Behaviorism
- Page Range:41-53
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:Artificial Intelligence; Sports Analytics; Image Recognition; Sports Management; Organizational Change;
- Summary/Abstract:The relentless pursuit of competitive excellence in sports has long paralleled technological innovation, and in recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force reshaping the athletic landscape. This perspective paper critically examines the multifaceted implications of AI-powered technologies, with a particular focus on image recognition systems that enable unprecedented precision in player performance analysis, tactical strategy, and fan engagement. Against the backdrop of escalating financial pressures, from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements in collegiate sports to soaring professional contracts and media rights, the imperative for efficiency and effectiveness in leadership decision-making has never been more pronounced. However, despite AI’s potential to revolutionize sports management and analytics, significant technical and ethical challenges persist, including concerns about model accuracy across varied sports contexts, data biases, and privacy issues related to biometric information. This paper synthesizes insights from technology management, human-computer interaction, and organizational behavior to explore how AI adoption reshapes organizational cultures, decision-making processes, and the social dynamics within sports ecosystems. Drawing upon examples from basketball and football, the analysis highlights both the transformative promise and the cautionary complexities of integrating AI technologies at scale. Ultimately, this inquiry argues that the sports community must navigate these technological frontiers judiciously, ensuring that organizational culture, change management dynamics, ethics, and leadership dynamics are at the core of how these AI technologies and tools are developed, deployed, and managed.
Darke County’s “Country Lawyers”: Cause Lawyering Classifications
Darke County’s “Country Lawyers”: Cause Lawyering Classifications
(Darke County’s “Country Lawyers”: Cause Lawyering Classifications)
- Author(s):Isabelle Rammel
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Constitutional Law, Administrative Law
- Page Range:54-62
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:Legal Practice; Cause Lawyering; Ohio; Service;
- Summary/Abstract:This qualitative case study explores the experiences and perspectives of seventeen attorneys practicing in rural Darke County, Ohio, to examine the dynamics of exurban legal practice and its alignment with existing cause lawyering frameworks. The research investigates cause-lawyering identifications along the metrics of attorney motivations, practice settings, goals, and strategies. The findings indicate shared values of service and community, positioning many participants within the framework of individual-focused cause lawyering. However, familial motivations also emerged as significant drivers for rural practice, complicating a strict categorization.
Preventive Arrest of Minors: Regulation, ECHR Jurisprudence and Applicability in Romanian Criminal Law
Preventive Arrest of Minors: Regulation, ECHR Jurisprudence and Applicability in Romanian Criminal Law
(Preventive Arrest of Minors: Regulation, ECHR Jurisprudence and Applicability in Romanian Criminal Law)
- Author(s):Nicoleta-Elena Heghes
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Criminology, Victimology
- Page Range:63-69
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:Preventive Detention; Minor; Exception; Best Interests of the Child;
- Summary/Abstract:The special situation of children and minors, including those who commit crimes, requires not only distinct legal provisions but also the consistent pursuit of the best interests of the child when they come into contact with the criminal justice system. In this regard, the legal provisions of the Romanian criminal procedure law contain provisions which, although not detailed and requiring corroboration with other provisions, enshrine and guarantee that the preventive detention of minors is exceptional and may only be ordered when no less severe preventive measure is not appropriate in the case in question. Romanian case law has repeatedly emphasized this aspect, both in relation to preventive detention and the application of educational measures involving deprivation of liberty as criminal penalties. This study emphasizes the importance of applying these principles consistently in practice to ensure that the rights of minors are protected within the criminal justice system.
Overcoming Leadership Barriers in AI Adoption: A Socio-Technical Ambidextrous Approach
Overcoming Leadership Barriers in AI Adoption: A Socio-Technical Ambidextrous Approach
(Overcoming Leadership Barriers in AI Adoption: A Socio-Technical Ambidextrous Approach)
- Author(s):Neville Welch
- Language:English
- Subject(s):ICT Information and Communications Technologies, Socio-Economic Research
- Page Range:70-84
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:Leadership; Artificial Intelligence (AI); AI Adoption;
- Summary/Abstract:Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents significant opportunities for organizational innovation but consistently faces substantial adoption barriers, primarily rooted in complex socio-technical challenges. This research explicitly investigates these barriers through the integrative lens of ambidextrous leadership, emphasizing leaders' dual responsibilities in navigating technological innovation and organizational adaptive dynamics simultaneously. Employing a rigorous Narrative Literature Review (NLR) methodology, this study systematically synthesizes contemporary scholarly insights. The review explicitly identifies critical barriers to AI adoption, notably leadership inadequacies. Findings explicitly highlight ambidextrous leadership as uniquely suited to addressing these challenges, operationalizing the joint optimization imperative of socio-technical theory by harmonizing technological innovation with authentic stakeholder engagement, adaptive organizational learning, and ethical leadership practices. Additionally, explicitly drew, which reinforces the necessity for ethically grounded, adaptively oriented "real leadership," in contrast to traditional coercive or "counterfeit" approaches. Consequently, this study offers substantial theoretical advancements and practical frameworks specifically designed to help organizations effectively navigate the complex adaptive and technical dimensions of AI integration. By explicitly addressing previously identified gaps, this research makes a significant contribution to the scholarly discourse and provides strategic guidance for leadership practice, thereby enhancing sustainable and effective AI adoption processes.
The Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Women in Leadership: A Comparative Study
The Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Women in Leadership: A Comparative Study
(The Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Women in Leadership: A Comparative Study)
- Author(s):Princi Tanwar
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Gender Studies, Psychology, Business Economy / Management, Human Resources in Economy
- Page Range:85-88
- No. of Pages:4
- Keywords:Emotional Intelligence; Women in Leadership; Empathy; Inclusive Leadership; Gender;
- Summary/Abstract:Emotional Intelligence (EI) is more than just a skill—it is a powerful strength that many women leaders naturally bring into their roles. This study takes a closer look at how Emotional Intelligence shapes leadership experiences for women working in different fields, including business, education, and non-profit organizations. It explores how qualities like empathy, self-awareness, and effective communication not only help women manage workplace challenges but also inspire stronger, more connected teams. Through personal interviews and real-life examples, the research highlights how emotionally intelligent women are able to handle stress, resolve conflicts, and lead with authenticity. It also shows how these leaders create more inclusive, respectful and encouraging work environments that people genuinely want to be part of. This paper emphasizes that Emotional Intelligence is not just a “nice-to-have,” it is a valuable leadership strength that can help organizations grow while supporting women to lead with confidence and care.
Protection of the Right to a Healthy Environment Through the Case Law of the European Court of Human Rights: Current Trends
Protection of the Right to a Healthy Environment Through the Case Law of the European Court of Human Rights: Current Trends
(Protection of the Right to a Healthy Environment Through the Case Law of the European Court of Human Rights: Current Trends)
- Author(s):Ramona Duminică
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Energy and Environmental Studies, International Law, EU-Legislation
- Page Range:89-97
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:Healthy Environment; European Court of Human Rights; Case Law; International Environmental Law;
- Summary/Abstract:The right to a healthy environment is part of the third generation of human rights, consisting of the so-called “solidarity rights.” Although it is not expressly regulated in the European Convention on Human Rights or in the additional protocols, this right is nevertheless characterized by a remarkable evolution in terms of recognition and protection through case law. However, the lack of a legal text has been, and continues to be, a challenge for the European judge. Starting from these aspects, this paper examines how the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has developed its case law to address this legislative gap. To achieve this objective, the paper first highlights the landmark judgments given by the Court in this matter. It then explores jurisprudential trends—especially in light of the Court’s decision in Verein KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz and Others v. Switzerland. Finally, the paper advocates strengthening the protection of the right to a healthy environment by intensifying cooperation between the European human rights system and international environmental law.
Supporting a Culturally Responsive Approach to Financial Literacy
Supporting a Culturally Responsive Approach to Financial Literacy
(Supporting a Culturally Responsive Approach to Financial Literacy)
- Author(s):Natasha Dawn Harris, Darrell Norman Burrell
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economic development, Financial Markets
- Page Range:98-111
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:Financial Literacy; Racial Wealth Gap; African American Finance;
- Summary/Abstract:This narrative literature review interrogates the racialized dimensions of financial literacy in the United States, with a specific focus on the African American community. While conventional frameworks define financial literacy as a set of objective skills necessary for budgeting, saving, and investing, such approaches often overlook the socio-structural realities that constrain financial decision-making among marginalized populations. Drawing from a synthesis of empirical studies, policy reports, and theoretical literature, this review reconceptualizes financial literacy as a multidimensional construct shaped by systemic inequality, economic precarity, and adaptive expertise. Disparities in financial knowledge and capability are shown to be tightly linked to broader patterns of racial wealth stratification, income volatility, and discriminatory access to credit. Although African Americans demonstrate resourceful financial behavior, particularly in debt management, persistent gaps in areas such as insurance literacy and investment knowledge reflect both historical exclusion and contemporary neglect in financial education policy. The review critiques deficit-based models that ascribe financial fragility to individual failure, instead advocating for a more expansive approach of engagement, education, and strategy. This inquiry underscores the urgent need for equity-centered policies that go beyond instructional remedies to address the racialized architecture of economic opportunity. Ultimately, the findings call for a paradigmatic shift in how scholars, educators, and policymakers conceptualize, measure, and promote financial literacy in racially diverse contexts.
The Future of Immersive, AI-Driven, and Decentralized Technologies in Cybersecurity Education and Cyber Science
The Future of Immersive, AI-Driven, and Decentralized Technologies in Cybersecurity Education and Cyber Science
(The Future of Immersive, AI-Driven, and Decentralized Technologies in Cybersecurity Education and Cyber Science)
- Author(s):Angela D. Spencer
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Adult Education, Pedagogy
- Page Range:112-120
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:Cybersecurity Education; Immersive Technologies; Artificial Intelligence;
- Summary/Abstract:This paper addresses the significant gap in cybersecurity education with the rapid technological advancement, such as immersive technologies, decentralized digital platforms, and artificial intelligence advances. The educational programs are not adequately preparing students to confront new cyber challenges. While some technologies (i.e., virtual reality, augmented reality, AI systems, etc.) are increasingly redefining digital interactions and communication, more cyber challenges and opportunities are also developing that must be incorporated into cybersecurity education. This study employed a mixed-methods approach to analyze curricular materials from the top twenty cybersecurity courses, developed ten pedagogical use cases for immersive technologies and Web3, conducted a case study on an AI tutoring system in cybersecurity education, reviewed 137 peer-reviewed publications on cybersafe learning literacy, and consulted with eighteen cybersecurity professionals across various sectors. The findings included identified cyber threats (deepfake avatars and biometric spoofing), improved learning opportunities, and enhanced learners' engagement due to AI-tutoring. Still, the research provides a promising framework to incorporate these advancements into cyber science, including immersive simulations in syllabi as an example of an integrated experience, and interdisciplinary modules in AI ethics and blockchain security. Overall, this work aims to raise a better cybersecurity workforce in order to protect against potential digital threats that continuously evolve, while also addressing and encouraging fairness regarding access to technology and other ethical vectors. Future work should explore how these approaches will be adopted across cultures and the long-term impact of AI tutoring on future professional outcomes.
The Christian Perspective on War
The Christian Perspective on War
(The Christian Perspective on War)
- Author(s):Ioan Szasz
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Christian Theology and Religion, Military policy, Sociology of Religion
- Page Range:121-132
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:Christian Ethics; War; Pacifism; Just War Theory;
- Summary/Abstract:This paper offers a comprehensive and critical exploration of the Christian perspective on war through theological, biblical, historical, and ethical lenses. It examines the tension between the Old Testament's accounts of divinely sanctioned warfare and the New Testament’s radical ethic of peace and nonviolence. The study analyzes key ethical paradigms embraced by Christian thinkers—activism, pacifism, and selectivism—highlighting their theological justifications and implications. Central attention is given to the development of Just War Theory, from its foundational articulation by Augustine and Aquinas to its modern applications in addressing nuclear warfare, terrorism, and humanitarian interventions. Eastern Orthodoxy's approach is examined as a model of tragic necessity, emphasizing war’s toleration rather than glorification. Ultimately, the study affirms that Christian ethics perceive war as a result of human fallenness, only permissible under strict moral constraints, never as an ideal. It concludes that Christians are called to be peacemakers, actively pursuing justice while rejecting violence as a normative means for resolving conflict.
Engaging Portuguese-Speaking Countries as a Diplomatic Foundation for Upcoming ICT-Fueled Geopolitics in the Artificial Intelligence Age
Engaging Portuguese-Speaking Countries as a Diplomatic Foundation for Upcoming ICT-Fueled Geopolitics in the Artificial Intelligence Age
(Engaging Portuguese-Speaking Countries as a Diplomatic Foundation for Upcoming ICT-Fueled Geopolitics in the Artificial Intelligence Age)
- Author(s):William J. Vogt
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Media studies, ICT Information and Communications Technologies, Geopolitics
- Page Range:133-141
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:Portuguese-Speaking; Diplomacy; Geopolitics; Technology; Artificial Intelligence (AI); Multilateral; Infrastructure; Foreign Policy; Lusophone; Africa; Atlantic;
- Summary/Abstract:Large geopolitical actors display an understanding that the former countries of the Portuguese empire (Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Cabo Verde, Sao Tome and Principe, Mozambique, Timor-Leste) predominantly border strategic routes namely in the Atlantic Ocean, that include significant amounts of maritime exclusive economic zone (EEZ) control throughout the global seas. In international affairs, these territorial claims constitute important spheres of influence covered under the umbrellas of multiple multilateral organizations, including the European Union (EU), the African Union (AU), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa). Geopolitics practitioners thus have interest in greater touchpoints with/in Portuguese-speaking (Lusophone) institutions like the Comunidade dos Paises de Lingua Portuguesa (CPLP, or the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries) and similar regional associations connecting Lusophone African states. This paper provides additional foundational evidence about the viability of a Lusophone-first statecraft strategy in security and trade for the benefit of major global actors, with an emphasis on how advanced information communication technology (ICT) and AI policies will contribute to several expected outcomes in constructing physical and media connectivity infrastructures.
Distinguishing Between the Crime of Inciting or Facilitating Suicide and the Criminal Offense of Homicide
Distinguishing Between the Crime of Inciting or Facilitating Suicide and the Criminal Offense of Homicide
(Distinguishing Between the Crime of Inciting or Facilitating Suicide and the Criminal Offense of Homicide)
- Author(s):Simona Franguloiu
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Criminal Law, Criminology
- Page Range:142-147
- No. of Pages:6
- Keywords:Criminal Law; Determining or Facilitating Suicide;
- Summary/Abstract:The two offenses result in the death of a person, except where the offense of incitement or facilitation of suicide results in an attempted suicide. Sometimes, in practice, the manner of commission is very similar and it is difficult to establish the correct legal classification, so that it can be accurately determined whether a particular situation falls within one of the two offences, the line of demarcation being very fine. This scientific approach aims to delimit these crimes, specifying that incitement or facilitation of suicide is not assisted suicide, particularly given the dual nature of suicide, as defined in the “texting suicide case” (Commonwealth v. Carter, 52 N.E.3d 1054, 1056–57 (Mass. 2016)) where suicide is seen both as harm to be prevented and as an individual choice to be respected. This raises the question of where the line should be drawn between determining or facilitating suicide and murder, and what the standards of foreseeability should be.
Theological and Philosophical Aspects of Revelation
Theological and Philosophical Aspects of Revelation
(Theological and Philosophical Aspects of Revelation)
- Author(s):Florin Ludușan
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Christian Theology and Religion, Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion
- Page Range:148-154
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:Theology; Philosophy; Revelation; Concept; Thought; Transcendental;
- Summary/Abstract:This article explores the concept of divine revelation from a theological and philosophical perspective, highlighting its implications for religious epistemology. The study examines the distinctions in the understanding of revelation within classical Christian traditions, with a particular emphasis on the neo-Protestant view, as well as modern and postmodern approaches to religious knowledge. Furthermore, the tensions between revelation and reason are analyzed, along with the impact of secularization on the reception of the revealed message in contemporary contexts. The aim of the paper is to provide a coherent conceptual framework for understanding revelation as an act of divine communication with ontological, hermeneutical, and existential dimensions.
Christianity and the Search for a Cohesive European Identity: Toward a Public Theology of Memory, Ethics, and Encounter
Christianity and the Search for a Cohesive European Identity: Toward a Public Theology of Memory, Ethics, and Encounter
(Christianity and the Search for a Cohesive European Identity: Toward a Public Theology of Memory, Ethics, and Encounter)
- Author(s):Marcel Măcelaru
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Christian Theology and Religion, Sociology of Religion
- Page Range:155-169
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:Christian Public Theology; European Identity; Religious Pluralism; Cultural Memory; Democratic Ethics;
- Summary/Abstract:As Europe navigates an age of migration, secularization, and political polarization, the question resurfaces: can religion still contribute to a cohesive European identity? While Christianity has historically shaped Europe’s cultural, institutional, and moral architecture, its role in the 21st century is increasingly contested. This paper explores how religion, particularly Christianity, reframed through a constructive model of public theology, can foster social cohesion without retreating into triumphalism or exclusion. The paper presents three models for understanding religion’s public function in Europe: (1) Christianity as cultural heritage, which emphasizes symbolic continuity; (2) Christianity as moral framework, which contributes to ethical deliberation within democratic pluralism; and (3) Christianity in pluralistic encounter, which cultivates civic relationships through interfaith and intercommunal cooperation. A final constructive section proposes a vision of Christian public theology that affirms memory, nurtures ethical responsibility, and promotes dialogical engagement. Rather than reclaiming Christendom, this paper calls for a public Christianity grounded in humility, justice, and dialogical presence. When disentangled from ethno-nationalist identity claims and practiced as a contributor to the common good, religion can support a cohesive, inclusive, and ethically grounded European identity.
Ethical Blindness in the C-Suite: A Multilevel Theoretical Model of Ethical Fading and Organizational Complicity
Ethical Blindness in the C-Suite: A Multilevel Theoretical Model of Ethical Fading and Organizational Complicity
(Ethical Blindness in the C-Suite: A Multilevel Theoretical Model of Ethical Fading and Organizational Complicity)
- Author(s):Garrett Hart
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Business Economy / Management, Business Ethics
- Page Range:170-177
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:Ethical Fading; Corporate Executives; Business Ethics; Organizational Leadership;
- Summary/Abstract:Why do organizational executives overlook the moral consequences of their decisions, despite often being viewed as ethical role models? This paper examines ethical blindness in the C-suite, a phenomenon in which senior organizational leaders unintentionally distort or overlook ethical considerations due to systemic, psychological, and cultural biases. Drawing on peer-reviewed journal articles published from 2013 to 2025, this integrative literature review synthesizes insights from behavioral ethics, organizational leadership, and moral psychology. The analysis reveals how power dynamics, strategic silence, cognitive biases, and flawed reward structures collectively erode ethical judgment, enabling executives to rationalize misconduct while preserving a positive moral self-image. The paper proposes a theoretical model to distinguish between ethical blindness and intentional wrongdoing, accounting for mechanisms such as ethical fading, bounded ethicality, and systemic ethical failures at the infrastructural level. The findings challenge traditional approaches to ethics training, underscoring the need for governance reforms that focus on transparency, accountability, and moral reflexivity within executive leadership. This redirects attention from individual failings to the systemic conditions that perpetuate ethical blindness at the highest organizational levels.
The Social Responsibility of the Christian Church: Between Tradition and Contemporary Challenges
The Social Responsibility of the Christian Church: Between Tradition and Contemporary Challenges
(The Social Responsibility of the Christian Church: Between Tradition and Contemporary Challenges)
- Author(s):Emanuel Dobrin
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Theology and Religion, Social psychology and group interaction, Sociology of Religion
- Page Range:178-188
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:Church; Society; Faith-Based Initiatives; Social Justice; Public Theology;
- Summary/Abstract:This study aims to examine the social dimension of the Christian Church’s involvement, understood as an intrinsic expression of its theological identity and its mission in the world. Rooted in biblical teaching and faithful to the patristic tradition, the Church’s active presence in areas such as education, healthcare, humanitarian aid, and ecological initiatives reflects its enduring vocation to promote the dignity of the human person and to serve the common good. The primary purpose of this article is to argue, from a general Christian perspective, for the necessity of an active, conscious, and responsible social presence of the Church in contemporary society. This engagement is not optional, but rather a natural consequence of its spiritual identity and its calling to be a living sign of hope and solidarity in the midst of the world. The article discusses models of social involvement from various Christian denominations, demonstrating that a socially engaged Church—grounded in faith and attentive to today’s crises—can become a credible interlocutor and an active presence in the process of building more just, compassionate, and solidarity-based societies.
Historical, Social, and Religious Conditions of the Pentecostal Mission in Romania: From Its Emergence to 1945
Historical, Social, and Religious Conditions of the Pentecostal Mission in Romania: From Its Emergence to 1945
(Historical, Social, and Religious Conditions of the Pentecostal Mission in Romania: From Its Emergence to 1945)
- Author(s):Toader Omelcu
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Pastoral Theology, Other Christian Denominations
- Page Range:189-196
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:Context; Mission; Conditions; Pentecostalism; Numerical Growth;
- Summary/Abstract:Although the term mission has not been used, within the Pentecostal movement in Romania, the work of preaching the Gospel has been a primary concern of all believers. It was the ministry of simple believers, done through direct witnessing in specific contexts, that became an opportunity to witness. However, the difficult context in which Pentecostalism was born in Romania hindered the institutional development of the Christian community, but not its numerical growth. This led to chain reactions from the country's traditional churches, as well as from the authorities who were building their own kingdom. As a result, we aim to highlight the main historical, social, and religious conditions that marked the course of the Pentecostal mission in inter-war Romania and how they influenced the missionary trajectory of the Christian community.
Organizational Resilience: Management Strategies and Employee Performance at Work in Crisis Zones: The Case of Microfinancial Institutions in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon
Organizational Resilience: Management Strategies and Employee Performance at Work in Crisis Zones: The Case of Microfinancial Institutions in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon
(Organizational Resilience: Management Strategies and Employee Performance at Work in Crisis Zones: The Case of Microfinancial Institutions in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon)
- Author(s):Enocent Ntemen, Emmanuel Efoua Raymond, Dimitri Mbonde Nsouli, Louis François Abissomba, Louise Sandra Elisabeth Bayiha
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Business Economy / Management, Human Resources in Economy
- Page Range:197-210
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:Organizational Resilience; Management Strategies; Employee Performance; Cameroon;
- Summary/Abstract:The presence of crises has reconfigured the way things are being done in organizations today. It is for such reasons that managers have an obligation to diversify their operational strategies. The aim of this paper is to identify the different resilient strategies through which employees can become more performant. An inductive reasoning in qualitative research was used, targeting branch managers of microfinancial institutions of different categories in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon. Five branch managers from different microfinancial institutions took part in the interviews. The results were obtained through manual analysis, which showed significant effects of the main factors: readjustment of work schedule (100%), new communication system (100%), and social media usage (100%) on employee performance. Besides, subsidiary factors came up that contribute to employee performance such as leadership style (80.51%), employees’ personal initiatives (60.03%), support from the environment (59.49%), administration-worker proximity (52.11%), special allowance for workers (43.84%), increase in allowance (24.29) and the introduction of new allowance (19.87). This study is limited to microfinancial institutions of different categories in the crisis zones of the country.
The Spiritual Awakenings That Influenced the Protestant Reformation
The Spiritual Awakenings That Influenced the Protestant Reformation
(The Spiritual Awakenings That Influenced the Protestant Reformation)
- Author(s):Luca Gavril Deneș
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Other Christian Denominations, Psychology of Religion
- Page Range:211-218
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:Spiritual Awakenings; Protestants; Religious Reforms; Waldensians; Mystics; Wycliffe; Hus;
- Summary/Abstract:Throughout the centuries, as the Church—united with the state—strayed further and further from the truth of the Holy Scriptures, various groups of Christians strove to remain faithful to the pure teachings of the New Testament. Thus, God never remained without His people, people who confessed Him both by their lives and with their mouths, even at the risk of their lives. Among these groups, the Donatists, Waldensians, and Anabaptists are particularly noteworthy. Subjected to savage persecution by the Western Church, harassed everywhere, tortured, slaughtered, and largely massacred, these people "did not love their lives, even unto death." As the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews says: "...some, in order to obtain a better resurrection, did not want to receive the deliverance that was offered to them and were tortured. Others suffered mockery, beatings, chains, and imprisonment; they were stoned, sawed in two, tortured; they died by the sword; they went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—of whom the world was not worthy—wandering in deserts and mountains, in caves and holes in the ground" (Hebrews 11:35-38). This study aims to explore these spiritual awakenings and the courageous communities and individuals behind them, showing how their convictions and sacrifices helped pave the way for the Protestant Reformation.
Luxury as a Solace
Luxury as a Solace
(Luxury as a Solace)
- Author(s):Julia M. Puaschunder
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Business Economy / Management, Behaviorism
- Page Range:219-225
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:Behavioral Therapy; Crisis; Despair; Exchange; Innovation; Luxury; Marketing; Solace; Online Social Media Platforms; Reactive Acceptance; Reactive Activism;
- Summary/Abstract:The history of crises tells a story about luxury consumption being sparked in the eye of adversities. Already in the aftermath of the 14th-century Great Plague, luxury consumption triggered the Renaissance in Europe. In the post-COVID-19 world, economic data underlines the drive toward luxury during stressful periods. This article analyzes the underlying reasons for luxury consumption during personal and economic crises, the specific goods prevalent to be consumed in order to cope with stress, as well as the marketing and societal implications of luxury as a solace. Based on reactive acceptance ideas, finding refuge in the finer details of life can alleviate emotional burdens and/or create a sense of calm. Goods consumed during emotional stress include high-indulgence items that offer emotional connections and a self-care potential, as well as escapism opportunities through economic productivity. The display of luxury goods through jewelry, décor, fragrances but also experiences shared online are luxury moments that may help when life gets tough by granting a confidence boost. Emotional and sensory benefits that can be derived from indulging in high-quality items and experiences are therefore defined as ‘luxury as a solace’ consumption goods. When luxurious items or experiences are consumed to find comfort, peace, or a sense of well-being—particularly during times of stress or difficulty—revenue can be generated for the individual, the economy, and the state, which can then be reallocated for societal welfare betterment.
