Political Science and Security Studies Journal

Election Election Security Challenges and the Implications for Election Management in Nigeria

Ayodeji Awopeju, Adeoye, A. T. — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0300

The objective of the study is to examine the nature and characteristics of election security in Nigeria, identify the major challenges associated with its implementation, and analyse their implications for effective election management. Particular attention is paid to assessing the role of security agencies in preventing electoral violence and ensuring the integrity of electoral processes. The study employed a qualitative research design. The data were collected from secondary sources, including academic literature, journal articles, legal documents, reports of international organisations, media publications, and documents of the CLEEN Foundation. The collected data were analysed using content analysis. The theoretical framework was based on the Frustration–Aggression Theory and the Institutional Trust Theory. The findings indicate that election security alone does not guarantee free and fair elections. Major challenges identified include poor coordination among security agencies, political interference in security operations, ineffective law enforcement, and human rights violations. These factors undermine public confidence in the electoral process and constrain the effectiveness of election management institutions. The study recommends greater consensus-building in election management in Nigeria. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by deepening understanding of the relationships among election security, electoral violence, and election management in emerging democracies. It also demonstrates the relevance of combining behavioural and institutional perspectives in analysing electoral security challenges. The findings may assist election management bodies, security agencies, policymakers, and other stakeholders in improving election security strategies, strengthening professional standards among security personnel, and enhancing public trust in electoral processes.

Between Promise and Peril: Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Indonesia’s Counter-Violent Extremism Strategy

Raneeta Mutiara — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0300

This qualitative research examines the ways in which Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being utilised to prevent and counter violent extremism (P/CVE) in Indonesia, as well as the obstacles that hinder its broader implementation. The study aims to answer two key questions: (1) How can AI concretely enhance Indonesia's P/CVE efforts? (2) What limitations and challenges emerge when incorporating AI into these efforts? For the study, a purposive sample of fifteen AI experts was recruited from the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT), the Counterterrorism Special Detachment 88 (Densus 88), academics, AI startups, civil society organisations (CSOs) focused on digital rights, and former terrorist offenders. Semi-structured interviews were transcribed and analysed through thematic coding in Atlas.ti. The findings indicate that AI currently aids Indonesian P/CVE operations in three main ways: monitoring social media activities, complementing conventional P/CVE efforts, and detecting online extremism efficiently. The challenges include algorithmic biases, a lack of public trust towards the government’s use of AI, and legal barriers to integrating AI into P/CVE efforts. The study also underscores useful recommendations, including collaboration among relevant stakeholders, adherence to ethical principles, and investment in public training on AI use. This research presents timely insights for policymakers, technology developers, and civil society by exploring how AI can be ethically and effectively incorporated into P/CVE strategies in Indonesia. The findings aim to inform the development of more inclusive, rights-respecting AI frameworks that balance national security needs with public trust. Beyond local relevance, the study contributes to global debates by offering a bottom-up perspective from the Global South that challenges Western-centric models of technology governance. It demonstrates how Indonesia’s experience provides a transferable framework for other nations navigating the dual promise and peril of AI in securitisation, while also interrogating the competing logics of security and human rights within multi-stakeholder governance models for emerging technologies.

Transforming Security and Defense Force Operations in Modern Conflicts

Vasyl Shkoliarenko — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Features of the Development and Activity of the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation

Volodymyr Hulyma, Serhii Pisnenko, Vitalii Kraskovskyi — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Evaluating Middle Eastern Political Instability Through Internal Dynamics, External Intervention, Political Leadership.

Talukdar, Alam — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0300

The research examines Middle Eastern political instability through a comprehensive framework, which connects internal factors, external military actions, and political leadership to investigate both Syria and Iraq as primary research examples. The study demonstrates that political leadership acts as a control mechanism, which determines how sectarian divisions, economic inequality and institutional weaknesses lead to either conflict or authoritarian rule or social division. The study uses qualitative comparative analysis to show that domestic pressure on leaders determines their political response, which produces three distinct paths for political development. External intervention establishes a relationship with domestic leadership, which results in leaders increasing their personal power while creating ongoing instability in their positions. The research demonstrates that regime survival or removal does not guarantee political stability, because institutional resilience together with leadership accountability are the main factors that maintain stability. The study investigates Middle Eastern instability through leadership analysis as its main research element, which results in better understanding of the issue and the practical value of the study lies in the possibility of applying these insights for governance improvement and conflict resolution in the Middle East and across the globe. The study opens prospects for further research into the political instability in other countries like the South East Asian countries, East European countries, South American countries, etc. considering the factors involving internal dynamics, external intervention, and political leadership in those countries requiring an expanded evaluation and the application of mixed research methods. The current article is evaluative in nature.

The Organization of Turkic States: Prospects for the Development of Regional Integration, Energy Security and Geoeconomic Cooperation

Oleh Matsovityi — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Media as an Instrument of Soft Power in International Relations: A Comparative Analysis of China and South Korea

Marharyta Ivankova — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0300

This article examines the role of media as a key instrument of soft power in international relations, focusing on a comparative analysis of China and South Korea. Drawing on Joseph Nye’s concept of soft power and contemporary theories of public and digital diplomacy, the study explores how both countries utilize media to shape international perceptions and expand their global influence. The research highlights two contrasting models: China’s state-centered and ideologically driven media strategy, and South Korea’s market-oriented, culture-based approach grounded in the global success of the Korean Wave (Hallyu).

The article employs a qualitative methodology, including comparative analysis and case studies, to evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies. It finds that while China benefits from extensive institutional capacity and global media infrastructure, its efforts are often limited by credibility deficits and perceived propaganda. In contrast, South Korea’s media diplomacy achieves higher levels of emotional engagement, authenticity, and audience participation, contributing to stronger soft power outcomes.

The study concludes that the effectiveness of media as soft power depends not only on resources and reach but also on trust, cultural accessibility, and the ability to create meaningful connections with global audiences. These findings contribute to broader discussions on the transformation of power in the digital age and the growing importance of narrative influence in international politics.

The findings suggest that decentralized and culturally driven media strategies are more effective in generating sustainable soft power in the digital era.